Post by Gas Go Marching In on Nov 19, 2014 13:09:24 GMT
BRISTOL'S burger scene is expanding like never before. The range on offer in the city stretches from the ubiquitous Big Mac to trendy top-of-the-range feasts favoured by the likes of the Chancellor of the Exchequer. In recent months Bristol has seen two high-profile openings and even more are being planned for the near future.
McDonald's has long dominated the market but new arrivals are becoming ever more sophisticated in their approach.
In fact one of the newest arrivals on the scene – Byron Burger at Clifton Triangle – goes for the luxury market. George Osborne was famously pictured wolfing down a Byron as he worked on last year's Budget.
The two new arrivals on the scene both go for the American approach and both are expected to be big hits in what is fast becoming a saturated market.
Eleven things visitors to Bristol end up asking
Plead the Fifth, a nod to the American constitution, has just opened in Park Row. The new burger bar is the brainchild of Chris Bell, from Bishopsworth, who has been working as a restaurant manager in Jersey.
The 36-year-old has taken on a dozen staff aged between 17 and 24, who he is training to work in the industry. They will also be joined by experienced head chef Mark Campbell.
Chris, who has 15 years of experience working in fine dining and chain restaurants, said: "We want to share a range of good American food and a taste of American culture in a fun, friendly way.
"I've taken on a team who are excited to be part of something new. Some have already had years of experience in the industry, but it's been a first job for others. But what they all have in common is enthusiasm and it's great to give them this opportunity."
The food, which will be sourced from fresh local produce, will cover a wide range of American cuisine – such as Jambalaya and Cajun from Louisiana and Texan-style fried steak.
Head chef Mark, from Bath, has worked in Michelin-starred restaurants in London, Barnsley House in Cirencester and the King William I in Bath.
He said: "We hope to give people a taste of America that they may be less familiar with, such as soda pop pork chops, which are marinated in root beer."
Meanwhile, Five Guys has arrived in Bristol with something of a bang. The fast-growing chain has opened for business in Cabot Circus and is already proving to be a huge hit.
The company is already one of the most popular on the other side of the Atlantic.
Although the burgers tend to be on the expensive side, Five Guys makes up with free toppings and as much soft drinks as anyone could possibly want to guzzle.
There are also plenty of American staples on offer, including hot dogs and just about any combination of burger that anyone could ever wish for.
And if all that was not enough to tickle the tastebuds, one of Bristol's most anticipated new openings is imminent. Meat Liquor, with its mixture of booze, rock and roll and burgers, is one of the trendiest eating places in London. The opening of its latest restaurant in Stokes Croft is thought to be a matter of months away.
Our top 11 burger joints...
Chomp, near Temple Meads
Operating from a truck close to Temple Meads train station, the Bristol favourite is about to find a permanent home in St Nicholas Street. Chomp serves burgers, steak sandwiches and specials such as “seriously beefy stew” (£3.50) or chilli beef sandwiches with jalapenos. The people behind the mobile burger joint are Jake Black and his wife Lisa, who gave up jobs in London and spent a year travelling around the world to research burgers across the globe before settling in Bristol.
Grillstock, Clifton Triangle and St Nicholas Market
Born out of the Harbourside festival, which is a unique concoction of beer, burgers and mayhem, Grillstock can be found at St Nicholas' Market and on the Clifton Triangle. As well as offering slabs or smoked meat, the American-style diner serves up classic burgers and hot-dogs. There is talk of the Bristol favourite becoming a national chain.
Burger Joint, Southville and Clifton
The aptly named restaurant is another firm favourite. The first restaurant opened in Clifton, but a second followed in Southville. Owner Dan Bekhradnia has attempted to making his menu more exotic. Specialities include wild boar burger with chorizo, melted Cheddar, apple sauce and mayo.
Urban Standard, Gloucester Road, Montpelier
A collaboration between Dominic Wood and chef Tim Moores, the Gloucester Road eaterie serves up an American-style menu of BBQ wings, pulled pork sandwiches and burgers, but also does a good range of European tapas dishes and daily specials, along with coffees and a fully licensed bar, including several craft ales.
Atomic Burger, Gloucester Road, Bristol
Bishopton’s very own Atomic Burger is as much a burger joint as a homage to all things 1970s. The decor includes Pac Man wallpaper, a ceiling decorated with iconic figures from Seventies children’s TV shows and a Panini sticker album-style loyalty card. The burgers are all named after American cultural icons, washed down with milkshakes and craft ales.
Rocotillos, Clifton Triangle
A veteran on the Bristol burger scene, the Clifton Triangle cafe is a popular haunt for students. The 1950s-style US diner – complete with spinning stools and leather booths – offers a range of triple-decker sandwiches, quesadillas, burgers, American pancakes, muffins and, of course, “triple-X” milkshakes.
Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Park Street
Based in Cabot Circus, the chain has grown rapidly since its original London site was opened by three Kiwi friends, 13 years ago. Burgers made from 100 per cent South West-sourced beef are the unique selling point, although the 24 different types of burgers also include chicken, fish and three veggie options.
Byron Burgers, Clifton Triangle
One of the newest arrivals on the scene, Bryon Burgers are traditional style burgers with knobs on. The burger, which is a favourite of Chancellor George Osborne, is at the very top end of the market. The restaurant on Clifton Triangle is definitely not for those looking for a cheap bite to eat.
Ciao Burger, Gloucester Road
Now into its 23rd year, this Gloucester Road fixture dishes up high-quality, chargrilled beef burgers as well as chicken and vegetarian patties. If you have the room, you can always accompany the burgers with one of the cafe’s speciality thick shakes.
Stove Monkey Smokehouse, Stokes Croft
Opened a year ago in the heart of Stokes Croft, the burger bar fits in perfectly with the trend for 'Dude Food'. Run by ex-River Cottage Canteen chef Brendan Baker, the joint has clearly been influenced by the success of places such as Grillstock. There is an emphasis on bottled craft ales along with burgers, salads and sourdough flatbreads.
Yo Yo Burger Express, Clifton Triangle
Open late on Clifton Triangle, Yo Yo Burger is popular with the late-night clientele. It offers exotic meats in its burgers, including bison, crocodile, kangaroo and ostrich. Customers can also order their food online.
Read more: www.bristolpost.co.uk/BRISTOL-S-BURGEONING-BURGER-BARS/story-24557775-detail/story.html#ixzz3JWH9BKZa
Follow us: @bristolpost on Twitter | bristolpost on Facebook
McDonald's has long dominated the market but new arrivals are becoming ever more sophisticated in their approach.
In fact one of the newest arrivals on the scene – Byron Burger at Clifton Triangle – goes for the luxury market. George Osborne was famously pictured wolfing down a Byron as he worked on last year's Budget.
The two new arrivals on the scene both go for the American approach and both are expected to be big hits in what is fast becoming a saturated market.
Eleven things visitors to Bristol end up asking
Plead the Fifth, a nod to the American constitution, has just opened in Park Row. The new burger bar is the brainchild of Chris Bell, from Bishopsworth, who has been working as a restaurant manager in Jersey.
The 36-year-old has taken on a dozen staff aged between 17 and 24, who he is training to work in the industry. They will also be joined by experienced head chef Mark Campbell.
Chris, who has 15 years of experience working in fine dining and chain restaurants, said: "We want to share a range of good American food and a taste of American culture in a fun, friendly way.
"I've taken on a team who are excited to be part of something new. Some have already had years of experience in the industry, but it's been a first job for others. But what they all have in common is enthusiasm and it's great to give them this opportunity."
The food, which will be sourced from fresh local produce, will cover a wide range of American cuisine – such as Jambalaya and Cajun from Louisiana and Texan-style fried steak.
Head chef Mark, from Bath, has worked in Michelin-starred restaurants in London, Barnsley House in Cirencester and the King William I in Bath.
He said: "We hope to give people a taste of America that they may be less familiar with, such as soda pop pork chops, which are marinated in root beer."
Meanwhile, Five Guys has arrived in Bristol with something of a bang. The fast-growing chain has opened for business in Cabot Circus and is already proving to be a huge hit.
The company is already one of the most popular on the other side of the Atlantic.
Although the burgers tend to be on the expensive side, Five Guys makes up with free toppings and as much soft drinks as anyone could possibly want to guzzle.
There are also plenty of American staples on offer, including hot dogs and just about any combination of burger that anyone could ever wish for.
And if all that was not enough to tickle the tastebuds, one of Bristol's most anticipated new openings is imminent. Meat Liquor, with its mixture of booze, rock and roll and burgers, is one of the trendiest eating places in London. The opening of its latest restaurant in Stokes Croft is thought to be a matter of months away.
Our top 11 burger joints...
Chomp, near Temple Meads
Operating from a truck close to Temple Meads train station, the Bristol favourite is about to find a permanent home in St Nicholas Street. Chomp serves burgers, steak sandwiches and specials such as “seriously beefy stew” (£3.50) or chilli beef sandwiches with jalapenos. The people behind the mobile burger joint are Jake Black and his wife Lisa, who gave up jobs in London and spent a year travelling around the world to research burgers across the globe before settling in Bristol.
Grillstock, Clifton Triangle and St Nicholas Market
Born out of the Harbourside festival, which is a unique concoction of beer, burgers and mayhem, Grillstock can be found at St Nicholas' Market and on the Clifton Triangle. As well as offering slabs or smoked meat, the American-style diner serves up classic burgers and hot-dogs. There is talk of the Bristol favourite becoming a national chain.
Burger Joint, Southville and Clifton
The aptly named restaurant is another firm favourite. The first restaurant opened in Clifton, but a second followed in Southville. Owner Dan Bekhradnia has attempted to making his menu more exotic. Specialities include wild boar burger with chorizo, melted Cheddar, apple sauce and mayo.
Urban Standard, Gloucester Road, Montpelier
A collaboration between Dominic Wood and chef Tim Moores, the Gloucester Road eaterie serves up an American-style menu of BBQ wings, pulled pork sandwiches and burgers, but also does a good range of European tapas dishes and daily specials, along with coffees and a fully licensed bar, including several craft ales.
Atomic Burger, Gloucester Road, Bristol
Bishopton’s very own Atomic Burger is as much a burger joint as a homage to all things 1970s. The decor includes Pac Man wallpaper, a ceiling decorated with iconic figures from Seventies children’s TV shows and a Panini sticker album-style loyalty card. The burgers are all named after American cultural icons, washed down with milkshakes and craft ales.
Rocotillos, Clifton Triangle
A veteran on the Bristol burger scene, the Clifton Triangle cafe is a popular haunt for students. The 1950s-style US diner – complete with spinning stools and leather booths – offers a range of triple-decker sandwiches, quesadillas, burgers, American pancakes, muffins and, of course, “triple-X” milkshakes.
Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Park Street
Based in Cabot Circus, the chain has grown rapidly since its original London site was opened by three Kiwi friends, 13 years ago. Burgers made from 100 per cent South West-sourced beef are the unique selling point, although the 24 different types of burgers also include chicken, fish and three veggie options.
Byron Burgers, Clifton Triangle
One of the newest arrivals on the scene, Bryon Burgers are traditional style burgers with knobs on. The burger, which is a favourite of Chancellor George Osborne, is at the very top end of the market. The restaurant on Clifton Triangle is definitely not for those looking for a cheap bite to eat.
Ciao Burger, Gloucester Road
Now into its 23rd year, this Gloucester Road fixture dishes up high-quality, chargrilled beef burgers as well as chicken and vegetarian patties. If you have the room, you can always accompany the burgers with one of the cafe’s speciality thick shakes.
Stove Monkey Smokehouse, Stokes Croft
Opened a year ago in the heart of Stokes Croft, the burger bar fits in perfectly with the trend for 'Dude Food'. Run by ex-River Cottage Canteen chef Brendan Baker, the joint has clearly been influenced by the success of places such as Grillstock. There is an emphasis on bottled craft ales along with burgers, salads and sourdough flatbreads.
Yo Yo Burger Express, Clifton Triangle
Open late on Clifton Triangle, Yo Yo Burger is popular with the late-night clientele. It offers exotic meats in its burgers, including bison, crocodile, kangaroo and ostrich. Customers can also order their food online.
Read more: www.bristolpost.co.uk/BRISTOL-S-BURGEONING-BURGER-BARS/story-24557775-detail/story.html#ixzz3JWH9BKZa
Follow us: @bristolpost on Twitter | bristolpost on Facebook
& i was going to mention the Roo burgers I have in the freezer that I found in the reduced section the other day.
