I’ve been dreaming about the burgers at The Edge at Lil’s in Witney ever since I tried them for the first time, the best in Oxfordshire in my humble opinion, amidst some mighty fine competition.
So news that they have launched a whole new menu, encompassing all sorts of other cuisines and dishes in their inimitable street food style, had us booking in faster than a greased pig at a rodeo.
And for once, the whole family wanted to come, The Edge at Lil’s’ reputation preceding it, unless my ebullient review had cemented itself into their brains.
They don’t really do the whole starter, mains, puds thing here, Far too cool, so we ordered starters anyway….
Either way, Saturday night saw us all crammed around a table, starving hungry and raring to go. There’s a good vibe at The Edge at Lil’s at the weekends; the cocktail bar open, locals packing out the restaurant/cafe having a drink or a meal, and a suitably relaxed atmosphere.
The dichotomy now of course is whether to go for the Mexican vibe, the steak boards or the revered burgers. Much debating ensued! At least before, the choice was excellent burgers or nothing, but now there’s options, and knowing The Edge’s Tom Pickett and Phoebe Hall, the food will be excellent.
The virgin Edgers went for the burgers – fair enough, but not before we’d crammed in a few pre snacks. They don’t really do the whole starter, mains, puds thing here, Far too cool. Everything just comes whenever. But we went for the nachos first anyway and the KBC – fried buttermilk chicken with Korean sauce, buttermilk dressing, spring onion, chilli and sesame (£8.75), because they sounded too good to ignore.
AND THEY WERE! Succulent and juicy inside, the Korean sauce packing a punch, they won hands down. The salt and pepper chicken, was, by default, less juicy even though it came with a sriracha mayo , but were still gobbled down, without touching the sides.
The nachos were good, although a long discussion ensued about the guacamole. I thought it was a bit sour, the others disagreed.
They don’t really do the whole starter, mains, puds thing here, Far too cool….we ordered starters anyway….
Then a wait, – well it was busy – and the bavette steak tacos (two for £11) the steak pulled and piled high with guacamole, chipotle, cheese fondue, pico de Gallo, crispy shallots and tomato salsa. Get in! The burritos were more brutish and less refined; the mole chicken coming with a puffed corn crumb, pickled radish, Pico de Gallo, guacamole and lime cream. The diner missed the beans, but then he used to work in Mission Burrito in Oxford, so he knows his stuff.
As for the burgers, I’ve left them until last because I didn’t want to steal everyone else’s thunder but hot diggety dog they were good. Oh my!
My daughter’s boyfriend was entirely silent from the first bite of the All Rounder until the last, finally emerging to say it was the best burger he’d ever had with a double patty, smoked streaky bacon, smoked cheddar, caramelised onions, gem lettuce, tomato, gherkin, garlic mayo, Edge BBQ sauce, and a sesame seed brooch bun. (£13.20) Come to mamma!
The Oxford Blue was another must – double smash patty, smoked streaky bacon, , garlic mayo, Oxford Blue, cheese, caramelised onions, shredded lettuce, and as sesame seed brioche bun (£13.75), was packed with salty flavour.
‘For me it’s all about the Big M which comes with a double smash patty, Marmite mayo, 60 month aged Davidstow cheddar, gherkin, pickled shallots, shredded lettuce and a sesame seed bun, and has to be seen to be believed’
The chips are separate because you have choices – the £5 waffle fries with chipotle cheese fondue and parmesan, I mean come on, or fries with parmesan and truffle, or sumac and herb. Now you’re talkin’.
But for me it’s all about the Big M which comes complete with a double smash patty, Marmite mayo, 60 month aged Davidstow cheddar, gherkin, pickled shallots, shredded lettuce and a sesame seed bun (£13.25), which has to be seen to be believed. And it is literally dripping in goodness, flavour and texture. Unbeatable.
All of the burgers also come as plant-based, and are just as good for it, losing none of the juice or flavour.
There was no pud. The ice cream maker was broken, but to be honest we were full to the brim with chicken, nachos, burgers, tacos and burritos. Happy days!
So, I’d pay them a visit. Thank me later!
The Edge at Lil’s is on Corn Street in Witney.
