McDonald's has been a staple choice for many people looking for a burger fix, whether it's a stereotypical Big Mac or a 99p Chicken Mayo burger.

However, despite being cheap and cheerful and often hitting the spot, we've discovered a burger joint within Somerset that puts McDonald's to shame.

Eat the Bird is a popular burger joint tucked away in the Coal Orchard near the Cooper Associates County Ground in Taunton.

Although often overlooked due to its location, those that do discover it are in for a treat as it really does exceed any expectations.

We decided to try out one of their burgers, and a milkshake, to find out just how good it really is.

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What do they offer?

They specialise in fried chicken and offer nine different variants of chicken burgers, all of which come with their special skin-on fries.

However, you'll also be able to find three beef burgers on the menu, alongside a plant-based option.

With prices starting at £8.50 for a burger and fries, it's a steal of a price for anyone living in the local area.

They also offer sides of chicken strips, wings, mac and cheese and more varieties of fries.

If you're looking for a drink to wash down the food, then you'll find an extensive range of cocktails and milkshakes alongside some cider, beer and soft drink options.

What was my verdict?

I was not disappointed with my order from Eat the Bird
I was not disappointed with my order from Eat the Bird

I order the 'Proper Filth' burger which comes with their skin on fries. I also purchased a biscoff milkshake to help wash it down.

The burger consisted of chicken breast, smoked streaky bacon, jack cheese, crispy onions, iceberg lettuce and barbecue sauce.

They offer a range of outdoor seating but more additional indoor seating will become available from May 17.

The first thing I noticed when collecting my order was the smell. It captured me instantly and left me practically drooling the whole way home as I craved it intensely.

I opted to take mine away and upon opening the takeaway box, I was not disappointed at the size of the hefty burger. It was a steal for the price of £11.

I started with the skin-on fries which has impeccable seasoning on. They're freshly cut every day and seasoned with their own homemade chicken salt.

Although they were quite salty, and some may find them too salty, it was just to my liking and the variety of flavours identified sent my tastebuds crazy as if they were at a rave.

It left me with high hopes for the burger and I was not disappointed when I took my first bite into the monstrosity that heaved from the sides of the bun.

The chicken breast was pure and tender and blended nicely with the mix of bacon, cheese, onions, lettuce and barbecue sauce.

The bacon was crispy and to my liking but far from overcooked.

The stand-out factor was the barbecue sauce which was an in-house made sauce with a flavour so strong it felt like my taste buds erupted inside my mouth.

The bun was fresh, soft and easy to hold and eat, although the contents did often spill from the outside due to the crazy amounts held between the two buns.

I washed it down with a biscoff shake which was made with a combination of whole Devon milk, vanilla ice cream and biscoff.

It was perfect to sip of in between bites of the burger to help me digest, and it tasted incredible too.

Overall I would strongly recommend it. Although priced slightly higher than McDonald's, it was well worth the extra few pounds and puts the hugely popular fast-food chain to shame.

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