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April 24, 2009

Part of my job involves reviewing restaurants which means I’m often asked what my favourite one is. The admittedly disappointing answer is that it depends on the occasion. If it is Monday night and I can’t be bothered cooking then cheap, cheerful and local are the guidelines. If it is a landmark birthday or some other celebration then my thoughts turn to linen tablecloths, a long wine list and a kitchen that turns out exciting, thrilling food. The point is that, for me, there is no one perfect restaurant.

Having said that, there are a number of common factors that run through my favourite places to eat whether they cost a tenner or a tonne. This BBC survey, which was carried out on the back of The Restaurant show, nails the important factors. The public were asked which features would create their ideal restaurant. The results would make a good starting blueprint for any aspiring restaurateur. Rule number one: don’t even think about having a themed restaurant. Big Bubba’s Bad BBQ, pictured below, may be a hit in the States but it’s jail-theme is unlikely to attract too many BBC viewers.

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Big Bubba's Bad BBQ is popular in the States but unlikely to be number one choice for BBC viewers
The jail theme at Big Bubba's Bad BBQ is popular in the States but unlikely to be the number one choice for BBC viewers
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