Despite its link to a giant Tesco, Mark Edwards finds the new Giraffe restaurant is head and shoulders above the rest

It was generally accepted that after a heavy night out, Abingdon folk would be seen at the Tesco cafe the following morning for a ‘big breakfast’ to soak up all the alcohol.

But habits will have to change because the traditional cafe has now been replaced by the much more eclectic Giraffe restaurant.

And while it’s going to take some getting used to, Abingdon could certainly do with some different places to eat. There are curry houses aplenty, a couple of Italians and a few other half-decent places to experience. But nothing really like Giraffe – the Abingdon branch being one of many introduced by Tesco across the UK after taking over the company last year.

Our table was booked for 6pm on a Saturday – and when we walked in, only four other tables were taken. Once you are in the restaurant, it is easy to forget it is linked to Tesco – the only giveaways being the people pushing trolleys outside and the toilets, which are linked to the main store.

However, all reservations about location should be put aside as the food we were served was spot on. In fact, it was hard to find fault with anything inside.

Giraffe was very clean, the lighting was bright enough to see without being overpowering, and the waitresses were extremely pleasant. They went out of their way to make a fuss of my seven-year-old daughter Ruby – in fact the plastic giraffe they put in her glass of Coke is still used now when she has a drink at home, and a giant activity sheet kept her amused the whole time we were there.

Food-wise she was also well catered for, choosing the children’s fish fingers and chips (£4.95), a huge helping that easily beat her.

I opted for the BBQ ribs and chicken combo (£13.95), which I would definitely choose again. The ribs fell off the bone and the chicken was really tender and came served on a fantastic wooden plate with specially-designed sections for each element of your meal – ribs, chicken, fries, coleslaw and sauces. My only issue was the piri-piri sauce, which was spicier than I expected but then I’m a wimp when it comes to hot food.

My friend Mason, probably the fussiest eater I know, ordered the Giraffe burger (£11.35), with just cheese and bacon – none of the lettuce, tomato, dill pickle, mayo and smoky tomato relish it should come with. I presume he enjoyed it, as his meal disappeared seconds after the rest of us had started.

His girlfriend, Louise, who is the opposite and eats anything, chose the chorizo sausage carbonara (£8.95). She could have done with a bit more on her plate, but was nonetheless complimentary about the mix of spiced sausage, garlic, sauce and cheese.

We made our way out and found ourselves in Tesco. It's then that you remember where you are. But by serving the kind of good quality food we experienced, I’m sure they will win over the locals in no time.