“ad” – Why is this here?

It is no secret that I love Grill Plug. I have been following their journey for years, from the early days of their delivery-only operation just off Barnwell Road to their latest expansion into food vans. Every time I visit, they seem to find a new way to impress me with their indulgent and trashy (in all the right ways) smash burgers, loaded fries, and more.

Grill Plug has always been about that perfect balance of high-quality ingredients and that unapologetic, messy comfort food that Cambridge was missing for so long. Whether it was the hype around their Algerian sauce back in the day or the massive summer platters I tucked into last year, these guys have consistently proven that they know exactly how to handle a patty. To only have more of them available across Cambridge is only a win in my eyes. My latest trip to their new permanent spot on Cherry Hinton Road was no exception.

The location is a bit of a change from the old spots, but it makes them incredibly accessible throughout the day. They are open from 10:00am to 5:00pm, so whether you are looking for a mid-morning recovery burger or a late lunch, they have you covered. If you are worried about stopping on Cherry Hinton Road, don’t be, as there are plenty of subtle car parking spots dotted around the area that you can use for half an hour to hop out and pick up your food. In fact, I was able to park only 6ft away during my visit!

Bargain Burgers

The Classic Smash is the star of the show here, especially when you consider it is only £5.99 (average prices hover around £10). It comes with all the essentials – cheese, pickles, ketchup, lettuce, and mustard – giving you that traditional burger profile but with the added texture of a proper smash. Yes, as a value burger, you only get one pattie but they have that signature crispy, caramelised edges that you only get when they are pressed fresh to order. Plus, the bun is grilled, which adds even more crispiness and a light smokiness to the whole thing. It is easily one of the best value bites around.

This is a great option for anyone looking to beat inflation, especially with their meal deal (a large thin cut crispy chips and a drink for £9.49). Cant complain!

Bakey Wakey!

Since I have absolutely no self control while I’m at The Grill Plug, I also ordered Egg and Bacon Smash burger (£7.49). This is exactly what a breakfast burger should be. You get that signature crispiness from the thinness of the smash burger which works so well with the gooey, exploding egg. It was cooked to perfection – one bite and that yolk just coats the bacon and beef in a gooey mess. It is a refreshing change from more traditional smash burgers and exactly what I was after.

Loaded Fries

I also could not resist the Dirty Beef Fries. They say dirty, but the one thing that stood out for me today was how clean those thin-cut chips were, both in this and the meal deal. That quality allowed the chips to really contrast with the thick layer of juicy beef, creating a satisfying clash of textures. It is a fantastic, heavy-hitting box of food that really shows why these guys have such a loyal following.

They’ve still got it

Grill Plug continues to be one of the most consistent and exciting independent spots in the city. They understand exactly what people want: high-quality, freshly smashed burgers that do not empty your pockets.
If you are out in Cambridge this weekend then make sure to head to the van and see what the hype is about.

No muss, no fuss!