Fred's in Bassetlaw

Okay food. Nothing to write home about and fairly expensive. No free prawn crackers either! Staff were friendly though.

I've been going to Fred's since the time of Fred himself. The food and service hasn't changed at all, it's always brilliant. Staff are welcoming, the food is always hot and fresh. I'm always surprised to see a poor review, in the 15+ years I've been coming I've never had a bad dish. See you again soon.

We have been going to Fred’s for over 40yrs but tonight we had the worst takeaway we have ever had from anywhere. My niece on opening her chilli chicken found two long black hairs which she hadn’t ordered! The rest of the food was way over cooked and totally tasteless. We have never had a bad meal the many times we’ve eaten in the restaurant. We’re so disappointed and I’m sure Fred wouldn’t be happy with how the standards have slipped.

Very disappointed with the food tonight. We’ve eaten here quite a few times before but tonight had a takeaway. Chicken satay was skewers swimming in a container of garlic n ginger liquid no hint of peanut butter. Sweet n sour chicken hongkong style the batter was soggy. Plain noodles was at least 50% onions and bean sprouts. Lemon chicken strips were in soggy batter, overcooked and tough. Wouldn’t bother going again. It’s gone up a lot in price bug the standard has definitely dropped. Not good value.

FRED CHINESE ROBBING!! Stay Clear Of This Place Food Was Cold And Awful Then Argued Over The Order You Have Been Warned!! Pancake Roll Awfull Then Started To Argue With The Order Tell Ya Stay Clear!!

Thanks so much tonight for great service but most of all your food. Above expectations. It was for my 50th party and no better place to go to celebrate this. Thankyou so much.😘

Delicious food, relaxed atmosphere. Experienced, helpful staff. Great value for money. Will certainly return soon.

Went for family birthday party, if you want fabulous food, great service from staff and a relaxed atmosphere this is the perfect place, definitely recommend

Always great food and a great welcome - fantastic restaurant. Great for eat in on take away. A great experience and a firm favourite of ours

This has always been my go to Chinese in Retford! Yet to have a bad meal, always come with family and food has always been spot on

I looked online for Chinese restaurants close by before I travelled to Nottingham last Sunday to see a very good friend. Near the train station in Retford, I discovered Fred's Cantonese Restaurant. Although the restaurant wasn't yet open, the proprietor observed that I was starving and allowed me inside. Five dishes were ordered. I genuinely believe that the Cantonese food in this restaurant is quite authentic as a Chinese person. Every mouthful had the freshness of just-baked food. I believe I should provide a 5-star review because the owner is also incredibly friendly and accommodating.

We sat in the restaurant rather than takeaway. The food was excellent as always. The service was efficient & friendly. The only thing that prevents me giving a 5 star rating is that the heating was hardly on.

We have had great meals here over many years but on this occasion we thought the food was average. The restaurant was cold too which didn’t help the experience. In saying this we will be back as anywhere can have a blip.

Simply incredible. Loved the food, loved the atmosphere, the staff were amazing. Five stars, nothing less.

We waited over 2 hours for food- we ordered a set meal and sides. We got 5 sides and never got the set menu. After 2 hours we were told we can either cancel the set meal or wait for them to start cooking it. We said we would like to cancel. We got charged £60 for the drinks we had and over £70 for the 5 sides we ordered, when we decided to leave the staff were having a laugh about the situation and clearly pointing at us, since we questioned the bill. Most disrespectful and vile treatment we ever came across in a restaurant.

Hant had a takeaway from Fred's in a while. Was disgusting. I've travelled and this was the worst I'd ever tasted. Beef was infact pork, the chow mein was bland with not even salt and pepper on it. Vomited after a few bites. Such a shame. Don't go here I'd give it minus 10 stars.

It was 37 years ago that I first visited Freds, and met his lovely wife and himself for the very first time. We had many many years of fabulous food and wonderful nights at this iconic restaurant. Sadly all good things come to an end. Life goes on, and 37 years on, I had to stay the night in Retford, so decided to visit Fred’s for a nostalgic dinner. I couldn’t believe it when “The Fredster” was in the bar area! He greeted me with open arms, and told me he very rarely comes to his old restaurant!!…Spooooky came to mind! Anyway down to the nitty gritty. Ifs nowhere near as good as today. A waiter ( nice as he was) couldn’t understand that I wanted a starter and then a main course. Who in their right mind would serve you salt and pepper ribs, and then bring a bowl of rice and a sizzling dish all at the same time, when you’re a table for one! I though he’d only just started that day and hadn’t had his training, but at the end of the evening he told me that he’d worked there for four years!,,,…..WHAT!!!!! Then whilst I’d just poured my final glass of Sauvignon Blanc I was asked if I wanted the bill!!!!…..WHAT!!! Needless to say I told them that , I would tell them when I wanted the bill, not them tell me. Bottom line: Please train your lovely staff. They are sweet,however somewhat naive when it comes down to customer interaction.

Was excited to eat at Fred's as due to lockdown it's been a few years since our last visit. The service was quite slow, a wrong glass of wine was served, no finger bowls or warm hand towels. Not sure if the restaurant has been refurbished since our last visit but the lighting for the small side tables is quite dim. The food is nice just other area's need some attention.

Had a really tasty meal with excellent food and pleasant service but omg watch your bar bill! 2 small Tsing Tao….£8.20 ….that’s plenty 2 glasses Rose ….£17.00 …..ouch! 2 pints draft cola …..£9.60…..how is that justifiable especially when half of it is ice! We won’t be returning at those bar prices.

The food was good when it all eventually came. The next table were so noisy we couldnt hear each other. The young waitresses were miserable, had masks on under their chin ( what is the point ? ) and, instead of putting the food on the heat put it on the table next to my grandson ?

We booked a table of 14 for my daughters birthday and as soon as we sat down were told not rushing you all but we have another table in less than 2 hours who need your table, great welcome! Food was good, got the bill at the end and they had over charged us for drinks, I explained to the guy and he agreed to take them off the bill, only after we had left the restaurant did I find out he had gone to another member of our party and MADE them pay for the drinks. Constantly felt like we were being rushed and we couldn’t finish our drinks and chat leisurely as we were being watched and made to feel pretty uncomfortable. After sleeping on this I thought I need to call to complain and let them know and was rudely shouted at down the phone saying that they never over charge and that less than 2 hours is more than enough in a restaurant. She then tried to tell me I had the wrong number 😂 I advised the lady that shouting down the phone to customers is a little inappropriate and that we would not be returning to be told that they wouldn’t want customers like us back anyway! Charming! As a party we spent well over £400 and they were just rude! Don’t bother wasting your money, meals even though nice are well over priced and they don’t seem to have customer service skills at all.

We were rushed along as they wanted to sit more people. This meant we did not finish drinks and were made to feel in the way.

Due to the low ceiling and size of the restaurant if a large party is there also, you won't hear conversation on your table . Love the food but prices have gone up, and pricey for Retford. Needs a rethink of the space.

The food was good, service below average unfortunately. Shape of the building made it impossible to have a conversation, it was way to loud. I’d use it again as a takeaway though.

I had a great meal from Fred's during my 10 day quarantine. The Lemon Chicken was very good and flavorful with a spring roll and fried rice. It was just what I needed to help get me through

I ordered at 5 for collection at 6.30 when i go there the cue was 8 or 9 i waited 30 mins out side they told every one 6.30 the cue grew and grew. once i got in i told them that the cue was...

As a Londoner, I have tried many Chinese restaurants so far. However, for me the best Chinese restaurant in the UK is Fred’s in Retford. Good price, excellent Chinese food! Looking forward to ordering from there again.

Another lovely take away. Ordered for 6.30 and ready when I arrived. The food is always lovely and we are now regulars.

Very disappointed, the food served was very dry The loverly young waitress was excellent Service was good But the food was not up to the usual standard, we won’t be coming back

I wasn't going to post this review and instead deal with the company directly but given how I have just been treated by the lady on reception I will. Found a hair in takeaway. Not good during a pandemic and especially as I'm nearly 30 weeks pregnant. Called that night to discuss. Received and apology and offered a refund. On collecting the refund I was asked for evidence, didn't have the hair as was not asked to save it, was rudely told it is common sense to keep it. Lady on reception became aggressive and rude when having to actually give the money back.

We had a great selection of very tasty food, every dish was delightful and the service was great we will be visiting again next time for a sit down not just a takeaway

Our local Chinese restaurant eat in or take out always our favourite place to eat either with friends, family or or just the two of us .

It's been seven years since our last Chinese New Year celebration, that was with Jack Chu at the China Palace in Hull. We ordered a bottle of house white, which turned out well to compliment the food. The agenda was split into dumplings then mixed...

Always like the restaurant. Very good food, we had the set meal for 4. Plenty of food probably feed 6. Staff are lovely. If you leave a tip give to the person as I believe otherwise it goes straight in the till!

First time back after a few years, excellent, not the cheapest but simply the best, had a Saturday night dinner for two, place was busy with works do's and couples alike , had the set meal B for two and it was spot on.

Have had food from Fred’s for over 12 months...only on Takeaway...but food has always been of Excellent quality and service is Second to none...Highly Recommended!!!

Nice restaurant inside with efficient friendly service staff. Was quite surprised by the a la carte menu as there is not a huge amount of choice on it and it was to be honest a bit off putting. However when you speak to the staff...

Came here last night for a family meal 6 of us would definitely recommend the food was unbelievable couldn’t fault it definitely coming back again

Excellent service. Really attentive. Great good. We inquired about getting something off-menu (KongPao chicken) for our daughter, and we were told it would not be a problem at all to do so. The starter sharer was tasty, and considerable. The ribs in particular were a favourite with the daughter. The seafood main in a noodle nest is very good indeed. A nice bottle of chilled wine. Cold Kirin lager on tap. Splendid.We'd certainly go again if in the region.

Had a wonderful birthday celebration with 16 friends at Fred’s the food and service was excellent. Denis helped me with the menu so the selection of food was first class. The waitress and waiters were very attentive Highly recommended

Decent meal, lovely interior with fish too. Staff are friendly. Family love coming here. A gem in Retford

As always great food and a pleasure staff attentive could not ask for more we were walking and they accommodated us with in an hour

Lovely small Chinese restaurant, always excellent food. Friendly staff and reasonably priced. Well established in the town.

This restaurant has to be in my top ten eateries in the area I live in.

Fred's has quite an upmarket ambience but serves mediocre food with OK service. To start, we ordered mixed hors d'oeuvres for 2, which we thought would be OK for 3 of us, particularly as we'd had plenty of prawn crackers. This turned out to be a bigger platter of the usual suspects than we expected (more later). The small ribs were nice but the prawns & squid had thick, greasy batter, which wasn't really to our taste. Our mains of beef & prawn dishes were OK but nothing too special. The Szechuan sauce was very red & very sweet - more like a sweet & sour. The beef was nice albeit a bit bland. We thought this was a fairly expensive meal, which was probably for a couple of reasons. First, we were charged over £19 for the mixed starter, rather than about £11 as stated on the menu (presumably, they decided to give us a portion for 3 rather than 2 & charge accordingly). Second, we were charged over £15 for the 'sizzling' beef, when we had actually ordered a much cheaper dish. We complained about the latter, which they rectified but didn't say anything about the expensive starter. Our mistake, we should have had the half crispy duck for £17 instead - it looked very nice!

RETFORD CHINESE RESTAURANT “FRED’S” IS A TOWN FAVOURITE

Needed to eat and found Fred’s. Very friendly staff. Good sized restaurant. Service good and food delicious. Very happy

Ate duck followed by fillet steak in Peking sauce & paper-wrapped salt and pepper chilli chicken. Nice quality meat. Loved the peking sauce. Service was thoughtful and efficient.

This was out first visit to Fred’s and it turned out to be excellent for a group of 16 celebrating a birthday. Two large round tables were placed together and we ordered starter and main courses.

Lovely food and great service. Food is fresh and tasty and staff look after you and provide a great atmosphere

Been here a couple times to give this place the benefit of the doubt but never seems to get any better

Had a take away from here. It was not up to the usual standard. We thought it might be last nights food reheated. Over cooked and greasy. It left us both feeling ill.

Great food and staff as usual best Chinese by far in the area second ton none . Highly recomend this place

Went last night on a recommendation from a work mate. Glad we went now,food was top notch it's up there with the best I've had👍.

We have just eaten here and were very disappointed! The food was very bland and lacked flavour.

A really good and tasty Chinese meal and great service. Really affordable prices too and a wide menu range.

Prices very reasonable and tables spacious.

It's been around for ever and is still a cracking feed. If there's something you fancy and can't see it they'll do what's possible to please, enjoy it every time!

Freds has changed over the last 35+ years that i have been going, but one thing that is consistent is the food - always excellent. Its not the cheapest place but the meal is worth it, especially for an occasion. Good service, welcoming and professional, varied menu and good wine list. Hopefully will still be visiting in another 30 years!

When we last visited a couple of years ago we were a little disappointed with the food but pleased we have given Fred’s another try as the food is back to the excellent standards we remembered. Will certainly be booking to go again.

We have been to Fred's many times over the years and enjoyed the food. It may not be the best, but Retford does not have that much choice in the way of a Chinese Restaurant. The waitresses are lovely and friendly but the Manager can be surly. This night I had booked a large table of customers, who travel from all over the UK to spend 3-4 days in Retford. I was shocked and horrified to find that the manager had told our Wheelchair user that they could not sit at our table as 'they were too big and would get in the way' and had put her on a seperate table on her own!! He made things worse by being rude, surly and unappologetic to me and my customers when we told him this was not acceptable. We left in disgust and have never been back since.

my partner & I had a mixed platter stater..the flavours were wonderful, Main course was very tasty too. Very pleasant surroundings, staff polite & very helpful. was very quiet when we went (6pm on week night) but it meant we could really take out time. Was quiet romantic xx

As to be the best take away for Chinese in Retford. The food is always excellent, delivered on time as requested

We visit this restaurant as often as we can . We have never had a poor meal and the service and staff are always attentive. The take out is also good . Mixed platter is a great starter and the sizzling platters are tasty

Poor service,sat down at our table and waitress asked what drinks we wanted went off before asking both of us what we wanted then brought a tea and spilt our drink over the table and on one of our jeans didn’t replace my drink or offer anything which isn’t good,very overpriced for what it is,decor isn’t very good either and also brought one of our plates out then we waited 10 mins for the other persons,more like a takeaway on someone else’s table

We've been coming here for over thirty five years and it never fails to deliver.

Booked an early saturday evening at Fred's and first visit in at least 12 years. Had agreat meal, staff were attentive and polite, service was efficient and just the right amount of time between courses. Had the salt and chilli ribs which were epic! Also had the squid and chilli beef which were excellent. Portions were good and the quality of the food i would rate as good as harrogate baths and china rose but not as pricey, but the surroundings arent quite as flash. Overall a great experience and will not leave it 12 years for our next visit

First visit to Fred's on Sunday this week as place was recommended. The place was not busy only about 4 tables full but we were led down to the back of the restaurant and sat next to the Fire exit and toilets yet there were tables empty near the front. This didn't make us feel good. Found the food to be very nice but really expensive. Usually dishes in Chinese are about £7 to £8 per dish. The beef in black bean and dishes like this were £15.90 and chicken dishes were £9 each. We chose the set meal for two which was £40. The starters was nice but the main course was mediocre. The beef and chilli wrapped in paper was dry and boring. Lemon chicken was nice and the prawn sizzler was just ok. I thought £40 for the choice of those 3 dishes and a small dish of rice expensive. We found the décor to be dark and reading the menu was hard with the low lights. I don't think we would return here for another meal. We didn't feel particularly welcome and even when paying they were talking to other customers. Poor!

Feeds is a very clean and friendly place.The food was very good and price was very reasonable Atmosphere was easy going. Recommended

First visit since the decor upgrade and the benefits are noticeable, with nice clean lines but mainly a better entrance.

Had an amazing takeaway tonight from freds great value for price and excellent food. Thank you again

Food is superb, some of the best Chinese I’ve had. Service perfect. New décor really nice. As good as it gets.

Visited the restaurant a couple of weeks ago. Very disappointed with the service.The waiter was very miserable and only spoke two words to us all the time we were there.Liitle embarrassing as we took one of our daughters friends with us. Will not be returning...

Fred's Chinese and Retford is what fish is to chips ,nearly the original (one fell down ) in Retford , always the one nowhere else seems right , good fare fair prices always busy good set out restaurant pleasant waiting staff , and if your local your never on your own well not for long .a place that every one sings happy birthday

It was a good quality meal with satisfactory service but not spectacular. Nevertheless worth a visit

Eleven of us went for a meal and all of us thoroughly enjoyed the whole evening.

There are some traditions that can never be broken and if Chinese food is that choice for the night it has to be Fred's. Having had the fortune to live in the far east I can say this food is almost the real deal

7 members of my family, including myself, visited Fred’s yesterday (Saturday 3rd of feb). We went to celebrate my 22nd birthday and it couldn’t have been at a nicer restaurant! I visit Fred’s very regularly with my partner and we are never disappointed! Each member of my family were completely satisfied with the quality of service and the quality of the food. Service was super quick and to say it was busy, we honestly couldn’t criticise a thing. So thank you Fred’s Chinese restaurant for having us once again, we enjoyed every moment and we will be back very soon!

Had a gorgeous meal, five of us went, staff very helpful and friendly! always friendly, very attentive. Love the food, we had a mixed platter with a set meal, very very good, would highly recommend

Best Chinese takeaway in Retford ! The customer service is great also, so I can only imagine the service within the restaurant is fab too!

We went mid week and easily got a table and we were served by a nice guy who went out of his way re letting us know about types of drinks etc. Overall we find the service good and the food was average.

we went there with my whole family for a pre christmas dinner. a table reservation is recommended as the restaurant itself is quite narrow. the food we have ordered was amazing, everything tasted fresh and was hot. the portions are big (so are the prices). the older man who served us was very unfriendly. no smile, no friendly word, very abrupt. we waited 40min for the food to come.

Very enjoyable meal, served hot and even asked if chop sticks are requested. Only down side is the hot towel...

We come here once or twice a year for birthdays and the food is always fantastic. We really look forward...

We have eaten at Freds several times and can honestly say that as a family we have never been disappointed...

Nice and clean , food okay. The fillet in black bean was lovely but the lemon chicken was disliked by all of us. The other thing none of us liked ,was how the chef diced all the peppers, onions etc in to tiny little pieces instead of the usual larger pieces. We have never encountered this before and we didn’t care for it. We ordered the meal for two and thought it was £34 but it was in fact £39. It is not acceptable to cross a price out and hand write a more expensive price over the top. In fact I think you may find it is reportable. It was in all our opinion okay ,not the greatest not the worst.

Missus and I went to Freds (for the 3rd or 4th time) and just wanted to say that the food (quality and quantity) has been excellent every time we have eaten there. The service was equally good. Our server, Jack asked if it was a special occasion and we said yes, its our 15th anniversary. He offered to buy us a round of drinks to say congratulations! Other reviews have stated that the servers do not get the tips...false. We asked and the server told us that he does in fact get the tips. Others have complained about the price...we had a mixed platter starter, hot and sour soup, sweet and sour chicken, seafood birds nest and Singapore noodles, 4x drinks and it was 61 quid....that's soup, a starter for 2x and 3x mains for 61 quid. We could have easily feed another person with what we left,, In short, good food, good service and a reasonable price.

We ate here last Friday as a family of four. A very nice restaurant in the cente of Retford and the food was delicious. What stood out the most though was the exceptional service. The staff were very professional and attentive without being intrusive. I have eaten in 5 star hotels and yet I found the service better here. Would definitely eat here again. Get the proseco chilled!!

Fred's Chinese is probably one of the nicest restaurants in Retford it's had a refurbishment which was long over due. Most of the tablets are round which makes for a good evening you can see everyone and chat. The prices are good for the food you get and so are the drinks you can just order a jug of water if you would like to keep the price down. The staff well there is a lady service, who is really good at here job I think her name is Denise she seems to do all the work drinks serving. some of the other staff seem lazy and not too friendly when you ask for something, there is another lady on takeaway which is extremely rude to staff And also customers she has been rude to my wife one three different occasions I don't know how she keeps her job. There is no car park but with it been in town there is no problem finding a space. You can usually just walk in if it's early enough but as the night goes on you might find you won't be able to get a table unless you have booked. Now to the bad part of this restaurant I have on two occasions tried to give a tip to my server only to be told it doesn't get given out to all the servicing staff just one or two of the Chinese servers so think twice if your going to leave a tip here as it's not given to your server as I found out so I don't tip here no more as this is disgusting and against the law. So please no tips!. I would recommend a visit here as the food is lovely.

Freds has been popular with my family since it opened. We have seen many changes over th years but food and service has remained consistently high. We use it for family birthdays, successes or just when we need a boost. The food and service on this visit was very good and we had a lovely evening.

Very yummy. Would recommend.friendly staff. Would be great if they delivered but was ok as can park outside on road

Went to Fred's with some work colleagues and wasn't disappointed. We has a mixture of about 7 starters and 7 mains, all were superb. I eat out often and I know what good Chinese food is like. This was great food, great service and everyone left feeling pleased that we chose Fred's

This restaurant is quite simply one of the best Chinese restaurants we have been to. Great service from pleasant staff and the food was excellent. All this and not the most expensive place in the world, well worthy of a visit.

Freds in undoubtably the best Chinese restaurant in the area. Food is absolutely quality. Staff always pleasant

The waiter was miserable as sin and absent of a welcoming approach. The old lady behind the counter looked like a frightened rabbit as she ushered us toward our unfriendly host.11 quid for a coffee, liqueur coffee and half of blackcurrant soda and half diet coke was a questionable piss take. Food was tasty and hot though ... Won't be going back . Not personable enough .. No light

The food matched it's price - high but you get what you pay for no problem. Unfortunately the noise and heat from the overcrowded tiny restaurant with no ventilation will prevent us from visiting again.

Can't beat Fred's it's the best Chinese in the area by far. Staff have always been great and the food is delicious.

I've eaten at Fred's around four times, and each time we have been given delicious food. The decor and ambience are perfect. I haven't been for a while but am very keen to go back (wish my husband wasn't such a tight....).

It states open for lunch from 12 - 2 in the week, me and husband wanted to go for lunch, but no response trying to phone so we drove down but it was closed, it advertises open on the menu and website but it was closed. Very dissapointed so we went elsewhere.

Sadly disappointed … we have dined here several times but tonight we felt really let down - the starters seemed like they came straight from Iceland, in fact they weren't that good …over cooked and lacking in filling !The main course was mediocre and the service left a lot to be desired- waited ages for the table to be cleared and no hot towels offered to clean our hands !Previously our selected wine was not available and we were offered an alternative and the same thing happened tonight not cheap at £18.95 a bottle !What restaurant offers instant coffee now ?We didn't leave a gratuity- not something we often do.I'm afraid Fred's has lost its crown as Retford's best Chinese restaurant !!!Not recommended and we will not be returning anytime soon !