Monday 1 December 2014

Gourmet Burger Kitchen (GBK)

Oxford City Centre

Reviewed by Hannah Holt

Having frequented Gourmet Burger Kitchen (GBK) many times myself, and dragging friends along relentlessly as well, I can honestly recommend it as a fail-safe burger place. It’s a brilliant student haunt, with customizable milkshakes a plenty, from peanut butter to lime, and well worth a visit or two.

With a wonderfully broad menu that often showcases specials including buffalo and Persian lamb, it’s a burger lover’s dream.

Don’t stop at mains though, sweet potato fries have long evaded my cooking skills and GBK is one restaurant that does them perfectly, along with complimentary ‘baconnaise’ to die for.

The GBK app gives all students 30% off the bill, and the £5.95 lunch menu offer are just more little extras that makes this restaurant, in my opinion, a brilliant cheap treat for all students.

Food type - Burgers
Food/Drink quality - 4/5
Dietary requirements - 4/5
Service - 5/5
Value - 4/5
Décor - 4/5 (Complimentary monkey nuts by the bar)

Find out more www.gbk.co.uk/location/oxford

Monday 3 November 2014

Malmaison Brasserie

Oxford City Centre

Reviewed by Hannah Holt

The Malmaison hotel restaurant, built into the old Oxford prison - where many of the cells have been refurbished into elegant rooms - lives up to the high standards of the famous chain.

In the cellar resides the elegant and chic Malmaison Brasserie, a gorgeous restaurant with a wine list to match the splendour of the castle.

The menu focuses on hearty European dishes that will leave any hungry tummy stuffed. The cooked-to-order aged steaks are gradually becoming my favourite dish on the menu. There is also the classic burger selection along with more adventurous dishes of Goan tiger prawn curry and ahi tuna tartar, meaning there is always something to fit all tastes.

The fixed menu Sunday lunch offers enough variety but at a lower price, meaning you can pig out in style without completely breaking the bank. A bit pricey at times, yes, but there are often sharing deals on the website, and for a celebratory meal at the end of the year, the surroundings and quality of splendid food is well worth the price tag.

Food type - European
Food/Drink quality - 5/5 (Check out the extensive cocktail list)
Dietary Requirements - 4/5
Service - 5/5
Value - 3/5

Décor - 5/5

Find out more www.malmaison.com/locations/oxford/brasserie/