• Added: 3rd of September 2008
• Area: Dartford
• Category: Nightlife

Dartford DA1 2AU
01322 222423

carolineb1982 said
Horrendous!
I have lived in Dartford all my life and admit to enjoying Zen's (we all still call it that!!) when I was younger. My first vist was when I was 11 at the Over 14's night. I think that sets the tone because they are still constantly letting underage people in - although obviously not as young as 11!!!
Refurb or no refurb, the place is still an absolute dive. The carpets are sticky and a funny smell permeates the air as you walk around. Even in the over 25's section (can never remember if that is the Air or Breathe section!) the crowd is full of youngsters. You can't say there isn't diversity there though because you either get people old enough to be your dad there or young enough to be your little sister! On the last occasion that I went, I am 100% definite that underage people were being let in because I recognised people as little brothers and sisters of my friends who I knew for a fact were 16 and 17.

There is always, ALWAYS trouble at Zen's and I think there always will be. I think it is because too many people are crammed into the space lured by the promise of 'Every Drink £2 All Night' and things like that. The smoking area is an absolute joke. You walk out of the former fire doors into an area that would probably be too small for your dog to roam around in and security on the door just continues to shoehorn them in.

You honestly could not pay me to go to Zen's!!!

• Added: 3rd of September 2008
• Area: Dartford
• Category: Food and Drink

Dartford DA1 1LB

carolineb1982 said

This is a nice enough takeaway. I venture there purely because it is the closest to me but I wouldn't go out of my way to visit otherwise.
It is fairly awkward to park there too unless you park int he bus stop which is obviously not ideal and you also have to get through the crowds of hoodies standing outside (although to be fair, they don't mean any menace).

It is fairly hard getting attention from the serving staff as they are youngsters from the family (it is a family run business) who would obviously rather be outside with their friends and so you often find them chatting away to a friend rather than concentrating on you. They are polite when you do order but you always kind of get the feeling that you're interrupting their conversation!
As I said, the food is ok, fairly normal Chinese fare but nothing that stands out and would warrant a special journey!

• Added: 3rd of September 2008
• Area: Dartford
• Category: Restaurants

Dartford DA1 2DE

carolineb1982 said
Superb Value For Money
My family and I are regular visitors to Twin in Dartford. It is managed by Kevin (??!) who is so helpful and friendly. We are always welcomed and space is always made for us even when the restaurant is absolutely heaving.

The food itself is gorgeous and such good value. You can get an absolutely huge meal for just £3.50! I am a fan of Sweet and Sour Chicken with rice and I never manage to finish it as it is such a big dish.

I have also tried the Eat As Much as You Like menu which I also think is great value but I would suggest you don't eat for about two days beforehand because the choice is huge!

All the food is cooked freshly and quickly so there is never a long wait. Children are very welcome and in fact, the staff there all pay them so much attention. My two year old daughter is treated like a little princess and the staff often take her for a little wander if she is getting a bit antsy about sitting in her chair!

I would absolutely and definitely recommend this restaurant. Weekends are really nice and lively and it is enjoyable for big groups and couple alike. I wouldn't necessarily say that weekends are the best nights for kids but it is not a problem.

• Added: 3rd of September 2008
• Area: Dartford
• Category: Restaurants

Dartford DA9 9ST
01322 386868

carolineb1982 said
Nice but felt overlooked!
Hmm, I am of mixed opinion on this restaurant. I think you have to bear in mind that it is a 'restaurant' in the middle of a shopping centre and therefore may not be as nice as a stand alone that has to rely on repeat custom as opposed to passing trade.
I visited at about 9pm on a Thursday night and there were only about two other couples there so you would expect a fairly speedy service. Unfortunately this was not the case. We were seated at the very end of the seating area and literally had to go and get our waitress so that we could place our order and then again when we wanted to pay. The food came fairly quickly so I think it may just have been a case that we were slightly overlooked.

The food was very enjoyable. My partner and I shared the mixed platter (which was delicious, especially the chicken satay in coconut sauce!) and after filling myself up on that, I choose to just get a side order of noodles and a sweet and sour sauce while my companion had a chicken chow mein which was apparently lovely.

I would recommend Amoy but I would make sure that I wasn't seated quite so far away from the kitchen area next time!