Featured Group Restaurants

TGI Friday's
(46 locations)

Should you feel an American moment coming on, get straight into the mood at a TGI Friday's. First thought of in New York in 1965, introduced to Birmingham, UK in 1986, they now, like so many other American concepts, are to be found on a global basis and have 45 outlets in the UK alone.

So what's on offer? The quick answer is it depends rather on where you are, as menus do vary from one restaurant to another. Appetizers could include Jack Daniel's wings or fried macaroni and cheese. A range of burgers, ribs, chicken, fish, sandwiches, fajitas, salads and pasta embraces virtually every known twist in the repertoire of American cuisine.

From a list of over 500 cocktails, all mixed with exuberant charm, you can choose between regular or ultimate. Beer, wine and soft drinks cover enormous range and they also offer good coffee.

Dim T - Asian Restaurants
(8 locations)

One wonders whether Dim T, the chain of restaurants serving Asian food, derives its name from a range of healthy, steamed dim sum and a list of exclusive teas they offer. With its menu of Oriental food, Dim T offers cuisine with ancient wisdom behind it, so whether you are dining alone or with friends, a meal there is likely to perk you up.

The décor with its rustic bamboo finish, hanging eastern lamps, brightly coloured cushions, tall vases and candles, makes you relax. You can start your meal with spicy edamame, sesame prawn toast and duck spring rolls among others. Apart from the range of dim sums, the house specialities include Shanghai lemon chicken and crispy shredded beef. Also, there are satays, soups and salads to choose from.

The chocolate sukiyaki makes an indulgent dessert and then finish with a jasmine tea.

Masala Zone
(6 locations)

Masala Zone is a relative newcomer to the multi coloured scene of Indian cooking. Owned by Masala World, who also own Amaya, Veeraswamy and Chutney Mary, three of London's top Indian restaurants, they aim to bring informal and real Indian food to London at sensible prices, and not before time.

They serve tasty Indian street snacks, together with more conventional offerings. Perhaps the adage ‘you are what you eat’ will flit through your mind as you note the sparing use of oil, the fresh ingredients and the thalis that offer a balanced combination of nutrition, flavours, textures and colours.

The décor is striking enough before you get anywhere near the food and welcomes you to another world where the genuine taste of India helps to subtly fortify you for return to the one you've just left. The atmosphere is terrific, very laidback and authentic.

Nando's Restaurants
(204 locations)

With quality food, friendly staff, quick service and excellent value for money, Nando's is a great place to eat. Each restaurant is tailored to its local surroundings and customers, offering up a unique restaurant experience to go with the equally unique taste of legendary, Portuguese, Peri-Peri chicken.

New Nando's are opening all the time, the spicy dips become hotter and more daring, and the full platter offers a whole chicken, large chips or spicy rice and Nando's salad or coleslaw. You can also order veggie or bean burgers and patties, and still feel the heat from the peppers.

Nando's is a place for bright people who love to laugh and love to eat, and is guaranteed to spice up your taste buds. Their fun approach to life means that you can fully relax without the airs and graces associated with more starchy dining out.

Olive Press
(7 locations)

Each Olive Press has its own distinctive design features with impressive interiors creating an elegant yet relaxed dining environment. The blend of young, vibrant staff make this a friendly and welcoming experience. It is a great place for that family gathering, when you can let the children make their own pizza whilst you enjoy an appetiser or a starter from their extensive menu.

You can go into an Olive Press and have a great sandwich for lunch or a simple pizza or pasta as a meal - or you could really let rip and enjoy a three course dinner, including their 21 day old matured rump steak with garlic butter or pepper sauce, with wine in the evening.

Strada Restaurants
(69 locations)

Strada describes itself as 'a group of stylish, contemporary Italian restaurants, serving good quality, simple and freshly prepared dishes'. The statement sums up what this chain of sixty plus restaurants offers to people looking for Italian food.

The first outlet opened in Battersea in 1999 and their clientele has been increasing steadily ever since. Though Strada has grown into a fair sized chain - it retains the feel of being a local neighbourhood Italian restaurant. The menu includes pastas, risottos, grilled meat, and fish dishes, but they are best known for their pizzas.

The restaurants present authentic Italian dishes in contemporary surroundings and aim to use only the freshest and finest ingredients, such as single vineyard extra virgin olive oil, Parma ham and buffalo mozzarella, imported from Italy to provide exactly the kind of rustic, traditional dishes one would expect to find travelling around its regions.

YO! Sushi
(45 locations)

Yo! Sushi is something of an experience rather than simply a place to eat sushi. This interesting and visually appealing Japanese delicacy is rising in popularity for reasons of taste and health. The restaurants offer a range of delectable nibbles that are attractively presented and move around on a conveyor belt, allowing people to sample a variety and eat just what they want.

Contrary to the laymen's perception of sushi being raw fish, it comes in many forms and has a number of ingredients like rice, fish, vegetables and seafood. The great variety in sushi arises from the different fillings and toppings, condiments, and the way these are put together. The same ingredients may be assembled in a traditional or a contemporary way, creating very different tastes.