Tag Archives: burger

Burger & Lobster, Mayfair

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Move over Meat Liquor there’s a new restaurant we want to queue for…

Clarges Street has been busier than usual recently, and for one reason only, Burger and Lobster, the restaurant that has made celebrity status overnight by serving up only two options: Burger, Lobster!

The concept is perfectly simple and practical, which is perhaps exactly why it has succeeded so effortlessly. By offering minimal choice, and serving the very best in those categories, there is very little not to like and an awful lot to adore.

I went along at half six and was lucky to be seated straight away at a great window table (a serious advantage when taking blogging photos). Like most diners, who have done their time in the queue, I wanted to know what the fuss was all about. Taking a brief investigatory tour round the restaurant there were no revelations, it is a cool diner, cosy and comfortable – a kitchen and counter at the back was chock-a-block with orange lobsters, and people laughing, generally having a good time.

A brown paper drinks menu arrived, advertising a variety of wine, beer and cocktails. We chose a cocktail each; these are split into two lists to pair conveniently with lobster or burger. I sipped on my rather strong ‘Bull and Bear’ made from Woodford Reserve, blackberries, raspberries, mure and Zinfandel while my friend chose the refreshing 10cc, a gin based cocktail made with Tanqueray 10, lemon, cucumber, chamomile syrup and soda – much sweeter than my masculine cocktail.

For food there is no menu, instead a chirpy waitress told us the options: burger (optional bacon & cheese) £20; small £20 or large £30 lobster (grilled or steamed), or lobster roll £20; each dish is served with chips and salad. I wanted to try the burger and lobster for review purposes, I was having a burger so my friend had no choice in the matter but to have lobster. They arrived swiftly (I’m guessing they like a quick turnaround for numerous sittings a night). The burger was juicy and huge, layered with oozing cheese, crispy bacon, a deliciously seasoned patty, gherkin, tomato, salad and onion slammed into a homemade brioche bun. Not the best I’ve tried, but very good. The lobster was beautiful, amazed by sea creatures I found the whole thing fascinating with its giant claws and ingoing body. It was glistening in melted butter and sprinkled with seasoning: it looked delish. The chips were skinny and crispy and the petite salads were surprisingly yummy, thanks to excess parmesan and a good dressing.

Before leaving we shared a Bailey’s Mousse with salted caramel sauce, it was saccharin sweet, with a kick from the Baileys… a few mouthfuls were enough to satisfy an after dinner sugar craving.

Desperately trying to find the time and appetite in my busy schedule, I certainly felt a self imposed pressure to enjoy B&L. However it didn’t disappoint, but I do feel a little sad that the overwhelming anticipation to try London’s hottest new restaurant has now evaporated.

‘No reservation’ restaurants encourage spontaneity, however for Burger & Lobster you’ll have to plan an occasion when you have the time and patience to wait, because with food, concept and reputation this hot, I think the queue is going to be around for a while.

Visit the Burger & Lobster website here.

Hache, Chelsea

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I have been meaning to visit Hache for a long time… a burger restaurant recommended to me by several foodies. I had promised my burger-keen brother that he could accompany me on the trip months back and he was very excited to be finally trying out this joint. The chain has three London based branches, in Camden, Chelsea and Clapham and aims to provide the best burger bap around; Hache is often featured on ‘Top Ten London Burgers’ lists.

We went along early evening to the Chelsea branch, located very centrally on the Fulham Road. The service was super efficient, our drinks arrived within minutes and the food soon after. The homemade still lemonade had a lovely flavour but was tooth-achingly sweet… so much so that I had to top the glass up with my tap water. The selection of burgers on the menu will make you drool with familiar and more elaborate options to please all palates. I opted for the classic cheeseburger, a fan of the simpler combinations, but I did ask for extra avocado from the list of toppings. My brother chose the Canadian, topped with sweet-cure bacon and mature cheddar cheese. My favourite thing about the burgers at Hache? They offer the choice of either fresh ciabatta or brioche bread for your burger. We tried one of each, both were soft and delicious, though I liked the unusual use of sweet brioche, it complemented the meat beautifully.

The burger got high marks from both my brother and I. A well presented decent sized patty of well seasoned Scotch Beef… served with crunchy red onion, sweet slices of tomato and crisp lettuce. The melted cheese was very generous, oozing over the edges, and my avocado was perfectly ripe, fanned over the top of the meat. My brother devoured his burger, but when he did pause to speak he gave it a 9/10. No American meal is complete without fries and onion rings and these come in wire baskets at Hache. Thin crispy slightly salted frites and huge fat onion rings that my brother adored but I found a little sloppy.

Burgers cost between £7-12, sides will cost you extra. Hache serve great food, and for burger fans there is more choice that you could ever wish for with steaks, lamb, duck, chicken and vegetarian varieties in addition to the classic beef choices. With branches in three areas of London there is a succulent burger available whenever you get a craving.

Visit the Hache website here for more information.

Ed’s Diner, Soho

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Ed’s Diner is 100 per cent American. This chain has restaurants in London and further afield, I went to try out the Soho branch.

My first thought when I spotted the restaurant… it is SO Soho – the bright lights and soundtrack of familiar classics fits in completely in this eccentric part of town.

Ed’s Diner would not be out of place in Grease… I was fondly reminded of my favourite musical and almost expected to see John Travolta peering from behind a menu! We sat up on red leather stools at the bar, tucked in amongst other hungry visitors. Ed’s certainly offers service with a smile, our waiter was so jolly… helping us order while joking and singing loudly along to the music, it encouraged us to have a good time.

We had a meal of typical American classics, a banquet of burgers, beef chilli and onion rings… Everything arrived incredibly fast, despite our indecisive ordering. The chilli, which we HAD to order (as it is named ‘Milli’s Chilli’) came in a large bowl accompanied with yummy dips: guacamole, sour cream and tomato salsa. The burger was just as an American burger should be, sloppy and juicy, with melting orange cheese and extra crispy bacon… oily and indulgent. Ed’s do sides well… I thought the onion rings and chips were particularly delectable, tasty and freshly made.

For dessert we just managed to fit in a waffle between us… hot and dripping in maple syrup, it was delicious with the cold vanilla ice-cream. My favourite thing about the meal though was definitely the huge vats of Oreo milkshake that my friend and I both ordered… creamy and sweet with deliciously crunchy bits of biscuit.

The meal was perhaps a little too heavy… the portions are huge and I felt guilty leaving food but I just couldn’t manage it all! For a cheap, cheerful and fun meal, Ed’s Diner is ideal, if you expect something more refined though you might be disappointed.

Visit the website here for more information.