Thorpe Park’s restaurants are designed to cater for its primary audience of teenagers and young adults, so you’ll find plenty of fast food on offer and very little else. Given the choices available, and the time pressure on guests trying to pack in as many rides as possible, which are the best bets?
Since we launched our theme park guides last year, we’ve kept a close eye on the ratings and reviews that our readers have given to restaurants at 90+ parks all over the globe. As we’re focusing on Thorpe Park as our “Park of the Month” for September, and to encourage more of our readers to rate the park’s offerings, here’s a rundown of the top 5 restaurants at the park.
5. Desperado’s Mexican Cantina
Thorpe Park’s Mexican outlet services traditional dishes such as fajitas, burritos and nachos, all of which are Old El Paso branded. It is housed in the former location of Caffè Nero, close to Detonator and Nemesis Inferno.
Genuine Mexican food enthusiasts will be a little disappointed with the weak spices in use here, but those simply looking for a filling snack will probably be happy.
Full details: Desperado’s Mexican Cantina guide
4. 360 Bar and Grill
The most formal of the dining outlets at Thorpe Park (which isn’t saying much), the 360 Bar and Grill opened back in 2010. Burgers, steaks, chicken and more are on the menu, along with alcoholic beverages.
If you’re in a rush, this isn’t the place for you, but if you have a bit of time available it is one of the most pleasant and relaxing places to eat at Thorpe Park.
3. Roast & Relish
Opened in 2012 close to the The Swarm roller coaster, Roast & Relish’s specialty is hand-carved pork and gammon baguettes. It also serves a range of hot and cold drinks.
While there’s little seating available, the baguettes are tasty and filling, and you can settle down near The Swarm and enjoy watching it swooping past on a warm day.
Full details: Roast & Relish guide
2. Calypso BBQ & Bar
Traditional barbecue-style food, including enormous burgers, are on the menu at the Calypso BBQ & Bar. On hot days it is a popular spot to grab an alcoholic drink, attracting large crowds.
The smell from the barbecue is very appealing from nearby paths, and the food is a slight cut above what you’d get from nearby Burger King, both in terms of taste and price.
Full details: Calypso BBQ & Bar guide
1. Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut may been booted out of other parks run by Thorpe Park’s owner Merlin in favour of “Pizza Pasta” outlets, but it is clinging on to its spot at the Surrey park. The outlet serves an all-you-can eat buffet of pizza, pasta and salad. A large amount of indoor and outdoor seating is available.
The Pizza Hut buffet is very popular and offers good value, although the large amount of seating available does mean that long waits are rare. Try and visit early, when the ravenous crowds surrounding the buffet counters are smaller. Note that the Merlin Annual Pass discount is not available here.
What are your favourites?
Disagree with the rankings above? Let us know what your favourite Thorpe Park restaurants are by adding your own ratings and reviews.
