The Generous Briton on Alfreton Road is one of the many local Nottingham pubs that has closed down over the years. These days it has a new life as The Waiting Bar Chinese Restaurant , one site on the local web says “The Waiting Bar offers regional Chinese cuisine specialising in Szechuan and Cantonese dishes.”

I was walking by the other day and although it was quite empty I could see that it was patronised by the local Chinese community which I find always to be a good sign. Seemed like it was worth stepping inside.

My basic test when trying out a new Chinese place is to order their dumplings and their hot and sour soup. Well that is my story it could be that this is just one of my food weaknesses and that I might be a tiny bit addicted to both. Either way I had both in mind when I crossed over the threshold into the Generous Briton.

Dumplings

The Dumplings were small but plentiful, I liked that they had been freshly made and I liked the silken casing around the well flavoured pork and herb filling. the dipping sauce was a bit sweet but I just used a bit of soy sauce from the table condiments instead to add a bit of an extra boost. I know that my picture perhaps does not do them justice but I have to say that these are pretty decent dumplings and worth coming up here for.

Hot and Sour Soup

The Hot and Sour Soup was also pretty good, it was a very hot temperature, in fact in the whole time I was there I am not sure it even cooled down to hot. It didn’t help that it was also as expected pretty hot spice wise too. It is a more basic and rougher version of this soup but laden with all the expected goodies within. You can see the drops of chilli oil floating on the surface and that is warning sign number one. I did need to order a cold beer to ease my pain and sweats.

This is a perfect dish for when you have a bit of a cold and are blocked up as it will certainly clear your passages. Just a note of caution, if you have chapped lips be prepared for some after pain chilli wise.

All in all nothing to grumble about here, I had a beer, dumplings and a bowl of soup for just under £10. I enjoyed all three and when I need another fix of soup and dumplings I know another spot on the list to come to satisfy my needs

The Waiting Room Chinese in located up at 94-96 Alfreton Road, Nottingham, NG7 3NS. It is about 5 minutes walk away from Canning Circus and a short bus ride up from the Old Market Square