Five Guys

Five Guys is Five Guys. You already know what this is. American-style burgers made to order with whatever toppings you want from a list of about fifteen, hand-cut fries that come in a cup inside a bag and then they throw another scoop of fries into the bag for good measure, and free peanuts while you wait. It’s a formula and it works. The burgers are thick, juicy, cooked through (no pink, that’s the deal), and the bun holds up better than most fast-casual places manage.

Manchester has locations in the Arndale Centre, the Printworks, and the Trafford Centre. They’re all essentially identical – red and white tiles, celebrity quotes on the walls, and the smell of peanuts and beef hitting you the moment you walk in. The Cajun fries are the move over regular. A bacon cheeseburger with all the toppings is the standard order and it’s solid every time.

The Catch

Five Guys is not cheap for what it is. A burger, fries, and a drink will run you around fifteen to eighteen quid, which is a lot for a fast-casual chain. The portions justify it – the regular fries could feed two people – but you’re paying a premium for consistency. No surprises, no disappointments, no bookings needed. Just walk in and eat.