Wrexham’s Best Burger Finalists Revealed

The three finalists of the Wrexham Burger Challenge have been announced – with a live cook off scheduled to help find the winner of the County’s best burger.

Following six weeks of friendly competition between 13 eateries across the County, the Wrexham Destination Partnership are one step closer to revealing the burger which will present diners with a true taste of Wrexham for St. David’s Day.

Since January, each venue has designed their own interpretation of the ‘Wrexham Burger’ – working with local producers to source meat and ingredients. They were each challenged to promote the burger to their customers, talk about it online and really get it noticed in their restaurants.

Each venue was then mystery shopped by members of the public, Coleg Cambria catering staff and invited journalists (including us, who tried the Bellis burger!) to measure staff knowledge of the burger, the creativity in the ingredients, the presentation and of course – the taste!

Following the feedback, the three restaurants qualifying for the grand final are;
The Mulberry Inn, Llwynmawr
The Royal Oak, Bangor on Dee
Cygnets Restaurant, Pontfadog

Speaking on behalf of Cygnets in Pontfadog, 22-year old head Chef Max Payne expressed his delight at the news saying: “I am so chuffed. I have only been running my own kitchen for eight months so it’s a great confidence boost. I’m blown away by the terrific feedback we’ve had from our mystery diners. Designing our Wrexham Burger was a genuinely collaborative affair with our locals and local suppliers. I have to thank Huw and Di Williams in particular, who gave me some wood from their precious ancient Pontfadog Oak, giving my burger its uniquely hyper-local twist.”

Sharon Ratcliffe, Director at the Royal Oak in Bangor-on-Dee said: “We are delighted to have secured a place in the final with a fabulous scoring throughout the mystery shop stage. We are very proud of Martin, our Head Chef and all the team at the Royal Oak for their enthusiasm, commitment and hard work. We have our fingers crossed for the final!”

Finally, Allan Leck, owner of the Mulberry Inn, Llwynmawr added: “We are really thrilled that The Mulberry Inn’s Dafydd Burger is in the “final three”; the burger is certainly the best of all things Welsh and to be judged so highly by the expert mystery shoppers makes us all very proud.”

To help find a winner of the challenge a final cook-off between the three leading chefs will take place at Rendezvous Restaurant, Coleg Cambria, Wrexham on Tuesday 24th February and will be covered live by BBC Radio Wales. This event also forms part of the Wrexham Tourism Ambassador Business Club event programme for 2015.

Prior to the cook-off, there will be a review of the challenge over the last six weeks and upcoming news of tourism ambassador events in 2015. 

In addition, Julia Jones, Deputy Curriculum Director at Coleg Cambria will also give a short presentation to businesses on courses offered at college, developing links with employers and work based learning opportunities.

Places are free – but attendance must be booked (max three places per business) by emailing [email protected] or calling 01978 292461