Search On For Wrexham’s Best Burger!

A new challenge has been set for some of Wrexham’s Tourism Ambassador Businesses to create the ultimate Welsh burger that captures the region’s unique local produce.

North East Wales is home to some of the UK’s best local food & drink producers, complemented by World Class Chefs so in association with Visit Wales, the Destination Wrexham Partnership is launching the Wrexham Gourmet Burger Challenge, encouraging Wrexham’s cafés and restaurants to design an exclusive burger that showcases local Welsh produce.

Joe Bickerton, Destination Manager at Wrexham County Borough Council said: “This competition has been inspired by the popularity of the weird yet wonderful Leek Cupcake produced by the Tea Rooms in Chirk last year. Although we have some amazing local producers in this area, it’s important that we compete with other foodie destinations and give our visitors something different – a burger with a real twist.

“The more we can link up our local producers with our restaurants and cafes, the more that this Welsh food experience will come through and allow local businesses to develop further.”

Staff from the Royal Oak in Bangor-on-Dee are up for the challenge. L-R; Bar Manager Marc Griffiths, Joe Bickerton Wrexham County Borough Council, Chefs Martin Roberts and Daniel Roberts and Managing Director Andrew Smeaton .

Andrew Smeaton, Managing Director of the Royal Oak in Bangor-on-Dee said: “Our chefs are fully committed to sourcing locally where possible and the Erddig steak burger was one of our best-selling dishes last year.

“As Wrexham Tourism Ambassadors, we know the importance of food tourism in North East Wales and can’t wait to come up with a burger that will really represent the taste of the area.”

Businesses wishing to enter the Wrexham Gourmet Burger Challenge must register onto the Wrexham Tourism Ambassador scheme which is free to join, and serve up the burger daily between 19th January and 16th February.

During this time, as well as having a mystery shop (or two), those taking part will be encouraged to talk about their burger on social media and to urge guests to share their own photos and reviews.

The judges will select three burgers to compete head to head at the Wrexham Tourism Business Club at the end of February.

Other Wrexham Tourism Ambassador businesses and several leading regional chefs will be on hand to judge the winning burger ahead of a launch on St David’s Day.

Expressions of interest to take part must be sent by email before Friday 16th January 2015 to [email protected] or via tweets to @DestinationWxm

Wrexham.com staff are happy to offer their services to taste any entries, or test burgers created prior to entry!

Top pic: Chef Adam Bottomley from the Waterside Restaurant at the Lion Quays with his burger creation!