Good quality burgers at knock down prices (Gourmet Burger Kitchen in General)

Member Name: chazzabelle

Product:	Gourmet Burger Kitchen in General
Date:	26/11/08 (77 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cheap, good food, fun

Disadvantages: Lack of atmosphere in the restaurants

I've only recently discovered Gourmet Burger Kitchen, since a branch opened in Birmingham where I lived last year. And I'm pleased it did.

THE BRAND

Gourmet Burger Kitchen originated over in New Zealand and heralds itself as an alternative to the fast food burgers of McDonalds or Burger King variety. They claim they use the finest beef, chicken or venison cuts and have an extensive menu that has been designed with quality in mind. The first branch was opened in Battersea, London and has now spread throughout the UK.

MY EXPERIENCE

The last time I went to GBK, it was the other day and was in East Dulwich, London. We had a 2-4-1 voucher on all main meals which always puts a restaurant in high esteem in my opinion!

The service was good - GBK is an order at the bar kind of place- but you do get drinks ordered by table service. The menu was extensive with a huge range of toppings, including Mexican (guacamole, soured cream and salsa), Chilli (chilli sauce and salad) as well as some chicken and (rather predictable) vegetarian options as well. I went for the blue cheese burger which is simply a burger topped with blue cheese sauce which was excellent.

The reason I come back to GBK time and time again is not just the price (around £7-£8 a burger depending) but also the immense size of the things. They come out with a stick in the middle to keep together the thick bun, huge burger, salad and extras. The burgers are always slightly pink in the middle which is fantastic and a refreshing change to the processed beef burgers of fast food chains. We always order a side of chips and they are chunky and crispy.

The only thing that really lets down this chain is the atmosphere. I've been to a few in my time and the atmosphere really isn't something to write home about. They are often in huge buildings with little or no low lighting and often give across the impression of a canteen rather than an atmospheric restaurant. But then again, it could be argued that it's not that sort of chain. The ethos of GBK really seems to be great burgers at knock down prices - and that's more than OK with me. With the 2-4-1 we had dinner for two including wine for £20. What more can one ask for.

Summary: Definately one to try for a mid week treat