It is quite a while since I last went to an “all you can eat” buffet but we went to Kung Fu in Staines with Jane’s mum for lunch today. I don’t think I’m such a scourge of such buffets as I once was but I did manage three platefuls plus dessert and although those plates are deliberately not very large I haven’t needed more than a small snack this evening.

Checking for a website link tonight, I noted that Trip Advisor reviews were mixed. My experience was that the staff were friendly although not overbearing and that the food was pretty decent. At a pretty low price (£10.99 / person), you can’t expect the most gourmet dining experience and the wide variety of dishes on offer were generally well stocked and decently warm. There has to be some compromise with food that must sit in warming dishes that will be handled by a wide range of diners.

That was probably the most potentially unhygienic part – all the regular people interacting with the serving dishes and utensils. There weren’t any handwashing or cleaning facilities and you don’t know who has been licking their fingers (or picking their nose) before lifting handles and handling tongs! I checked and the Food Standards Agency gave the place 4/5 in January this year. What their notes don’t say is whether they considered all the people who interact with the food before a customer eats it or just staff!

Still, my belly is all good so far even if still a little bit full!