Franklyns Bistro - (Near Berkshire, South East)

1 /5 Antonia Fawcett: distinctly average food, overcooked and swimming in a gunky sauce with no flavour served in a bowl. Bowls are for babies or dessert. Unimaginative vegetables of boiled new potatoes with skins on and French beans, all in all a thoroughly poor dining experience. Such a shame as Marlborough is crying out for a really good French bistro.

2 /5 Nikki D.: Ok not great experience! Even though the downstairs was lovely almost like a little easy night bar feel we were turned away from there and had to sit upstairs. Not bad decor and atmosphere but sadly the service was bad. Not only they had no idea about any of the drinks on offer but when they arrived there was no garnish, straw, nothing! A little slice of lemon or a rosemary sprig with a straw goes a long way. Just a thought! We won’t be back! Went to the Tap before and it was amazing!

5 /5 Phil Chamberlain: Had lunch for three and it was a great find. A simple menu that covered all the bases. We had garlic mushrooms in a creamy sauce and chicken liver pate for starters. Very good. Two types of tart and a prawn and tuna chowder (pictured) for the main. Apple pie and tiramisu for pudding. Good portion sizes, full of flavour and fresh. The staff worked hard and there was a cosy atmosphere at this top of the high street location. Highly recommend.

5 /5 Ally B: Cest magnifique! Small, attractive bistro offering a limited menu of freshly cooked food - the menu changes daily. The food was perfectly cooked and seasoned to perfection. The portion sizes were generous and it was very good value for money. Booking is advisable, due to limited space.

3 /5 Steve Botting: Called in lunch. Lovely quaint restaurant with french music quietly playing in the background. The staff were lovely… asked if was my first time and explained the specials board to me. I ordered the Beef Provençale. Sadly it was incredibly basic and was more like a cottage pie (with rice instead of mash). The beef they used was mince rather than braising beef which is not what I was expecting. Would you serve a beef bourguignon using mince?!? Simple answer is no. I felt rather cheated but didn’t want to raise an issue as the staff were so lovely. Would certainly go again but next time ask about the ingredients they’re using. Sorry for the indifferent review guys but serving mince with this dish is a no no.