A HIGH-END takeaway meal and drinks service will open its doors in Crediton on Thursday, October 14.

“Gastronomical To Go” is opening its doors on Thursday, October 14, at 5pm and will be open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening in Crediton High Street.

Gastronomical has been in operation for more than eight years in North London and is run by Masterchef finalist Chris Georgiou and his wife Melanie.

Gastronomical operated as an eat in only burger and dessert restaurant in London.

Chris explained: “We tried to create something which elevated the burger by ensuring we only used the very best ingredients and by making virtually everything by hand. This includes all sauces, toppings, sides and desserts.”

This captured the imagination of the local community and resulted in Gastronomical becoming the number one restaurant in the area on Trip Advisor (out of 116 restaurants in the area!).

He continued: “We’ve had so many people say that they would not normally order a burger but tried it and then became regular diners with us, that’s probably one of the things we’re most proud of.

“As an independent family business we’ve always seen it as an obligation to support other local independent businesses. Wherever possible all our ingredients are locally sourced and produced.

“Our beef (Chris uses three specific cuts to create the Gastronomical burger) is produced by Jim, Karen and Jonathan Stephens at Swannaton Farm, Sandford and provided by Steve and his team at Cox’s Butchers, also in Crediton High Street.

“Our fruit and vegetables are supplied by Jim and Sue at Four Seasons.”

Chris continued: “I think this is so important, particularly in places like Crediton. High Streets are virtually dead in London now with just the same old corporate options and very little to get excited about.

“Thankfully in Crediton we’ve been in a position to work with amazing producers and suppliers available on the High Street, we need to protect this.”

The Courier asked: “So why the move to Devon?”

Chris explained: “Melanie was born in Devon and it was always the plan to move to the area once the kids were grown up.

“Our daughter is studying at Exeter University and following the restaurant’s closure due to the pandemic it seemed the right time to make the move.

“We absolutely love the area and are really excited about the new venture.”

And we asked: “Why Takeaway?”

He said: “Even before the pandemic, we discussed opening a takeaway, as we’ve always felt that choice was often limited in most local areas and sometimes the quality of food did not always reach the standards you would expect when eating in.”

The burger selection includes beef, vegetable, chicken, fish and children’s options with a range of sides to choose from.

Everything on the menu is reasonably priced and examples include “The Gastronomical”, the signature beef burger, a 6oz burger topped with Monterey Jack, dry cured smoked bacon, sautéed mushrooms and crispy onion rings priced at £12 and “The Blue Gastronomical”, which includes the beef burger but instead of Monterey Jack cheese, is topped with blue cheese and is priced at £12.50.

Sides include Mexican Loaded Chips, which includes home-made guacamole and spicy salsa, melted cheese, sour cream, sweet jalapeños and fresh coriander all served on thick cut chips and described as an eruption of flavours. The price is £6.

Thick Cut chips are £2.50 and Sweet Potato Fries, served with a pot of homemade smokey mayonnaise at £4.50.

Dips are available. Examples from the desserts menu includes Baked Cheesecake at £4 and Eton Mess at £3.50.

Soft drinks can also be ordered as well and there is also the option of a Mocktail, a Freshly Made Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri at £4.50.

“Gastronomical To Go” can be contacted on 07909 262227 and collection is from 5pm to 9.30pm at Wedges at 22 High Street, Crediton.

Home deliveries are in the pipeline too!