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.
