There is no delicate way to say this, Bryon was a disappointment.

A great burger is a thing of beauty. Not a food I choose regularly but I still have very fond foodie memories of a Reuben at Foundry 39 a few years back. Plus I am always open to delicious eating opportunities.

I had high hopes for this 4-star trip advisor scoring restaurant.  Its bold font, promise of 'Proper Burgers, and tempting menu descriptions raised expectations of hearty, no-nonsense, well-cooked food.  However, I soon found myself reminiscing of better burgers gone by as Mr Bite chewed, or rather didn’t, on a flabby upstart. Mr Bite loves a burger, so between us, we know the boxes we want ticking.

Here are some hints. Get better beef that has texture and developed flavour. Next, The Edinburgh Fermentarium has an excellent range of kimchis, krauts, veggies and pickles. Re cheese – Lanark Blue would do the job, but I am many of our Scottish producers could supply you with the good stuff too.  Seasoning always helps. Buns – we have a plethora of good bakeries in Scotland.

Why? Because the result will be a meal of distinct layers of exciting flavours, tastes and textures. If Byron's point of difference in the market is 'proper burgers' it fell at the first hurdle of meat and was downhill from there.

Mr Bite's fries weren't fresh and had no redeeming qualities. My courgette fries were excellent; they were obviously cooked fresh and perhaps this is why they were the only foot put right in our meal. I chose them alongside a 'Beatnik.  A beetroot falafel patty with avocado, red pepper ketchup and rainbow slaw sounded like an exciting, attractive veggie alternative; suffice to say it slumped into the same lazy traps as its meatier stable mate. The patty needed flavour. I would suggest cumin or another spice. The joyful-sounding slaw was a sprinkle of sad red cabbage and equally despondent carrot gratings. Avocado – add some citrus and herbs.

We decided to share a brownie with ice cream as it was the only alternative to an Oreo-based cheesecake.  We really wanted the pudding to save the day, but the brownie was at best passable. 

Byron isn't cheap: £5 for that brownie and just shy of £15 for a burger. Fair prices for excellent versions of these dishes but not for margin-pumping imitations.
(S Wilson)