PERHAPS you have never been in a Chinese restaurant out of fear that you might not like what you order. Here is the chance to allay that fear.

If, on the other hand, you know all about this type of food, here is a real bargain. The lunch time buffet from noon to 4.30pm costs £5.99, with no restriction on what you can eat.

The buffet is self service. A preview of some of the available items is possible through the window. You will be shown to a table, some of which overlook the bus activity in Rougier Street. Drinks orders will be taken; alcoholic, soft, tea or coffee. We requested China tea (£1 per person) which came in a reasonable sized pot.

Pick up a plate and work your way along the heated counter selecting items that appeal or something you would like to try. Every dish is labelled. We counted nearly 30 on offer, including varieties of rice, mildly curried roast potatoes (delicious), even chips.

We each made two visits to the servery and between us sampled prawn crackers (both whole and shredded), chicken wings, spare ribs, beef in black pepper sauce, sweet and sour chicken, pork, crispy won tons and many other dishes with an intriguing foreign name. Some carried a warning as being very spicy.

There was an adequate choice for vegetarians and staff were on hand to give advice when asked.

To follow there was a choice of pineapple, kiwi, apple, orange and ice cream.

The restaurant was very busy during our visit, although no one was kept waiting for more than a minute or two before they were seated. Staff were quick to remove dirty crockery and clear vacated tables.

Although wheelchairs could access from the street, it might be difficult for a user to reach the items on the servery. However, I feel certain friends or staff would make sure that no one was left hungry.

The buffet price rises to £7.99 in the late afternoon and to £8.99 after 6.30pm for the Grand Buffet.

Children under three eat free and up to nine years old half price.