Fatty Arbuckles

Our annual visit to Alton Towers was pending, this year we were taking the brave step of two days on the trot, including an overnight stay for a very cheap price at the Moat House Hotel in Stoke-on-Trent. This price however did not include an evening meal, and with a Doctor Who convention on at the same time (yes, there were Daleks walking around doing what they do best), it was time to discover what eateries could be found in the middle of a trading estate in this part of the world. Amazingly, there were quite a few to chose from including KFC, Pizza Hut, McDonalds and , yep, you've guessed ... more

On Friday afternoon my boyfriend phoned me and asked whether I'd like to go to Arbuckle's for dinner. Would I like free dinner and a chat, you bet! So plans were made to visit Arbuckle's around 7:15pm. In case you're wondering, it's no longer called Fatty Arbuckle's although I think you might become a fatty if you were to eat here often! On entering Arbuckle's we didn't have to wait long to be seated - we requested a table in the non-smoking area since none of us smoke and were sent to the far side of the restaurant to a small table that seated 4. The table was clean and we were soon presented ... more

My personal feelings about insects are not overly intense. The cheeky little blighters can feel free to roam and make merry at their leisure, providing they are wise and steer clear of my food (this sign is posted as a cautionary note outside my house). A warning that unfortunately has not been made abundantly clear by the nice folks at Fatty Arbuckle's. Their sign reads; 'any small creatures in need of food or shelter may do so by nestling snugly in the lettuce leaf, providing they appear either dead or closely resemble a peppercorn'. I am, as ever getting ahead of myself. My fiancée and I ... more

A Tragedy in One Act Persons Represented Paul - Our hero Sam - Our heroes fiancee Waiter 1 - We'll call him 'Bob' Waiter 2 - And this one 'Jane' Waiter 3 - Ermmmm, 'Kate' Waiter 4 - Double ermmm, 'John' The Manager - a Staffordshirian Citizens of Stafford, several cooks and a traffic warden. Scene - For the greater part, a restaurant in Stafford, near the M6 ----------------------------------------​----- Prologue Two people, both alike in dignity In fair Staffordshire where we lay our scene From a new grudge breaks a new mutiny Where abysmal service makes civil hands unclean From forth the ... more

Arbuckles in Stoke is no doubt one of my favourite restaurants now, mainly due to service. Although in the past it has not been so great the service has obviously benefitted from some great training - the staff are happy, friendly and willing to help. The restaurant is nicely decorated, with comfortable booths and air conditioning - great in summer weather! We turn up and are immediately greated by a waiter who seats us and asks if we would like anything to drink at all while we are looking at the menu, the drinks (a coke and a cocktail) arrived quickly (they aim to serve within three minutes ... more