Five Guys, Manchester

Seriously, they have to be the ugliest burgers ever. They're consistently ugly too. From New York to Manchester - both wrinkly and squashed, with bits hanging out all over the show. So why do I go to Five Guys? Because these ugly ducklings taste sensational. 

Keep your Maccy D's and BK's; these takeaway burgers are in another league. Not only do they openly tell you where all their produce is sourced, but they advertise the fact that there are no freezers on the premises, and everything is cooked from scratch. No burgers sitting sadly on shoots. You tell your server exactly what you want, so you don't have to start rhyming off all the stuff you don't want. I'm a fan of this simple system! And they play decent music... 

This trip was a re-fuel pre Trafford Centre hell. Granted, it's not cheap, but Five Guys are one of the closest things I can get to the legendary US burger. They just taste different to your standard UK offering. For two burgers, a portion of fries and two soft drinks, you're talking about £25. Warning - do not attempt two portions of fries unless you are seriously hungry or a total warrior! We never finish one portion between us. 

Bacon cheese burger with pickle, lettuce, tomato, onion and ketchup: It looks a proper nightmare, but tastes just dreamy.

Plain bacon cheeseburger: My husband hates any kind of sauce or salad. His 'meat, cheese, bread' brief will be hit every time when extras have to be added rather than omitted. 

They might look a bugger, but they taste great and aren't laced with the horrors you would expect from the likes of your big high street chains. Five Guys will remain one of my favourite burgers for some time I think.