We tried new Huddersfield diner The Ladz and had only one regret
It's called The Ladz so you'd be forgiven for wondering if these guys are all about the bantz.
Thankfully, I encountered little yoof-speak nor any male-banter or lolz in The Ladz, a new diner in Huddersfield. On the contrary, it seems to me that these guys seem pretty serious not only about good quality, fresh food but also in providing a pleasant dining experience.
The Ladz is a UK-wide restaurant business which has now eight outlets, the latest of which opened in Huddersfield town centre on Monday. It's the first one in Yorkshire.
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There's a fairly extensive menu with plenty of chicken options, with the promise of free-range chicken sourced fresh daily from a local butcher. There are lamb chops too, along with beef burgers, pizzas, milkshakes and all kinds of side dishes, from fries to sweetcorn.
The Ladz has its own peri peri sauces which are used to marinate the meat for 24 hours in the 'secret marinade' which is made in-house.
Huddersfield's The Ladz has the feel of a diner, with comfy benches and chairs on which to sit and admire the view of some stunning Huddersfield architecture. There's enough room to seat 40 people.
I ordered a 'loaded box' and opted for a chicken burger, some peri peri chips, and a can of Rubicon.
My partner ordered a lemon and herb flavoured chicken wrap, some chicken strips, sweet potato fries, and a can of Fanta.
When it came to deciding the strength of my peri peri sauce I hesitated for just a fraction of a second. I then puffed out my chest (maybe like a rooster) and asked for hot peri peri sauce. At this point, my waiter, Zeeshan, gave me a 'look' and suggested 'medium' sauce might be more suitable.
I meekly accepted his advice but later came to regret it as the medium sauce was far too tame for my taste buds, which are regularly bludgeoned by Indian and Mexican fare. The Ladz chicken burger and the wrap were both fresh and delicious. The peri peri chips had a lovely little kick and crunch. After this kind of first class 'fast food' it makes one wonder why we ever bother with the global conglomerates at all (apart from convenience). The portions were a good size, and the ingredients fresh.
I had taken a seat near a window and enjoyed watching the world go by before my takeaway order arrived after a few minutes. By the time it arrived, the diner was starting to fill up with young people, presumably college students.
I felt sorry for one young lad who said he couldn't afford to buy anything, while his wealthier mates looked at the menu. He then realised that students can get 20% off and he seemed to perk up. I might even have heard a bit of bantz had I stuck around...
My bill came to £18.85 thanks to 20% off the 'launch menu'. Normally it would have been £23.56, so a bit pricier than those conglomerates but a lot more enjoyable, filling, and healthy.
The Ladz can be found in Market Street, Huddersfield. Opening times are 11am to 11.30pm.
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