THERE are plenty of Chinese restaurants and takeaways dotted across Swindon if you fancy a taste of the Orient.

But one place you might not look is the Zen Bar and Restaurant, in Cricklade Road, Gorse Hill.

After an impassioned plea from two Adver readers who raved about the restaurant, I decided to check it out for myself.

My boyfriend and I decided to visit on a Saturday night, and thinking it was bound to be busy I called to book a table.

When we arrived I realised it wasn't necessary - there were only two other people in the restaurant.

And despite the high quality of the food, it wasn't surprising as looking through the window all you can see is a bar.

The staff were friendly and efficient and within seconds of walking through the door we had been met and shown to our table.

Moments later a basket of fresh prawn crackers were delivered - a welcome sight for two hungry, very hungry people. And they were delicious.

Glancing our eyes across the menu the choice was immense. We opted for their unlimited buffet, which costs £13.90 per person Thursday to Saturday. And because my boyfriend could have eaten a horse, we also ordered a Chicken Chow Mein (£3.80) as well. The first course was a selection of starters including seaweed, sesame fried chicken, crispy spring rolls and spare ribs.

The chow mein also came with that course and was absolutely delicious. With clear plates we were ready for the next course of crispy duck.

My motto (which I came up with on the night) is you can always judge a Chinese restaurant by how good its duck is. And the crispy duck at Zen gets two thumbs up. Plenty of pancakes, plenty of meat and enough sliced cucumbers and spring onions to keep anybody happy. By this point we were starting to feel full but there was one final course to go.

Plates full of crispy shredded beef, chicken with cashew nuts, stir fired vegetables and special fried rice were placed in front of us.

And we could not fault any of it.

Zen is the perfect place to go for a night out, and while it might not be as quiet for too long, the food makes it well worth the visit.

Prices range from £6.50 for a quarter crispy duck, £4.80 for stir fried Szechuan beef, £4.60 for sweet and sour chicken balls and £2.30 for egg fried rice. A takeaway and delivery service is also available. For bookings, or to place an order call 01793 486223.

Zen Bar And Chinese Restaurant

Cricklade Road, Gorse Hill, Swindon

Tel: 01793 486223

Open noon until 10.30pm. Monday to Thursday 11am until 11pm, Friday and Saturday 11am until 11.30pm and Sundays