Pond Quay, Salford

An oasis in an area of nasty chain restaurants!

I'v recently discovered there is more to Salford than I have previously given it credit for. I have dismissed it as a place that lives off fry ups, chips, cheese butties and other blandness, but I have since discovered that if you dig deeper, there are some hidden gems. Take the Quays for example. First impressions are that it is a Mecca of tacky chains, but then I was invited along to its Chinese, Pond Quay.
PQ is a modern Chinese with outdoor seating in the Summer, and offers a buffet at £10. This may seem expensive, but the quality of the food is fabulous and is not overrun by chavs like the £5 ones in the city. They have a smaller selection of food, but it is replenished regularly and is always piping hot, not a lukewarm feast for the flies.
To start, I gorged on H and S which passed my rigorous tests, followed by spicy potatoes, spring rolls and samosas. This was digested and followed by Szechuan Tofu and EFR, plus with a rich vermicelli. Wow, Szechuan and Hot and Sour, a vindaloo queen's dream!
Needless to say, I was full so not ready to do a Homer Simpson anytime soon, but the dessert cabinet was proving too much to resist. I chose the healthy option of fruit salad....and trifle. Hygiene is rigorous here compared to other buffets I've been to, desserts were in a proper refrigerated cabinet and meals were always piping hot. The staff are extremely friendly and attentive and I'm looking forward to visiting again.

My lesson of the week? Don't judge a book by its cover. I've grown to love the Lowry centre now that I've scratched past the surface and discovered this yummy restaurant.