Frankie springs into action

Living in a city heavy with new restaurant openings and countless eating opportunities, very rarely does an occasion arise where you feel like you simply MUST return to an establishment for a sequel.

The All Star Lanes new Spring Special however, was the ultimate exception.

Spring is quite possibly my favourite season of the year – what’s not to love? Longer days, the sunny spells which last for more than 2 hours (...if we’re lucky) but most of all? The food!

After experiencing the gloriousness that was the All Star Lanes Christmas Special, I was overcome with hunger and delight when I found out their chef had been getting creative again and had revealed their latest concoction to celebrate the arrival of spring with an extra special Pulled Lamb Burger.

I can’t deny, I wanted it baa-d.

Awaiting our meal in our comfortable booth, you’d have no idea the dining space was just steps away from a bowling alley. Whilst it would be impossible to muffle the shouts and sequels of strikes and spares that floated into the restaurant, diners cannot deny the electric and exciting atmosphere that comes along with it.



Bellies grumbling, it wasn’t long till our spring specials made their debut onto the table.

And lemmie tell you, they weren’t sheepish with the filling.

The plump brioche bun shone with a buttery glaze as it struggled to contain the dripping gravy from the thick portion of pulled lamb sandwiched between the bread.

Seasoned with rosemary and garden mint, the lamb shoulder is slow-cooked until it becomes melt-in-the-mouth soft and irresistible to anything with a pulse. Often the problem with any pulled meat (ahem), is the risk of it becoming dry and stringy, there were no such worries with this fellow however as each bite provided hearty flavours of juicy and succulent, gravy-soaked meat worthy of any roast dinner.



The mint and sour cream slaw was truly inspirational and an ingenious creation. Classic enough with light flavours of mint to compliment the taste of lamb, but with the refreshing incorporation of tangy sour cream to bring a real unique edge to the burg.

A generous side of mint sauce provides the perfect dipping opportunity for those wanting to enhance the mint seasonings even further. A traditional flavour addition I indulged in once or twice; but for me, the slaw had really nailed the mint to meat ratio and I could have happily gone without.



At £13.50 per burger, the price point may be slightly steeper than what you’d ordinarily pay for a burger without fries – and whilst I do feel the quality and flavour of the meat is reflected in the price, I’m not currently sold on the current trend which is causing a ruckus in the burg plus fries harmony.

Charge for upgrades, sure! Just don’t separate two star crossed lovers whose lasting relationship is more pinnacle than butter on bread.

Excited for the finale of our meal, the Shake was the perfect counterbalance to the rich, savouriness of our main and was our liquidised answer to the dessert sweet our taste buds craved but jeans could not handle.



It arrived in an all-American fashion complete with candy striped straw and a cloud of fluffy whipped cream.

Cushioned into the topping you’ll find a homemade chocolate brownie, gooey and moreish alongside dots of mini eggs just waiting to be crunched.

The shake itself is made up from Bourbon vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce and Chantilly Cream, filling the glass generously, thick and not overly sweet.

We drained our sundae glasses with sweet satisfaction, the perfect tipple to end our evening.

With the Spring Special available throughout April, I would highly recommend you don your bowling shoes and head to the lanes pronto for a bite of the action. After all, you’re gonna have to work up an appetite somehow!

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Posted: Thursday 14th April 2016
ID: 10322 - 1655