The Empire is a well managed and slick operation.
I used to stay there regularly as a visitor before I had the sense to buy a house here...and save money!
I still eat in the poolside restaurant regularly, (the last time only last Thursday) ...it is amazing value at only £15.65 per head, which includes 4 courses and 1/4 carafe of wine each. Top notch!
As far as the Fat Cat is concerned, apart from one blip a few weeks ago when the chef let them down, the food and service there is very hard to beat.
Its a tough choice which one to eat in, so I flip between both. (and there are a many other good value propositions in Upper Mostyn St and close by.. The Emperor, The Rose Tor, and just round the corner ..the Asia and Valentinos are all excellent in thier own different ways.