Katherine MacAlister revisits Tommi's and finds The Social in the Westgate Centre transformed

SO THE Westgate Centre has finally got around to promoting its food hall, too late for some sadly, Rola Wala having packed its bags and headed off months ago.

But for those remaining, the gleaming new sign that actively promotes a hungry footfall, rather than discouraging it, is a move in the right direction.

A landscaped exterior with outdoor tables and chairs is also helping pull the punters into The Social.

So before heading off to the cinema for a birthday trip we checked it out, heading straight for Tommi’s where the burgers are top notch, and it’s a fun, casual and quick way to eat out.

Tommi’s is right at the back of the food hall so wind your way through the tables, nab some communal seating nearby and order at Tommi’s shack.

Accommodating big tables like ours, first up was a massive milkshake order, salted caramel being the most popular for good reason – thick and ice creamy but not too sweet, almost butterscotchy in flavour, Tommi’s serves our favourite shakes in Oxford.

Then the burgers, ranging from the Tommi classic (£6.90) beef patty with lettuce, tomato, onion, ketchup, mustard and mayonnaise. Chips are separate but a massive portion at (£2.95). The chicken burger (£8.90) comes as a grilled chicken breast with avocado, lettuce, tomato, onion and garlic sauce, an enormously generous portion with all the trimmings. The veggie burgers replete with lettuce, tomato, onion, ketchup, mustard and mayo were equally popular (£6.90).

Served American style in baskets, make full use of the wall of sauces, mustards, chillies, savoury sprinkles, lotions and potions available.

Arriving promptly despite the massive order, the burgers surpassed all expectations: juicy, well cooked, generous and delicious, complete with that freshly grilled smokey flavour.

“ That was the best burger I’ve ever had,” one girl commented wiping her mouth. I couldn’t put it better myself.