Imperial Express Cafe - Darlington

I didnt stay here for a coffee, as I stood waiting to be seated whilst 3 staff carried out their work, saw me but didnt acknowledge I was there. One staff walked past me to serve a seated couple without even a 'hello ' or 'Ill be with you shortly '. I appreciate they were busy but politeness, even just a nodd or smile in my direction would have kept my custom. Pretentious and unwelcoming.

I come to the Cafe often with friends and family. We all love it, whether it’s for Brunch, a relaxing evening meal or just a coffee. The service is just as good, the girls are always so welcoming and friendly. Definitely worth a visit if you are in the area!

Amazing food and friendly staff, service is excellent and food arrives fast and to a great standard, I will definitely be returning.

The food was delicious although a little expensive. We had a long wait for our food, 40 minutes but it was very busy. Our meals were very tasty, hot and freshly cooked.

Possibly the worst meal I’ve eaten in the last 10 years. Terrible quality and badly cooked food. My partner had the beef Bourgogne, you couldn’t really call it that though, more of a tasteless beef stew. Completely under seasoned, had never seen a drop a red with a nice mixture of frozen peas, a sad looking bowl of frozen veg and a blob of stale lumpy mash potato. I myself had had the the king prawn pasta. Again, no seasoning at all. Completely tasteless. How you can make so many ingredients taste of nothing is beyond me. The only thing there was the slightest hint of basil. The pasta, just cheap dried penne a little over cooked. All in all the cooking lacked any passion or pride, the presentation was poor, the food was poor and just left you thoroughly disappointed. I’ve honestly had better microwave meals. The place is currently looking for a new chef, this is desperately needed. I think I would even suggest changing the menu for the time being to something that is is within whoever is cooking at the minutes skill set. Drinks are also extortionate, my partner and I don’t drink so had a fresh orange and lemonade, this was £15 for low quality mixers. The place in general is a little shabby and could do with an update, the staff could do with a little training even though the lady that served was pleasant enough. All in all, I certainly won’t be visiting again. We had been looking forward to going here after looking at the menu when we called in for a coffee one afternoon. Do you self a favour and take a pass when you think of visiting here, there are much better place to spend your money in Darlington.