Review of 'Gourmet Burger Kitchen'
Situated conveniently on Regent Street which recently seems to be awash with new restaurants Gourmet Burger Kitchen (GBK) is one of the latest locations for this chain originally in London. On offer are a number of types of burgers made from “100% Aberdeen-Angus Beef” and are, very tasty. They do also offer the token vegetarian options (salads, falafel, and mushroom) as well as some non-beef offerings (chicken, sausage, lamb and venison) though, I would pass those by and go for the hamburgers (mind you, the venison is tempting…).
The problem is the cost, and the rather noisy, small, restaurant. The burgers start at £5.55 (for the basic “Classic”) and range up to £7.75 (for the “Breakfast Burger”). Burgers do NOT come with chips which are an extra £2.45 and drinks are completely over the top with soft drinks at £1.85 and beers at £2.95.
That is not to say the burgers and chips are not tasty – Quite the opposite. They are juicy (not overdone even though they say they are “medium” they are nicely pink in the middle) and terribly tasty. The chips are just the right side of crispy (though a bit of a small portion for the money). The fresh squeezed orange juice is a bit of a refreshing change (there is, of course, the cost that appears to taint the flavour though). The burgers are presented towering on a plate by themselves with a long wooden skewer through the middle to keep all the fillings, the meat and bun all together - let's admit it, the damn thing makes the massive thing eatable (though be prepared to loose half the fillings while you eat).
If I appear to be completely distracted regarding the price, that is because I am. It really did effect my enjoyment of the very tasty meal. Why should it cost £12 for a burger, chips and a drink?
When I visited the restaurant was very busy with a fair number of office types (who probably can afford it) but how long this will last remains to be seen. Staff are reasonably attentive as they show you to the table and deliver the food when it is ready – but that is the extent of their involvement as you have to order (and pay immediately) at the counter. One would think for this price table service might be on offer…
Rating: “A bit better than average”
Review Date: 2007-06-29
Cuisine: American/British
Address: 43-45 Regent Street, Cambridge CB2 1AB
Location: Cambridge (England)
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Telephone: 01223 312 598