Duke Carvell's

It was a sunny lunchtime in August. Seasoned Wellingtonians don’t count their chickens, though, and we’re expecting another wind’n’rain extravaganza over the weekend and beyond. Today, though, you’d be forgiven for thinking that spring is on its way.

We walked down Willis Street and Manners Mall, turning off at Cuba Street to reach the fantastically-named Duke Carvell’s Swan Lane Emporium. The very name conjures up 19-century gastronomy, and we were greeted by a chap with splendid moustachios. This is Lorenzo Bresolin, proprietor, who looks like a refugee from The Chap.

The food, though, is definitely 21^st century. We ordered their burger offering, the Flocking To The Duke’s Harem -  a patty made from confit lamb shoulder, with halloumi, red cabbage and cos lettuce garnish, and shoestring chips seasoned with za’atar.

Unfortunately I was well into the burger before I remembered to take a pic, so no art on this one. I will tell you, however, that it was damn tasty and is currently my equal best in the burger ratings – I’m scoring it 8. The bun was toasted and held its integrity through to the end, and the fillings weren’t slippery so burger collapse syndrome was avoided. We washed it down with more beer from the Garage Project – this time their Special K.

Afterwards, we had a chat with Lorenzo, discussing burgers and Burger Wellington – where we’d been so far, what we recommended, what he recommended for us. Some useful tips picked up, and I will try to add Arthur’s to my list of burgers to try.