The best burgers in London

Anyone who’s spent any time in London in the past several years will have picked up on something different in the air… like the fragrant aroma of melted cheese, or the far-off sizzle of meat on the grill. Yes, Britain’s burger revolution is upon us, and the best burgers in London bear no resemblance to limp fast food specimens or charred-beyond-recognition pub grub.

Fact is, if you’re a burger-lover in London, you’re living in something of a golden age. There are now dozens of restaurants, chains, and pop-ups that cater to the capital’s taste for meat-and-bun alchemy, and what they’re slinging couldn’t be farther from the dried-out buns, flavourless patties and skimpy condiments of yore.

These burgers take the American burger bar, diner, and casual shack as their inspiration. Picture: soft potato bread rolls, seared and perfectly salted meat, a sloppy cascade of melted cheese, oozing ketchup and brilliant yellow mustard, and the vinegary snap of gherkin slices and raw onions. Together, it’s a symphony of sweet-salty-umami flavours.

No one owns the title of best burgers in London better than the inimitable MEATliquor. Founded by Yianni Papoutsis and Scott Collins, the concept underwent some intensive R&D (including multiple trips to the States) before seeing the light of day. Their research has paid off: the MEATliquor dead hippie burger is certainly one of the city’s best. Consisting of two patties, American cheese, special sauce, shredded lettuce, and gherkins, it’s the juiciest and sloppiest affair this side of the Atlantic. It’s even finer when served alongside MEATliquor’s Monkey Fingers (crispy battered chicken with delectable dipping sauces) and a bourbon-based cocktail or two.