We discover what the new 'classic burger store' has to offer

When faced with a hungry husband and an empty fridge, there was nothing for it but to head down to the High Road to try out the latest offerings from Chiswick’s new burger joint - or rather "classic burger store" as is the preferred description of Ground, a new concept from the Relish Restaurants Ltd stable.

After a six week major refurbishment, the former Ask Pizza reopened on 24th August as the incongruously named Ground specialising “in a great range of burgers and salads using only traceable produce including the likes of organic chicken, grass fed scotch beef and a great range of organic ice creams.”

The light contemporary but somewhat bland décor is not particularly enhanced by the uninviting high stools that line the bar and occupy the majority of the ground floor but the bustling open kitchen exuding aromas of grilled meat does wonders for the restaurant’s allure. And with the relaxed, friendly staff complementing the easy going atmosphere, Ground certainly appears to have all the makings of a popular neighbourhood eatery.

The menu, as expected, is a catalogue of burgers in various guises. Salads, chicken dishes, steak and children's portions are also offered but we opted for a Sicilian burger (with house relish, sun blush tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella and green salad £6.95) and a Chilli burger (house relish, jalapenos, guacamole, tomato and green salad £6.75) with sides of shoestring fries £2.00, courgette chips £2.50 and onion rings £2.75.

The towering burgers served in large white high sided plates, were unmistakably home made and cooked to order if a little haphazard in their construction.  However, what the food lacked in visual finesse was more than made up for in taste – quite simply these burgers were an entire meal in a bun. The sides, mercifully not over salted nor greasy were also good.

Accompanied by a bottle of Argentinean Libertad Merlot £14.50 and finished off with two very good lattes at £1.80 each, the bill came to £40.15 (excluding service).

Emma Brophy

September 14, 2006