Review: We tried Cosmo in Reading and it needs to stay

A huge plan to replace the Cosmo in Reading Friar Street, with 103 apartments was submitted in October.

But given how tasty the food was when we visited the town centre buffet recently, we would be gutted to see it close forever.

The buffet celebrated their 10th anniversary last month and we were lucky enough to review it.

We were warmly welcomed inside the restaurant and shown to our table next to the Indian food section. 

Buffet area (Image: Newsquest)

The different smells when you walk past the hot dishes immediately makes your stomach rumble and mouth water.

Guests can choose any type of cuisine; from British staples like a roast dinner to Italian pizza and pasta. There's Sushi, Thai, Chinese and Indian so you definitely are spoilt for choice.  

There's even Japanese Teppenyaki where the chefs prepare salmon, prawns or steak right in front of you. 

It's the perfect place if you're a family and can't agree on what food you want to eat.

We were too tempted by the delicious Chinese dishes so we grabbed a warm plate and dived straight in, opting for the sticky ribs, chicken satay and chow mein noodles.

Their fresh and flavoursome green beans were the perfect accompaniment to the salty Chinese food.

I took a mouthful and did a little happy dance when I tucked into my first plate of food.

The first plate of food was delicious (Image: Newsquest)

The dishes were aromatic and full of flavour and I found myself going back for seconds for the chicken satay and chow mein.

The ribs were meaty and sticky with the perfect amount of barbeque flavoured sauce.

We then moved onto the duck spring roll pancakes, which you can also serve yourself. 

I found the pancakes quite thin, dry and floury in texture. The hoisin sauce didn't really salvage the dryness but the crispy duck was tasty.

Once we cleansed our palette with a sip of Vimto from the refillable station, we grabbed our third plate and descended into the Indian food section.

The Indian food wasn't too great (Image: Newsquest)

Most of the curries had started to run out by this point in the evening. It was around 7.30pm on a Sunday night - so I recommend going earlier to guarantee some Korma.

Nevertheless, we tried some of the Tikka curry and rice which tasted uninspiring.

The food had a smoky taste to it and the rice was quite hard, making me think it was sat in the buffet tray for a while.

I tried a couple of bites and left it, going back to a plate of Chinese food to end the night on a positive night.

The puddings were a 10/10 (Image: Newsquest)

We then delved into what was left of the puddings, grabbing the last portion of churros left it the tray and cakes on offer.

There was a huge chocolate fountain next to the bar area, with a selection of fruit and marshmallows to dip into.

Then there were jelly cubes and an array of small cakes, chocolate brownie and profiterroles too.

On the whole, it was a really enjoyable night and the atmosphere was buzzing.

A buffet experience is something everyone must try. There's something for every tastebud and you'll leave feeling very happy and full.

Thanks Cosmo!