
Happy Friar
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Quick info
About Happy Friar
Happy Friar is a Chinese takeaway at 2 Friars Way in Tunbridge Wells, open Tuesday to Sunday evenings and closed on Mondays. Its Kung Po chicken is made with only chicken and carrots, and the menu marks it as a carrot dish, so customers know what goes into it before they order. The menu also carries Sweet & Sour Chicken Hong Style and a large homemade pancake roll, alongside a list of chef specials. The shop is under new ownership and management. Orders can be placed in person at the shop. A meal for one is available, and the starter can be swapped for something else on request.
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Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention homemade pancake roll, hot and sour soup, kung po chicken and sweet and sour chicken.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention homemade pancake roll, hot and sour soup, kung po chicken and sweet and sour chicken.
Customer Review Summary
Praise centers on fresh, hot food, with hot and sour soup, salt and chilli ribs, crispy shredded beef and plain chow mein singled out, and the large homemade pancake roll enjoyed on two visits. One diner finds it not overly salty and says the starter in the meal for one can be swapped, while another was served quickly at the shop. Delivery draws the sharpest complaints. Several reviewers describe orders arriving far later than quoted after repeated phone calls, one cancelling the order and another reheating everything that turned up cold, with a driver described as rude. Long-time customers say standards fell under new ownership, and one found the Kung Po chicken came with only chicken and carrots, which the new menu now flags. One reviewer says they avoided the place for years after a dodgy stomach but now finds it safe to return. Another, who cannot eat peas, reports finding them in every dish after being told there would be none.
Customer Review Summary
Praise centers on fresh, hot food, with hot and sour soup, salt and chilli ribs, crispy shredded beef and plain chow mein singled out, and the large homemade pancake roll enjoyed on two visits. One diner finds it not overly salty and says the starter in the meal for one can be swapped, while another was served quickly at the shop. Delivery draws the sharpest complaints. Several reviewers describe orders arriving far later than quoted after repeated phone calls, one cancelling the order and another reheating everything that turned up cold, with a driver described as rude. Long-time customers say standards fell under new ownership, and one found the Kung Po chicken came with only chicken and carrots, which the new menu now flags. One reviewer says they avoided the place for years after a dodgy stomach but now finds it safe to return. Another, who cannot eat peas, reports finding them in every dish after being told there would be none.
Featured reviews
- Jo Jeffery
“Used this takeaway for years and has always been loverly BUT we orders last night I can’t have peas and the person on the phone even said to me no peas in any dishes I said Thanku that right Wel ther was peas in everything but it took 15 mins from the time I ordered to arriving in my kitchen and we are about 10 mins away sadly it was discusting I’m thinking pre cooked and frozen so microwaved to be Abel To get to me so quick I def won’t be ordering again it really was awfull food”
- George Hoare
“Used to be the best Chinese in Tunbridge wells prior to changing ownership, since then it is awful, avoid, food was pretty much not edible phoned as part of the order was wrong, just got excuses saying that’s how it comes…if looking at the reviews, filter to latest…gives you a true picture”
- lauren towner
“I have been ordering from Happy Friar for a year now and I’ve yet to be disappointed with a takeaway! Really good food, quick delivery and my go to Chinese takeaway in Tunbridge Wells”
- Phil Hall
“Absolutely disgusting, weve been using happy friar for many years through many of the new owners, i have to say this is probably the worst its been under new ownership. we ordered our food at 6:33 & was told it'll be 45 mins -1hr for delivery, only to get it 1hr 40mins later after several phone calls to chase it. Upon arrival the driver was rude but did apologise for delay on their behalf. We had to completely reheat everything as was very cold & didn't taste nice at all. Phoned again to complain abt the situation only to fall on deaf ears, I told them this is not acceptable & as from now on we wouldn't be using them anymore & going else where. Guess what, not even an apology. Anybody reading this, I would strongly suggest to use somebody else.”
- Linda Pring
“Ordered our food at 5.45pm and it still hadn't arrived at 19.45. Rang them twice and was told it was out for delivery. We need up cancelling as it would have ended up being cold when it arrived. Was told that it was under new management. So please beware. Prices are higher than a lot of other chinese take always too. Not happy at all!!”
Hours
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Good to know
“Delicious Chinese food is just a tap away with Happy Friar in Tunbridge Wells TN2 3UA. From crispy aromatic duck to comforting chow mein and flavoursome chef specials, every dish is freshly prepared and full of authentic taste. Treat yourself today and enjoy the flavours that make locals keep coming back.”
- AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible car park · Wheelchair-accessible entrance · Wheelchair-accessible seating
Amenities
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
Show more amenities
- Accessibility· 2
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
Location
Chinese restaurants near Happy Friar
- Mister Chef3.81061 mi
dumplings, prawn toasts, singapore fried vermicelli noodles
- 7.8 mi away
mongolian lamb, satay sauce, monkfish
| Place | Rating | Distance | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| Happy Friar | 4.2126 | — | homemade pancake roll, hot and sour soup, kung po chicken |
| Mister Chef | 3.8106 | 1 mi | dumplings, prawn toasts, singapore fried vermicelli noodles |
| Jade's Palace Chinese Restaurant | 4.7282 | 7.8 mi away | mongolian lamb, satay sauce, monkfish |
The 2 nearest chinese restaurants by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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