London has got a thing for burgers. Soft burger buns filled with thick, freshly minced beef patties, delicious homemade sauces and all matter of weird and wonderful fillings. Here we pick seven of the best burgers in London – from the cool hipster burger that comes wrapped in paper, to the gourmet burger served on fine china.
MEATliquor
It has been known for queues to snake around the block at MEATliquor, near Bond Street. The coolest burger joint in town, the restaurant/bar specialises in finger-licking, no-frills burgers with names like Dead Hippie and Chili Dog. Stick around for a root-beer float, peanut-butter sundae or a glass of their special Home Grog. And look out for its new incarnations MEATmarket in Covent Garden and MEATmission in Hoxton.
Honest Burgers
A popular fixture at the indoor-market-turned-foodie-haven that is Brixton Village, Honest Burgers now boasts a branch in Soho to boot. The secret to its success? Doing a few things really well. Its offers three beef burger options: ‘Beef’, ‘Cheese’ or ‘Honest’ – that’s British beef, red-onion relish, smoked bacon, mature cheddar, pickled cucumber and lettuce. On the menu you’ll also find free-range chicken burgers, vegetable fritters and chips with rosemary salt. Gluten-free buns are available.
Bar Boulud
The London home of Michelin-starred French chef Daniel Boulud, Bar Boulud at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Hotel serves far more than burgers, but its NY Grilled Beef Burgers frequently receive rave reviews. Not surprising really given Boulud is based in the US – the Big Apple to be exact. On the shortlist: The Yankee, The Frenchie (with confit pork belly, Dijon and morbier cheese), The Piggie (with pulled pork) and the seriously posh BB (with foie gras and red wine-braised short ribs truffle).
Byron
A modern take on the classic American diner, Byron restaurants are springing up all over London – from Covent Garden to Chelsea. The Scottish beef in Byron’s burgers is minced fresh on the day of cooking and served in a “proper squishy” bun, with a pickle on the side. As well as the classic variations, you’ll find the Chilli burger, the bun-free Skinny (with side salad) and mini versions for kids. Worried about allergies? Check out Byron’s handy online allergy chart.
Burger & Lobster
As its name suggests, Burger & Lobster’s menu is pretty short. In fact it only consists of three dishes: burger, lobster or lobster roll – all served with chips and salad, all £20. This ingenious concept comes from the people behind London’s Goodman steakhouses, so they know a thing or two about good meat. There are four B&Ls so far (in Soho, Mayfair, Farrington and The City), but probably not for long…
Haché
Steak Sicilian with parma ham and buffalo mozzarella, Steak Louisiana topped with peanut butter and melted cheese, Steak Catalan with grilled chorizo, fresh chilli and tomato jam… Haché in Chelsea is an adventurous burger eater’s heaven. Although, saying that, in an interview with London burger blog Burger Me Haché’s co-founder revealed the most popular burger is actually the classic cheeseburger. The restaurant may be more French brasserie than burger joint, but you can’t beat the old favourites.
Patty & Bun
With seats for just 30 people, Patty & Bun resembles more of a mate’s dining room than a top London restaurant. But its size isn’t the only reason it’s always packed out. Inside P&B’s brioche buns you’ll find fresh beef or lamb patties, accompanied by everything from caramelised onions to buttermilk baby courgettes and cumin aioli. Well worth the wait.
CARINYA SHARPLES 