If you are in a rush and in search of a quick and simple meal that doesn't require plates, why not visit the recently-opened Five Guys restaurant in the High Street?

I had never been to the American fast food chain before and had heard very mixed reviews about their burgers from my friends, so was intrigued to try it.

The restaurant was about a 10 minute walk from Watford Junction and was easy to find amidst the other eateries dotted around the busy town centre. Inside, the décor followed a bold red and white theme and was reminiscent of the 1950s diners you see in American high school romantic comedies.

We side-stepped a random pile of potatoes in a sack on the floor in the middle of the restaurant and chose a booth to sit in.

As I was scanning the menu, I was slightly alarmed at the prices. A single cheeseburger was £5.50 without including chips or a drink and the little bacon burger was £6.

If we were feeling extra hungry and wanting a double burger, we would have to pay a staggering £8 just for the beef, cheese and bun, as well as another £5 for large fries.

It seemed a bit steep for an average burger and chip meal and we ended up forking out for what we'd expect to pay for a fine dining experience.

Ordering food was very similar to other well-known fast food joints, as we went up to the counter to order and waited for the food to be heated and served almost immediately in front of us.

Rather than being given a plate, we were handed a US grocery style paper bag that seemed to be soaking all the grease at the bottom and was bursting to the brim with salty fries.

I chose regular Cajun-style fries (£4) that had a hint of spice and a little hamburger (£4.75) and was given a wide selection of free toppings to choose from, including grilled onions, mushrooms, tomatoes, pickles and an array of sauces.

The meat wasn't over-cooked and was a tender shade of pink however, there was no variety in the burgers, hot dogs and sandwiches, as there was only the option of beef and no chicken or pork.

My guests were vegetarian and chose the veggie sandwich (£3.75), which looked interesting as rather than being given bread, the filling was squeezed in-between lettuce leaves. 

I was impressed by the drinks menu as it included a Five Guys Shake (£4.75) that came in different flavours including vanilla, peanut butter, cherry and coffee, as well as Budweiser beer or Coronas (£3.50) and unlimited soft drinks (£2.50) in every flavour imaginable. It was a hard choice but I settled for an overpoweringly sweet vanilla Sprite that came in a generous litre-sized cup.

The portions were generous and the staff were welcoming, but there are cheaper burger joints available if you walk further along the High Street.

Star-rating: ***

Five Guys, High Street, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD17 2BS. Details: 01923 804175, fiveguys.co.uk