“AD” – Why is this here?

Steve Ship is back. The man behind the popular Stacked & Loaded and Inferno Grill has returned to The Townhouse, Ely, now offering his classic line-up of burgers, loaded fries, and milkshakes.

You may recall my recent review of his Cluckin’ Crispy Chicken in the very same location. This is the same business but has since rebranded and expanded, moving past an exclusively chicken based experience to a wider menu that includes a bit of everything.

If you haven’t visited The Townhouse pub itself, I highly recommend you pop in. From the outside, it looks exactly like…yup, you guessed it… a townhouse. But stepping inside reveals so much more. There is a dedicated pool room at the front, leading into a bar area that gives off the unique, lively energy of a city break hostel with an ad hoc interior. It has a playful atmosphere with a friendly welcome that perfectly matches the food about to follow.

​We were treated to a tray full of different items from the new menu: a beef burger and a chicken burger, chicken wings and tenders, loaded fries, and a delightful side of pulled pork mac ’n’ cheese. The menu has certainly come a long way from the Cluckin Chicken days, truly offering something for everyone!

Burger Time

The burgers are an average size but are built upon a brioche bun that comfortably holds the generously packed ingredients together without any trouble. The beef burger features a double patty, while the fried chicken burger, in particular, felt like it had TARDIS properties

– the amount of filling inside shouldn’t have fitted!  Both were well-balanced, thanks to a generous layer of cheese and sauce, which not only eliminated any risk of dryness but also added a vital depth of flavour and texture.

Chicken time!

The chicken wings and tenders were both great successes and were thoroughly slathered in sauce. The tenders were covered in a sweet maple syrup that added a satisfying sweetness that really brought the dish to life. With the wings, you get five choices of sauce, allowing you to tailor the flavour exactly to your taste and mood.

Mac’n’cheese

My favourite dish of the evening was, without a doubt, the pulled pork mac and cheese. Served in a ceramic bowl, the macaroni was absolutely doused in creamy cheese and sauce, topped with an impossibly tender pulled pork that simply worked on every level. The dish was finished with a garnish of spring onion and herbs, adding a welcome crunch and extra colour.

Bigger & Better!

Burger Bosses at The Townhouse marks a significant upgrade from Cluckin’ Chicken. They have expanded beyond a singular chicken menu to offer a full-bodied and well-rounded American experience. This means seriously indulgent comfort food with a selection that truly caters to every palate. Coupled with The Townhouse’s unique, lively atmosphere, it’s a fantastic spot for a relaxed, fun meal. If you love big, punchy flavours, this place is an absolute must-visit.

Thanks for reading