Five Guys Burger and Fries

On July 4th, 2013, a momentous occasion occurred, for London, and the franchise of Five Guys, as the burger chain opened it's first store on the British Isle. Located near Leicester Square station, a flock of people arrived, ready to have their first taste of this particular burger chain. Some had been there before on trips to America, others had heard about it in the Metro or Evening Standard, but either way, nobody left disappointed.

On the opening day, the queues were crazy. One and a half hours was the general consensus for how long it would take to try this exciting new burger chain, but regardless, everyone waited for as long as they had to. They had friendly staff managing the queues, handing out menus and chatting about previous experiences with Five Guys, and what it was like to work there now. Nobody got impatient, because they knew what was awaiting them.

When you finally reached the store, they have peanuts waiting for you, just to graze on while you queue up. Everybody taking your orders is polite and friendly as well.

When you do order, they have a decent variety to choose from. I always go for the bacon cheeseburger, and you have to order your toppings as well, from ketchup to hot sauce, pickles to grilled onions. Personally my burger of choice is bacon cheeseburger, with ketchup, mustard, pickles, grilled onions and extra cheese.

Once you've placed your order, you have to wait in another queue, as you can see them preparing the burger, it just makes you want it all that much more. As your order comes in, they shout out your number, and then move you on to the soda machine (provided you bought one, obviously).

The soda machine they have in Five Guys is a magical thing. Many different varieties of drinks, Sprite, Coca Cola, Fanta, Cloudy Lemonade etc. But they best thing about this is, when you click on what you want (it's touch screen), it brings up a completely different menu, flavours. And most people would thing Coke Vanilla or Cherry, something ordinary, but this has so much. For the Sprite menu for example, they have normal Sprite, and then the flavours of vanilla, cherry, raspberry, strawberry, grape, orange and peach.

The burger itself is brilliant. Better than any other fast food chain by a mile. Two patties, filled with whatever your preference is, and it isn't just a burger. You go to McDonalds and devour that without relishing the taste, because there isn't anything to savour, it's just there. Five Guys is a whole new experience. Every bite will leave you wanting more, but wanting to savour the moment and the taste. And the fries compliment the burger well. You can either choose regular or Cajun style, and they're proper chips, made from real potatoes. Trust me, the amount of bags of potatoes around the store, you'll know these chips are real. The best thing about this burger is that you won't hate yourself after eating it. After McDonalds/Burger King, I always feel a bit frustrated that that is one of my daily meals, because you know what goes into them. And while Five Guys is still a fast food restaurant, unless you're on a strict diet, you will not hate yourself for this, because it is simply so good!

One last thing, don't get anything apart from the small fries. Anything more, and you will need someone to share with. The small fries in Five Guys will have a cup full of fries, and then like loads thrown in the bag too. Trust me on this one, it's hard to handle.

For a bacon cheeseburger, small fries, and an unlimited refill soda, it will cost you in the region of £14, which, yes, for a fast food restaurant is a little expensive, but for what you're getting, you will not regret paying that for one second, it is completely worth it!

Total Taste Score - 10/10

By Dan Lloyd (@DRL1990)