Think stereotypical American food done averagely and you have it here, food in baskets, gingham check paper, fried everything, burgers and beer. NY Burger Kitchen at the end of Call Lane is Leeds’ new burger joint, here to start the burger revolution apparently, though a far cry from what it actually delivers.

If you want beers with the guys, hen parties strutting past in miniscule tutus and some frozen mozzarella sticks that are masquerading as something edible, go ahead, this is the place for you. However if you are actually looking for a burger revolution, something that cut above the rest, something different this will fall far short of your expectations.

Proudly highlighting ‘Leeds Market 100% Beef’ burgers, you are immediately lured in with the salivating anticipation of a medium rare juicy and slightly pink patty with an absolute guarantee of no horse. The menu lacks a rebellious range of burgers to sincerely call itself revolutionary. Amongst the burger options are bacon and cheese, honey and rum, the ‘California’ burger which has the addition of guacamole and Monterey Jack cheese and a blue cheese burger. It’s nothing much off the beaten track and prices still range from £8.50-£9.50. The basic burger costs £6.50, though this is completely bog-standard, without any addition of cheese, bacon, guacamole or whatever you fancy. Indeed, these all come at the cost of £1 for each addition; excessively steep for a square of burger cheese if you ask me. So when faced a decision, we tried to be as ostentatious as the menu allowed, opting for a honey and rum burger, nachos, bullets and arrows (jalapeño poppers and mozzarella sticks) and calamari. Having ordered at the bar we sat down in the surrounding area to soak up the bustling atmosphere, which I have to say is this place’s redeeming factor. The interior is cool, dark and lively. The staff are friendly, plentiful and busy. Though the food, which was shortly to be delivered, swallowed up every success. The burger seemed to have a distinct lack of being anything other than bland and boring, something even my burger connoisseur-companion reluctantly admitted.  The assorted appetisers were what you would expect from the frozen aisle in Morrisons. The food lacked anything innovative about it. It was a burger yes. It was in a bun, had meat in the middle and some assorted interiors, yes. But to claim that it will deliver the burger revolution is wholly incorrect; it was nothing new, radical or wonderful.

So if you are in need of somewhere to watch the game in town for some average food at a reasonable price or to participate in their 18oz burger challenge – something all the kids seem to be up to these days, this is your place.  Otherwise do not go if you want to have your ‘burger in bun’ ideas shattered, as this place did nothing to even splinter mine.

words: Poppy Bethell