In all honesty this place is exceptional and could be used as an example of how great service can be!.Hot pot is Hot pot you might say. Not really!
The fit out is simplistic and warm colours, tables are functional rather than designer furniture and...chairs very comfortable. That is where the normal ends and the outstanding starts.
The restaurant was packed and we needed to wait for a table, which we agreed was OK. Then we were shown to a specially designated area, served a cold refreshing plum juice and made to feel very welcome. There was entertainment for impatient kids (I have no problem with kids, but making them wait is maybe not the easiest) Pool table, cards on each table and friendly staff making sure our wait was comfortable. This in fact reminds me of Dinning in top end restaurants where first you sit and unwind with a drink, before being shown to your table without the need to buy overpriced drinks first.
Once shown in to the restaurant, very courteously, we were greeted by a member of the service team, very smiley and engaging, ensuring we were comfortable and explaining the restaurant to us. This lady was the waitress for our table for the evening. Watching her work and actively engage with every guests at every opportunity was great to see. And in fact every other service team member was doing the same. At this restaurant, they clear dirty plates as they go, unlike so many others where they only clear your table when you get up and go.
The various meats, vegetables and seafood we ordered was very fresh and flavorful, even through the Sichuan spice numbness.
The restaurant also offers free shoe shine and nail bar complimentary. If you order a certain type of noodles, which is worth doing, a chef comes out and does the Chinese version of pizza dough flinging, incredible to watch. Sauces are available at a generously stocked counter with several types of sliced fruit, chilled salads and additional condiments for hot pot.
The very high standard was maintained throughout our evening and from what I could see every surrounding table would be saying the same.
When the bill arrived, it turned out to be great value for money. I am not ordinarily a huge fan of hot pot, but will go back.
I will gladly recommend this place and would tell everyone and anyone that will listen that this is a truly remarkable example of Chinese service standards.More