Filthy to the core, dirty burgers-galore

Something unimaginably filthy is happening in Bollington every week, and you didn’t even know about it.

Someone once told me, you should really keep your eyes on the ‘quiet ones’. The quiet town of Bollington is no exception to this rule; They are hiding the dirtiest, tastiest, foodporny-ist (that is a word) burgers you’ve seen this side of the Cheshire Boarder. Fact.

Hidden on the ground floor of Clarence Mill, this (almost) 200 year old building is home to a little Café, aptly named Café Waterside. The space is breath-taking. I’m taken back each time I visit. You can really feel the history in the beautiful walls. If the insides aren’t enough to tempt you, this mill is right on top of Macclesfield Canal. There is a patio with big rustic tables and heaters to keep you toasty. The perfect perch to watch the canal boats go by. By day, the café will be serving homemade scones, cakes, soups sandwiches and tea; The gorgeous homemade food that will score you some real brownie points with the fam if you took them on a visit here. That’s where the story ends for the Café.

By night this beautiful, quaint Café turns on its hotplates, preps its meaty balls and digs deep ready for the droves of burger lovers that are about to descend. From 5PM Thursday – Saturday this café turns into Filthy Macs. Fulfilling all of your filthy food cravings. You’ll need to be quick to secure your spot though, the phone rings off the hook and the burgers come out thick and fast. Word is spreading!

We spoke to owners Steve & Louise. If you’re lucky enough to have a chat with them, you’ll instantly feel their love and passion for what they’re creating together. It’s beautiful to see and be a part of. Their mission is to bring the best burgers to market and into our faces has been a real collaborative effort from a couple of local businesses. The meat for the burgers are sourced from local butcher, X. The brioche burger buns are handmade in the Mill too. Together they have created something so special, and we’re really excited to be able to share it with you all.

Steve and his team have painstakingly taste tested (I know, it’s a tough life) to bring you only the best of the best. Burgers in our pics that will guarantee will have your eyes rolling into the back of your heads:

Filthy Mac: Beef Patty, Smoked Bacon, Black Pudding, Applejack smoked cheese, Smokey bakehouse mayo, dill pickle and caramelised onions.

El Nino: Beef Patty, Spicy homemade chilli, sour cream and chive, gem lettuce and tomato.

This little piggy: Beef Patty, Barbecue pulled pork, smoked mayo, ketchup, gem lettuce and tomato.

Barbacoa burger: Lamb Patty with coriander and chilli, sriracha mayo, lettuce, tomato, gherkins and feta cheese.

Ordinarily, I wouldn’t mention the fact that they serve fries on the side, but I have to shout them out today. I’m trying not to sound dramatic, but they have THE best seasoning. Bacon salt & Cajun Spice. Put a fork in me, I’m done!

They’re open from tomorrow (Thursday) until Saturday. With huge plans underway, including new filthy food options on the menu, beers and extended opening times they are asking us to do our part; its time to support our local businesses and keep them busy. Very busy.

You can find Filthy Macs, along with hundreds of other Cheshire based restaurants on our food map.

*While this food was gifted to us, Filthy Macs are not exempt from our critique. This is a true representation of our experience.