Premier Inn takes on McDonald's with new burgers & cocktails – we tried the whole menu including Big Mac dupe
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PREMIER Inn has launched a huge new range of burgers this summer - and we tried them all out.
The budget hotel's Battle of the Burgers sees seven different burgers go up against each other, with the winner being a permanent feature on the menu.
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Premier Inn has seven new burgers - and we tried them all out
Ranging from Korean and Japanese inspired chicken burgers, to classic American steak burgers as well as an Indian veggie option, choosing the best one was a hard task.
They explained: "I think the whole point of it is to create a little bit of fun with kind of things that are trending and actually what guests want to see."
Not only that, but they also have four new cocktails as part of their Clash of the Cocktails range.
So we headed down to our nearby Premier Inn and took on the task of trying them all out - here's our lowdown.
The Classic Cheese and Bacon
When it comes to classic burger lovers, Premier Inn has three beef options to choose from.
The simplest was the cheese and bacon, with just one steak patty, as well as crispy bacon and melted cheese along with tomato, onion, lettuce and burger sauce.
This is the one that feels like a classic McDonald's burger, just slightly pimped up.
And perhaps surprisingly, this one came out on top of the beef options.
Travel Report Alice Penwill said: "I loved the crunch of the bacon, meaning the burger had great texture.
"Sometimes a classic done well is better than anything too fancy - and I loved the coleslaw on the side".
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The Classic was surprisingly our favourite of the steak burgers
I tried Premier Inn's new Next Evolution rooms
The Smokey Big Stack
The Smokey Big Stack is a crowd-pleaser for anyone who likes all the frills for their burger.
This means two steak patties, with cheese, BBQ sauce and gherkins, along with lettuce, red onion and onion rings.
It was certainly a lot, so you will need to bring an empty stomach for this one.
And the flavour of the sweet BBQ sauce and gherkin was praised as well - but we definitely struggled to finish it.
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You'll need an empty stomach to finish the Smokey Big Stack
The Tex-Mex
One of least favourites was the Tex Mex, sadly.
This is also with two steak patties and cheese, but having chipotle mayo as well as tomato salsa, sour cream and tortilla chips.
The concept is great, and nachos with all the dressings are always a crowd pleaser.
However, it sadly paled in comparison to the other two burgers, and you have to eat quick to avoid the nachos going soggy.
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The Tex-Mex was sadly our least favourite of the beef burgers
The Korean Crunch
For fried chicken fans, the new burger range has two options to choose from.
The Korean Crunch is a crispy chicken breast with chilli sauce, lettuce and an Asian crunchy slaw.
While it may not sound like much is in there, the chicken was extremely juicy and soft, with enough coating without feeing overwhelming.
And the slaw and chilli sauce means anyone who likes a bit of spice will be pleased.
This was a favourite of our Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski who said: "I like the raw slaw in the burger, as it cuts through what can often be a heavy burger.
"It has a nice level of spice, and felt really fresh compared to the others".
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If you like something zingy, the Korean Crunch is for you
The Kickin' Katsu
The other chicken option is the Kicken' Katsu, also with a crispy chicken breast and mayonnaise, with lettuce, pickled red onions and signature curry sauce.
Think Wagamamas in a bun, dipping the burger into the popular curry sauce made it a stand out burger.
Head of Travel Lisa Minot said: "I like that it's not a big wedge of batter on the chicken, it is lightly coated so you still get enough of the juicy chicken itself.
"And the pickled red onions are a lovely addition for a an extra hit, while that curry sauce is perfect for dipping the chips too."
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The Kickin' Katsu was just like a Wagamama in a burger
The Big Bombay
Vegetarian's don't have to worry as there are two choices on the menu for them.
The Big Bombay is an Indian take on a burger, with an Indian spiced bean burger with potato, pumpkin and pea, as well as yoghurt slaw ,lettuce, pickled red onion and a mango and tomato chutney.
The flavours were amazing, but we were left down by the texture.
Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding explained: "Despite being a coated bean burger it was still extremely soft so could have done with some thing for a bit of crunch.
"I did like the slaw on the side though, that was a nice addition, but it definitely needed some more oomph in the burger itself."
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The taste of the Big Bombay was there, but not the texture
The Gourmet Vegan
The only vegan option on the menu, the Gourmet Vegan has a plant-based protein GARDEN GOURMET® Sensational™ burger with a Violife slice as well as lettuce, gherkins, red onions and burger sauce.
This one took us by surprise - not only could you barely tell it was a meat-free option, but it was much less greasy as well.
Travel Intern Jenna Stevens said: "It's better than a Big Mac to me!
"it was so satisfying even without the meat, and the pickle was delicious with it."
Premier Inn's Clash of the Cocktails
ALONG with the new burgers, Premier Inn has also rolled out four new cocktails as part of the Clash of the Cocktails.
This includes:
Star Sign: Double shot of rum with watermelon syrup and Schweppes Tropical Soda.
Moonlight: Double shot of vodka with passion fruit syrup and Schweppes Tropical Soda.
Sweet Dreams: Double shot of dry gin with raspberry syrup and Schweppes Ginger Ale.
Pillow talk: Double shot of vodka, with lime sherbet syrup and Schweppes Tropical Soda.
Our favourite? Pillow Talk was our favourite, being one of the least sweet options, although if you love the idea of a mix of Aperol Spritz and Pimms, opt for the Sweet Dreams.
So what's the winner?
The resounding winner was the Kickin' Katsu, with three out of seven testers saying it was their favourite.
However, The Gourmet Vegan also deserves a shout out - it wasn't just a winner with our vegetarian testers, with even our meat-eaters also impressed with it.
The Battle of the Burgers is running until September, to which the winning burger will be a permanent option on the menu.
The burgers are included in the hotel's £29.99 meal deal, which includes a two course dinner and drink, as well as unlimited breakfast.
A new food menu is being rolled out this September, with more 'global inspired' choices including gyoza, filled ravioli and Middle Eastern nourish bowls.
And keep your eyes peeled this winter, with suggestions of a follow up Festive Battle of Burgers.
In the mean time, we also tested out the new Wetherspoons burger menu.
And here is what to expect from the Greggs burger menu.
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