Imperial, Wolverhampton
An endless amount of delicious Chinese food awaits you at The Imperial in Wolverhampton city centre - but it is far from being a well-kept secret.
Even midweek, the giant food hall was half full, bustling with people and creating a noisy atmosphere. This is mass catering for up to 300 people, but the quality is good.
The best thing about the buffet carts is being able to sample a wide variety of mouthwatering dishes, with more than 40 available every night and 20 at lunchtime.
Clearly it caters for parties and there are round tables for eight people and long tables for 16, as well as a few quieter alcoves for four. Not the best place for a quiet romantic dinner for two though.
The variety of dishes is great but the signs telling you what is in the bowl give no indication of how spicy a dish is or the full ingredients for those with allergies. Having said that, most dishes aren't too spicy so it is fairly safe to try anything.
We were given a warm welcome from the helpful staff who were always on hand.
The decor is an odd mixture of elegant and appaling, from shelves sunk into the walls with bonsai, Buddha statues and ornate carvings on, to a cupid painted badly on to a mirrored wall.
The choice of desserts - fresh fruit or ice cream - is uninspiring, but by that time we were so full it didn't matter.
The service at the bar was slack. The barman didn't see me or other customers arrive, so he hadn't a clue who was next.
They have a choice of three lagers and one bitter, but the wine list is extensive and reasonably priced. The lunch price is £5.50 adults/£3 children under eight, evenings it is £10.50/£5 and Sunday lunch is £6.50.
Opening hours are Monday to Thursday, 12pm-2.30pm and 6pm-11.30pm; Friday and Saturday, 12pm-2.30pm and 5.30pm-11.30pm; Sunday 12pm-3.30pm and 6pm-10pm. There is free car parking at Beatties car park after 5.30pm.
Review by Andy Rea
ADDRESS:
The Imperial, School Street, Wolverhampton
Tel: 01902 429816
