THE Royal Electric Theatre has endured a varied existence since it was transformed from the derelict remains of a cinema more than 20 years ago.
Many hands have tried to run the premises, with varying degrees of success, and the current incumbents have created a Chinese Restaurant, which is steadily creating a solid reputation.
Perhaps their greatest achievement was to save one of Mexborou
gh's most notable buildings from the merciless grasp of property development, after the previous business failed.
For that reason alone, it is worth supporting.
Indeed, it is one of a number of decent eateries to have opened, in the niche market of the Dearne Valley, in recent years.
I had patronised the restaurant and wasn't sure they did takeaway but was pleased to find they do. Perhaps there should be a notice outside.
The menu is a glossy, full-colour booklet, which includes a handy form for customers to fill in prior to order.
A pleasant bar area is convenient to have a drink while waiting, although I hadn't much time to finish mine before the meals came - within about five minutes.
I opted for Cantonese-style sweet-and-sour chicken, the fried meat coming in a vivid orange sauce. Taste was subtle but not too demonstrative, and an accompanying portion of boiled rice was dry and well cooked.
I also tried the duck with ginger and spring onions. Duck is tricky to get right and this wasn't quite there – a touch too chewy and with a little too much fat for my taste. The ginger could have been more obvious, although the onions and accompanying fried rice were good.
Perhaps this dish wasn't as effective as the chicken but it was certainly worth trying.
It also came with a portion of prawn crackers - not asked for, but on the house. A nice touch.
Takeaways that exist within restaurants usually have a consistent standard – the meals are produced in the same kitchen by the same staff – and The Royal Electric is no exception.
Venue: The Royal Electric Theatre, Bank Street, Mexborough.
Phone: 01709 571333
Opening hours: Noon to 2.30pm and 5pm to 11pm
Parking: On road and large car park opposite
Waiting time: A mere five minutes
Service: Quick and efficient
Atmosphere: Pleasant
Menu: Extensive, with 140 dishes
Cost: Cantonese style sweet and sour chicken £5, boiled rice £1.50, duck with ginger and spring onions £6, fried rice £2
How did it taste: Good
Verdict: Definitely worth patronage.
The full article contains 415 words and appears in Sheffield Star newspaper.
