We check out Derby’s new burger restaurant Phat Buns and are already big fans of these two menu items

Phat Buns opened to great fanfare last week, with a giant robot and a 50% discount adding to the fun carnival atmosphere.

One week on from an exciting Derby launch, and giving the restaurant time to settle into their new East Street surroundings, I visited to review.

The restaurant has a large dine-in area, and it also offers deliveries.

Effervescent orange against a dramatic black background is edgy elegance and I’m all here for it.

I placed an order for food and the waitstaff told me it would be around 10 - 15 minutes to cook.

Having taken a seat, I promptly waited and enjoyed people-watching near the large floor-to-ceiling windows.

As it was my first time in the restaurant, I thought I’d keep it simple.

I chose Classic Phat Chick burger from the Phat Phavourites range, which comes with a side.

I chose Tots as my side, plus a drink of strawberry milkshake.

The burger is crunchy fried chicken in a seeded brioche bun, plus the usuals of American cheese, lettuce, tomato, gherkins and a choice of sauce.

I sank my teeth into an excellent burger.

The fillet was tender and moist, whilst the crumb coating had the right level of crunch.

I asked for my burger without lettuce, and it was perfect.

What I didn’t have on my bingo card, was discovering that the side of Tots is better than fries.

Purists will always think fries go with burgers, but I was in an adventurous mood, which is why I chose a side of Tots to go with my burger.

What are Tots?

Tots are deep fried cylinders of seasoned grated potato which, having tried once, I will always be getting from Phat Buns.

They are addictive, and I was considering getting a second portion as a side for supper tonight.

I refrained - this time - but next time, my will power will not hold out.

My drink of strawberry cheesecake milkshake is something that I will not forget in a hurry.

It was creamy, dreamy, luxuriously dense and it felt like a real treat.

The drink is dessert and beverage all rolled into one and it is easily one of the best milkshakes in Derby.

It appears I may not be the only one who is a big fan of Phat Buns’ milkshakes.

I spotted two ladies, in their 70s, who got a takeaway chocolate milkshake.

They packed it in a pull-along trolley and then popped off.

I wish I had spoken to them about what had prompted them to come in just for the milkshake, but with my mouth full of that beautiful chicken burger that I was enjoying very much, I really wasn’t in the mood to be distracted further.

I can see why they did do a takeaway milkshake, it is something I will most definitely be doing in the future too.

The texture of Phat Buns’ milkshake is wonderfully dense, so its thickness will ensure it travels well and will keep for longer distances (unless you’re in a super thirsty, greedy mood and want to finish the lot, which is a possibility because it is so delicious).

Phat Buns have a very versatile menu.

It serves dishes covering breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Serving items such as bao buns, hot dogs, burgers, tenders and more, there really is something for everyone to enjoy.

Attracting a diverse clientele is one of the hardest things to do, yet Phat Buns seems to nail this down well.

On my visit I noticed a mixed crowd dining in and taking food away, from students to suited and booted professionals.

Cost of my meal at Phat Buns Derby

Classic Phat Chick Spicy burger with Tots £8

Garlic mayo dip 0.25p

Strawberry Cheesecake Milkshake £4.50

Total £12.75

Overall I enormously enjoyed my visit to Phat Buns Derby.

Perhaps a point to consider for Phat Buns’ management, is that I didn’t find it particularly easy to choose food and there were three other dining parties who also seemed to have difficulty navigating the menu.

What if digital screens which the menu is displayed on, could be slowed down?

The Phat Buns’ website is super easy to navigate, whereas the restaurant menu feels like there was a lot going on, that I didn’t quite know where to look.

The handwipe which came with the burger is a nice touch, which I don’t normally see at burger restaurants.

I can see Phat Buns becoming one of my go-to burger restaurants in Derby, because the food and milkshake have practically guaranteed a return visit.

Address: 14 East Street, Derby DE1 2AU

For more information about Phat Buns Derby visit their website here.