The all you can eat Chinese restaurant where you're served by robots

LancsLive reporter Amy Fenton's daughter with one of the robots
-Credit: (Image: LancsLive)


I'd prefer to not disclose what age I reached on my most recent birthday last week, but it's fair to say that I had an experience worthy of a significant milestone.

My daughter Abigail had told me that she wanted to "go out for a Chinese" and while we have many worthy venues here in Lancashire I was tempted to visit somewhere a bit further afield - and what was just a couple of miles from our home, just over the border, in what is (now) Greater Manchester.

For the uninitiated TCB is a Chinese buffet franchise with a difference. Because, although the restaurant is home to your typical waiting-on staff, it also channels the Oriental subjects more typically associated with the likes of Honda.

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While I had attempted to explain to Abigail that there was something a "bit unusual" about TCB, I don't think she had anticipated that it would be quite as revolutionary as it was. Because, not only was this a Chinese buffet where you ordered dishes individually, but each plate was dropped off at our table by a robot.

For those who are more accustomed to a metropolitan lifestyle, the prospect of such technological advances is something we're not used to in Lancashire.

One thing about TCB: Take care about how much, and how often, you order in one go (via the app). Until you get to grips with it, it's either a case of "wait forever for a bus then two come at once" or "... wait forever for a bus".

Ours wasn't the only table to receive a solitary bowl of hot and sour soup, with great aplomb of course, to then be left twiddling our thumbs for the accompanying dish.

Our starters
Our starters -Credit:LancsLive

I suspect such experiences are normal for those who live in big cities. But, for us humble Lancastrians, it takes some getting used to.

I should come on to the food. I mean - to be pretty frank - it was amazing. TCB can't boast the speed of a traditional all you can eat Chinese buffet but, I promise you, the quality is far better. The food tastes - and is - made to order. There's no soggy spring rolls here.

The best part of our meal wasn't the food though. Or the robots. It was the price. Because, as it was my birthday, my meal was free. So our trip out for tea cost just £26 including two drinks each. Sometimes the old ways are the best.

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