Go with a sense of humour, don’t expect a gourmet feast, and you will leave with a smile
Some nights feel like a time machine, and Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience leans all the way into that retro ride. The evening starts in a reception area already buzzing with pre-dinner chatter and a bar queue that moves at a polite but slow pace. While waiting, I noticed a familiar face across the crowd: double Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes. Pure chance put us at the same table later, and sitting next to her was an unexpected highlight that set the night off on a pretty unforgettable note.
Just as everyone settled into small talk, Basil burst through the doors, all sharp elbows and sharper insults, and suddenly we were in the world of 1970s British comedy. He herded us into the dining room with withering remarks aimed at both guests and his permanently confused waiter, Manuel, while Sybil trailed behind, perfectly sweet and perfectly sarcastic. It was the ideal chaotic welcome.
Instead of a single storyline, the show runs like a mixtape of classic moments from the TV series: quick-fire sketches, improvised bits, and callbacks to favourite episodes. If you grew up on reruns of Fawlty Towers, it’s a nostalgia hit you’ll love. If you have never seen the original, it can feel a bit like jumping into a box set halfway through season two. A short intro or a loose plot thread would help newcomers catch the rhythm.
That said, the cast absolutely sells it. Benedict Holme ’s Basil is a full-body performance, nailing the jerky physical comedy, sudden rages and deadpan sarcasm that made John Cleese a legend. Andrew Gruen as Manuel is a total scene-stealer: his wide-eyed confusion, lightning improvisation, and just-right Spanish accent had the whole room laughing. When a running gag about the chef’s dentures in the soup landed literally at our table, they all turned it into a perfectly timed, hilarious moment.
The food? Definitely more retro tribute than foodie destination. Think sturdy 1970s British dinner-party classics: hearty, heavy, and a little bland if you’re not here for the nostalgia. It suits the concept, but anyone expecting modern fine dining might find it a bit of a throwback in the wrong way. Still, nobody’s here for the gastronomy. The meal is a prop, and the cast makes that part of the joke. By dessert, plonked down with Basil-like abruptness, it’s clear the evening isn’t about a seamless plot or culinary fireworks. It is about slipping into a beloved slice of British TV history and enjoying a few hours of pure, silly fun.
Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience isn’t flawless. The lack of a storyline can feel a little scattered, and the menu won’t win awards. But the energy, the spot-on performances, and the chance to see these characters come alive in the middle of your dinner make it a unique night out. Go with a sense of humour, don’t expect a gourmet feast, and you’ll leave with a grin—and, if you’re as lucky as I was, maybe even a story about sharing soup (dentures and all) with an Olympic legend.