Decided to pop into town to catch the film The Martian by Ridly Scott based on the book by Andy Weir – more on that in a separate piece.
We were in a rush to eat before the film and town was packed on account of a World Cup Qualifier between the All Blacks and Georgia. So we needed somewhere to eat that would serve us a decent bite and be quick about it.
Gourmet Burger Kitchen on Mill Lane seemed to fit the bill so we gave it a go.
The decor is a bit of an odd mix if I’m honest. Diner crossed with 70’s wall-cladding crossed with working men’s club leather bench seating. Let me stress that’s not to say I don’t like it – quite the opposite – it’s quite quirky and oddly cosy
I kicked off with a surprisingly good grilled halloumi and jalapeno dip starter. The halloumi was soft and moist – much better than your average rubbery supermarket block.
It was jolly good.
Mains were burgers, a shared portion of chunky skin-on chips and a side salad. The chips were excellent and one portion was plenty enough for us.
Burgers were a Chicken with Cranberry and Camembert,
and a GBK Cheese and Bacon.
Clearly working hard to hold it together due to the rush of pre-rugby-match customers the staff did a great job of smiling through the chaos and offering alternatives to ingredients that that run out – the camambert in my burger was happily substituted with goat’s cheese and if anything that made it even better.
There was a moment of Fawlty-esque farce where we received the wrong meals and the manager stopped in and snatched them from under our noses. But they were replaced almost immediately with the correct dishes and fresh chips – all handled with a smile.
Suffice to say both burgers were very good. They were speedily served with charm (and an organic IPA – which helps) in quirky warm surroundings. If you’re looking for a tasty bite in a rush then what’s not to like?
Recommended
Eat see hear Cardiff 