Why our family keeps choosing Spur at Somerset Mall over Waterstone Village, from friendlier service and cleaner facilities to a play area our son loves.
Some places quietly become part of your family’s routine. For us, that’s Spur at Somerset Mall.
We’ve only visited the Spur at Waterstone Village twice, compared to the countless lunches and dinners we’ve enjoyed at Somerset Mall over the years. While both restaurants belong to the same much-loved chain, we’ve found ourselves returning to the Somerset Mall branch again and again for a handful of simple reasons.
This isn’t a review or a comparison based on one visit—it’s simply our family’s personal experience.
Cleaner surroundings and consistently friendly service
The first thing we’ve consistently noticed is the overall atmosphere.
The restaurant has always felt clean and welcoming, and that extends to the smaller details too. Even the bathrooms have consistently felt better maintained than what we experienced during our visits to Waterstone Village. It’s something you don’t always think about until you notice the difference.
The service has also stood out. Every visit has been met with friendly smiles, polite staff and genuinely warm hospitality that makes the whole experience feel relaxed from the moment you arrive.
The food has always felt that little bit better
Yes, we know it’s Spur, and the menu is the same. But somehow, we’ve always felt the meals at Somerset Mall are just a little more enjoyable.
We’ve often felt that the meals at Somerset Mall are just that little bit better. The food has consistently seemed less greasy, the chips are crispier, and everything feels a little lighter without the excess oil. It’s a small difference, but one we’ve noticed enough times to keep coming back.
A play area our son can’t wait to visit
One thing we can’t fairly compare is the playground at Waterstone Village.
When we visited, our son was only around three years old, and—like many first-time parents—we were probably a little overprotective. The play area looked a bit overwhelming for him at the time, so we never actually used it.
Somerset Mall has been a completely different experience. Whenever we enter the mall through Entrance 4, our son already knows where we’re going. He’ll happily drag us towards Spur before we’ve even reached the restaurant.
Once we arrive, he barely stays at the table. He’ll quickly finish enough to head back to the play area, climbing, jumping, running around with other children, stopping by the activity tables, trying the games, or proudly showing off a fresh Spider-Man face painting. The only time he really sits still is when his Mac & Cheese arrives.
By the time we’re asking for the bill, the excitement has finally caught up with him. Almost every visit ends the same way—with a very tired little boy yawning his way through those last few minutes before we head home.
For us, that’s become part of the experience.
Our order never really changes
We’re definitely creatures of habit.
My husband swears by Spur. Every now and then he’ll suggest Wimpy, but if he has the final say, it’s almost always Spur. His order never changes either—Calamari and Chips, accompanied by a few bottles of Coke or Sprite.
I’m just as predictable. My go-to meal is the Cheddamelt Schnitzel with mushroom sauce.
Our son has clearly inherited his dad’s outlook on food: if you already know what you love, why change it? Every visit starts and ends with his favourite Mac & Cheese.
Dessert is another family tradition. My husband always orders the Malva Pudding, while I go for the Classic Waffle with vanilla soft serve, which inevitably ends up being shared with our son.
On our most recent visit, he decided to try the kids’ Make Your Own dessert with a half-waffle and assorted toppings. True to form, he carefully ate every colourful sprinkle, left most of the ice cream behind, and declared himself full after finishing his Mac & Cheese.
It’s the little things that keep us coming back
Every family has their favourite restaurant, and this is simply ours.
For us, Spur at Somerset Mall has never just been about the food. It’s the consistently friendly service, the clean surroundings, meals we’ve come to enjoy, and watching our son make the most of every visit to the play area.
Sometimes, that’s reason enough to keep coming back.
