Filthy Cow

Before I get into this latest review an apology for the lack of posts recently. Unfortunately the Meat camera went missing and so left me out of action for a while. It has been replaced and so we're back!! 

And where better to start than with Manchester's latest burger restaurant? 

http://www.filthyfood.co.uk/

A Filthy Cow (note heels)

Filthy Cow opened just less than a month ago and I've been keen to check it out since then. 
The restaurant idea was thought up and put together by 23 year old Jordan Gallimore, with the idea to make great burgers, not burgers that are piled high with everything imagineable. From the preview photos she released on the website prior to opening the interior looked very intriguing, but now it's open I had to go down and see how it looked for myself and more importantly how the burgers were. 

The restaurant is located just a couple of streets away from the busy Albert Square and so is in a prime location, and not too far to walk if you're craving a Filthy Cow burger after shopping. 

Walking up Tib Lane the bright yellow cow sign hanging above the door lets you know where to aim for. As you get closer the yellow intensity increases as the sign is accompanied by a yellow neon cow in the window. The shop front isn't huge but the attention is drawn with the bright colours. 

Filthy Cow shop front

Inside it's a little darker with a more industrial feel about it. Exposed ducting systems, dim lighting, rustic woodwork and lots of steel. There's seating at the ground floor and first floor, with the ground floor seating mostly in little booths (each named after a cow). There are some booths at first floor but there are a lot more traditional tables and chairs up here. I have to admit I didn't use the restroom facilities but I imagine these were located on the third floor as I didn't see them at ground floor or first floor. 

There are more neon cows, with the odd flash of udder. Naughty! And graffiti slogans on the walls. 

Filthy Secret

Show me your udders

An invitation you can't turn down

Entering the shop we were warmly approached and the process of how they take orders and serve food was explained. We then opted for the booth at the first floor with the bright pink cow with various kinky toys strapped to it. Fun and quirky. 

Probably the most Filthy Cow in the restaurant

Filthy Cow Menu

Browsing the menu on the table there was a choice of 5 different burgers, all of which contain a single patty and 1 of these is the vegetarian option. There is a special burger which can been seen from the special board above the serving station. There are sides of fries, onion rings or slaw. There are a couple of dessert options, then drinks including IPA, beers, ciders, soft drinks or milkshakes. 

The menu's are designed to be filled in and handed in at the service point at the back of the ground floor. With no pens available I thought it just as easy to read my order to the staff at the counter. Once you have placed your order you are given a buzzer and return to your table. You then have to go back to the service point to collect your food. For what seems like a proper restaurant I had expected a little more service, however without requesting the staff said they would bring our food over as it was quiet. This is a very fast food-esque for what I had imagined as more of a traditional restaurant type of meal. 
Condiments can be picked up at the side of the service point from an aptly shaped shelving system.

Condiments stand

I had opted for the Filthy Beat burger (£7.50), a beef patty, bacon, cheese, filthy sauce, and the usual salads (lettuce, gherkins, tomato). To accompany it I ordered fries, onion rings and a chocolate milkshake (as I'm a big kid at heart!). 

It wasn't long after returning to our booth that our drinks arrived. The chocolate milkshake I think topped the chocolate scales for any milkshake I've ever had. If anything it was too chocolaty. The sweet taste was good with the savory burgers but the chocolate overwhelmed me. My partner had opted for the vanilla milkshake which she assured me was much better. 

Filthy Cow Milkshakes (£4.50)

The food followed not much later. Tightly wrapped paper parcels of food that looked a lot larger than we were expecting for single patty burgers. 

Wrapped Filthy Burger

Unwrapping the burger was exposed what seemed like an encased explosion of cheese, lettuce and sauce all stuck to the wrapper. In the centre was an excellent looking burger though with a decent thick patty, melted cheeses, crispy bacon and lots of filthy sauce. 

Filthy Burger (£7.50)

Biting into the burger was a delight. The meat was soft, pink and juicy. Probably one of the best lightly done patties that I've had. Not too rare but not overdone either. The filthy sauce had a generic burger sauce taste about it, but with a hint of extra mustard and additional peppery tang. The salad was as fresh as you could get and added a cool hit. The bacon was possibly my favourite bit. Really crunchy without being over done and a great smoky taste to it. So far I was highly impressed. 

Manchester's Pinkest Patty? The Filthy Burger topped with crispy bacon, cheese, filthy sauce and salad (£7.50)

Tucking into the fries (£2.50), they had a nice light crunch to them, and were heavily salted but flavoured with just the right amount of Rosemary. 

Despite how great the fries were the onion rings were my favourite side order (£2.50). They had a darker colour to onion rings you find in most restaurants, and were heavily seasoned with salt and Rosemary herbs. The fried coating was extremely crisp and the seasoning created an incredible taste! Finishing them off I wish my stomach had room for another batch but alas, I was full. 

Onion Rings £2.50

Conculsion

Unfortunately there are some fairly extensive roadworks going on very close by which is hindering the view up Tib Lane and probably not helping draw a crowd to Filthy Cow. This and because Filthy Cow is new it's still trying to make it's presence known meant it was fairly quiet the afternoon we visited. With food this good though it shouldn't take long until the place is full. Jordan has obviously put a lot of hard work not only into the restaurant but into taking the time to perfect her menu. 

The patties may be the best cooked that I've had Manchester. The burgers are simple yet effective and make for an excellent meal. The sides orders are generous in portion size and compliment the main burgers well. The meal is reasonably priced at around £15 for a side, a drink, and one of the larger burgers. They're priced well with other burger restaurants in Manchester. However, the lack of service I think is a bit of a let down. Granted on this visit our food was brought to our table, I think this is worth noting that it's definitely priced at the premium end if fast food is their aim. But then if Filthy Cow is branding itself as a "fast food" restaurant then it's making premium fast food that can warrant the price.

The only other criticism I have is of the chocolate milkshake. To me it was just too rich with chocolate. This may be how some people like their milkshakes but everyone I dined with tried it and agreed it was too much. So next time I return I'd personally opt for a different drink. 

I will be returning though as this simple burger has jumped up into my list of go-to places in Manchester. I'm salivating at the thought of another of Filthy Cow's juicy patties. Fingers crossed the word gets spread about Filthy Cow and the roadworks are finished soon so that the restaurant becomes more obvious. 

@filthycowuk

Filthy Cow Facebook

Meat Rating: 8/10

Money for Meat: Voucher exchanged for burger, sides and drink paid in full