Ah, Banana Tree in Stevenage – the kind of place that promises a tropical escape right in the middle of a retail park. With a name like that, you half expect to be greeted by palm trees and a gentle breeze from the South Pacific, but let’s keep it real, we’re in Stevenage. So, here’s the lowdown on my recent visit, where I found myself with mixed feelings, a hungry six-year-old, and a craving for something more.
The Good Bits:
Let’s start with the positives because, in all fairness, there were a few! The drinks were a highlight, especially with the 2-for-1 deal on cocktails and mocktails. Honestly, in a chain restaurant like Banana Tree, a good cocktail (or two) can make all the difference, and these did not disappoint. They were fruity, refreshing, and just what you need to accompany your meal without breaking the bank.
The staff were another saving grace. Lovely, attentive, and clearly doing their best, even as the restaurant started to fill up and they found themselves darting from table to table like contestants on a game show. The atmosphere was pleasant enough, with cute décor that tried its best to whisk you away to warmer climates. If you’re after a budget-friendly evening out with the family, Banana Tree does tick some boxes.
The Not-So-Good Bits:
Now, onto the food. If I’m being brutally honest (which, let’s face it, I usually am), it was just okay. Not bad, but not something I’d rush back for. In our house, we’re more likely to head over to Sala Thong, our go-to spot for something truly satisfying. The food at Banana Tree felt like your typical fast-food style fare, where you can almost tell that much of it was pre-prepped. Take the papaya salad, for instance – it was missing that signature crunch, a dead giveaway that it had been pre-cut or maybe even pre-mixed well before it hit our table.
And then there were the prawn crackers. We opted for the vegan version because the regular ones were sold out, but sadly, they arrived soft and far from crispy. This suggested they’d been sitting out for a bit too long, which isn’t exactly what you want when you’re paying for a fresh meal.
The biggest letdown was Eloise’s chicken. Poor thing took one bite, gave me a look of sheer bewilderment, and promptly put it down. It was cold, hard, and completely unappealing. To be fair, it was a cold salad, but you know something’s off when a six-year-old, who’s usually happy to eat just about anything, pushes it away.
And then there’s the cleanliness. Let’s just say, when your child spots leftover food on the seat before you do, it’s not a good sign. Eloise has been well-trained (or brainwashed, depending on how you look at it) by yours truly about cleanliness, so seeing remnants of someone else’s meal was a bit scary for her. I get it, restaurants get busy, but a quick wipe-down wouldn’t have gone amiss.
Should You Go?
So, should you visit Banana Tree in Stevenage? Well, it depends. If you’re after a quick, budget-friendly meal with decent cocktails and friendly staff, then it’s worth a try. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the décor is charming enough for a casual night out.
But if you’re a stickler for food quality and freshness, you might be left wanting. For us, it was a 6 out of 10 experience – nothing disastrous, but nothing to write home about either. It’s a bit like Firejacks but with a different menu, offering a similar fast-food restaurant vibe.
The Sweet Finale: Pancakes to the Rescue
But let’s end on a high note, shall we? The desserts were lovely! I had the pancakes, and they were a delightful surprise – soft, sweet, and reminiscent of the ones my mum makes. Maybe it was the nostalgia kicking in, or maybe they really were just that good, but I enjoyed every bite. Even Eloise, who was still recovering from her chicken ordeal, was all smiles with her dessert.
So, if you do decide to go, maybe manage your expectations. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll probably find yourself daydreaming about a nice meal at Sala Thong instead!
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