FOOD and dining out trends come and go, and while some of them are novelty there are trends that are highly welcome and one wishes to see them stay.

Local and sound sourcing with good provenance is a trend that has gathered momentum in recent years, and it is interesting to see this even being reflected now by the big international fast food brands.

The Gourmet Burger Kitchen (GBK) Company has led the way on local sourcing and sound provenance and has proved attractive to many who enjoy informal dining and quality fast food versus the still rather inferior offerings from the big brands.

GBK Company was founded back in 2001 by three Kiwis, and from one restaurant in London has now expanded to 60 branches.

Andover’s nearest GBK is Basingstoke’s branch at Festival Place and is ideal for those wanting to dine anytime from late morning or through the evening during or after a shopping trip or before a film or a show.

Besides ‘The Mighty’, of ‘trencherman proportions’ (£12.55), I have enjoyed in the past their ‘Buffalo’ (£10.55) with the burger made from Laverstoke Park Farm’s buffalo, which, certainly in Basingstoke’s case, only had 10 food miles to travel!

For those who don’t want to eat their bovine friends, various chicken burgers are offered as well as a Persian lamb offering and a haddock burger panko crumbed.

Vegetarians are not neglected either with three delicious offerings The quality of the ingredients and the sheer variety on offer will tempt the most cynical of foodie who, if they’re like me, has a general low regard for the normally highly processed burger.

With the kitchen and pass fully visible to diners, this reinforces one’s confidence in the GBK mission. The accompaniments and sides are first class as is the friendly and informal service. Also, unlike big fast food establishments, you can enjoy a beer or wine with your burger.

At our most recent visit during the January sales I enjoyed their ‘Classic’ (6oz), served with house mayo and relish in a bun (£6.75) and my wife ordered their ‘Cheese’ (6oz) and smoked Cheddar (with the option of mature Cheddar or American cheese) with house mayo and relish (£7.95). The burgers scored well both in texture and taste aided by the fact that they were not cooked to a uniform beige but as bien cuit. Four ounce patty portions are also offered for about £2 less.

The accompaniments and sides, ‘Chunky skin-on Fries’ (£3.25) and ‘Home-made Onion Rings’ (both £3.35 each) were excellent and, whilst the latter was described as ‘unbelievably good’, believe you me, you will only need one portion of each per two diners!

A complimentary glass of help-yourself monkey nuts each, while you wait for your meal to be freshly cooked, a bottle of San Miguel for me (£3.50) and a heavenly peanut butter milk shake for my wife (£4.45) brought this quality fast food meal bill to a total of £29.25. For those on a budget it should be quite possible to enjoy a smaller burger, skinny fries and a soft drink for about £9 a head and still enjoy the excellent quality of this chain.

DEREK KANE