The Best Pop-Up Burgers in Bath, UK

So a few weeks ago I went gluten free-ish because my health problems have apparently done a complete circle and it’s been suggested that I’m coeliac again. I’m not going to lie: I’m a very resentful healthy eater. I like food, and if my body liked to process it correctly, I would never cut a single thing out of my diet ever.

Enter me.

The Creative Slider Co. in Bath is the genius brainchild of Fran Harvey. The pop-up eatery currently holds a weekly residency at Juno Bar, which can be found in the central SouthGate district. The food is based on the American slider concept – i.e. lots of little burgers rather than one large one – which it’s about time the UK embraced.

Enter the burger.

Fran is actually a good friend of my housemate, so I’d heard about the company on many occasions. I’ve even once tried the leftovers that had been brought back to the house. So when I saw a Facebook Competition for a FREE taste of the good stuff, I was not about to miss out.

You Don’t Say No To Free Food

Now, I’m from Northern England, so I live by this adage. Regardless of my newfound gluten-free diet, I wasn’t about to pass me up some free burgers. I liked, clicked, shared the post, etc….and I won!

I gathered the troupes and headed down to Juno bar to claim my prize.

The Menu

One of the most exciting elements of The Creative Slider Co. is that the menu switches up all the time. The combinations available are weird and wonderful and something from your wildest dreams.

These were the options of the day we came, but in the past, I’ve seen curry-inspired burgers, blue cheese masterpieces and veggie options that I would considering ordering over actual meat. The latter is something that all burger lovers understand is a pretty substantial feat!

If you’re eating with friends, then the side orders are a great addition for a complete feast! Or if you want to just order them yourself then more power to you!

I opted for the Italiano and a BBQ Burger, with fries and a complimentary side of onion rings for the table! (much appreciated)

The Taste

There are so many burger joints popping up all over the country at the moment that the classic ‘super burger’ is becoming a pretty generic concept. Sometimes good ideas can simply fade into the background if chefs don’t execute them well.

This was not the case here. 

Every element of the food was perfection – the sort of perfection that can send a group of bantering friends into complete silence in a matter of moments. The burger was moist and juicy; the bun was soft and fluffy, the salad was still crisp and the sauce….

It’s hard to excel at BBQ sauce. It’s such a classic, but one faction too tangy or bitter and the whole thing falls apart. This sauce was rich in a way I can’t explain; it perfectly transformed the crisp bacon and succulent patty into an orgasmic mouth experience. Get in my belly.

The Italiano was successfully ‘dining on the Piazza in Rome’, rather than the all too common ‘crammed in a corner at Pizza Hut.’ The pesto was nutty and fresh, the mozzarella was juicy, and it all went surprisingly well with the beef center.

Even the onion rings, which I usually hate because they’re greasy and slimy, were notably un-greasy and un-slimy. To such an extent, the I actually ended up eating more than anyone else!

We stuck to standard chips, which were great in their own right, but the alternative options sound truly enticing.

The Vibe

Juno is a cool new bar with a great atmosphere. The inside is small, but there are seats at the counter and a few tables. Plus, there is plenty of seating outside that would be the ideal spot for a warm afternoon with burgers and food! Upstairs is a dedicated pool room, which is the perfect addition to the whole vibe!

Fran himself is a lovely human being, up for a chat and always smiling. There’s definitely a bit of a ‘local feel,’ with many of the punters knowing the staff. However, the intimate nature of the team and the open friendliness of the Bathonians means you soon feel part of the family!

 

The Summary

Granted, I went tried The Creative Sliders Co. because I won a free meal, but would I go back? Yes!

£10 for this fantastic meal is so so good and worth every penny. Plus, the option to have one burger as a snack for £6.50 is a great concept! For me, the most wonderful element was getting to choose and eat two delicious burgers instead of one, without my bank account/scales crying. (I’m not actually a person who weighs themselves, but you get the gist!)

Several of my friends, who weren’t competition winners, paid the full price and were equally as overjoyed with the whole experience as I was!

I can guarantee you that when I next feel the need to indulge and fall off my diet-wagon, then I will be back munching on sliders once again!

Be sure to check the Creative Slider Company on Facebook and Twitter, as they have loads of great giveaways and competitions running regularly. There’s currently an awesome food challenge happening, so get involved if you think you have what it takes!