The Meating Room in Berkhamsted
Berkhamsted’s latest addition, on the site of the old and much-loved Akash, has been highly anticipated. So we had to give it a go!
The Meating Room is the second restaurant opened by owners Al and Jamal following the success of their St Albans branch over the last four years. And their priority remains the same – top quality meat.
As a vegetarian I decided I couldn’t do the restaurant justice without taking a meat lover along, so I took my Mum, Pam with me. When we arrived it was a lovely warm, sunny evening and the windows were thrown open to the street. We chose to sit by the window to make the most the weather. The restaurant has a licence, but they currently don’t sell alcohol to keep it in line with their other branch, so I chose a bottle of Pear and Elderflower ‘posh pop’, while Mum brought a bottle of Savuignon Blanc with her – they don’t charge corkage but are more than happy to supply a glass. The posh pop was delicious – light and refreshing and just what I needed on a hot day. I didn’t feel I was missing out by not having wine.
Next onto the burgers. I was worried, being a burger restaurant with a strong emphasis on the meat (even in the name!), that there would be one token veggie burger for me. But I was wrong! There were three to choose from including a halloumi burger, mushroom burger and a falafel burger, which was actually vegan. I chose the falafel, and swapped the skinny fries for courgette chips, while Mum ordered the ‘Meating Room’ burger with chips, but asked for it without the bun.
It arrived soon after – which was just as well because we were starving! My falafel burger was delicious – tasty and filling but not too spicy, which is perfect as my kids want to come and try one. The courgette fries were perfect. Mum tucked into her burger and when she’d enjoyed a good few mouthfuls she concluded it was ‘the best burger I’ve ever eaten.’ It melted in her mouth, wasn’t chewy and tasted delicious. High praise indeed. She polished off the chips before I could pinch any though, so they must have been tasty too!
I was really impressed with this lovely little place. The food is good, non-fussy, but well-thought out, high quality but not high price. The restaurant was a lovely place to be and, if you just want to pop in for a quick bite to eat rather than a long leisurely meal, it’s ideal. Equally, you’re made more than welcome if you want to stay longer, like some of the tables of people who were clearly there for a while!
It’s the perfect addition to the town as we have nothing else like it. And if you get a burger craving and can’t be bothered to go into town, they deliver too – perfect!
307 High St, Berkhamsted HP4 1AL 01442 879994 www.meating-room.co.uk
