Smash Burgers Are Taking Over London
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3 months ago
What's the hype around smashed patties?
For many years, burgers were getting bigger and bigger – the supersized, chunky patties piled high with ingredients aplenty were ruling the roost. But in 2024, there has been a shift. Nowadays, the coolest burgers in town are the flatter, wider styles known as smash burgers.
The food trend has taken off in London at record speed: this time last year, just a couple of northern eateries were serving ‘smashed’ burgers, but they were nowhere to be found in the capital, bar a few dishes at Honest Burger. But in winter 2023, smash burgers made their way to the capital after new takeaway spot Supernova landed in Soho. It quickly went viral, and a slew of others followed: BBQ restaurant Temper opened a sister site dedicated to smash burgers, and the chef behind rotisserie spot Cocotte launched a pop-up called Supra Burger in Queen’s Park. The obsession shows no sign of slowing either: Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton is turning his recently closed Pollen Street Social restaurant into a grill-focused concept with its own smash burger counter.
Supermarkets are getting in on the action too: Waitrose led the charge back in April with the launch of its smash burger with bone marrow, and Aldi and Asda have since joined the party. So what’s behind the hype? And where can you find London’s best?
The Smash Burgers Food Trend, Explained
What Are Smash Burgers?
Smash burgers are made by smashing balls of ground beef onto a grill or griddle using a spatula. This results in a thinner patty with a wider diameter, and the meat is seared at a high heat, creating a crispy, caramelized exterior while keeping it juicy and tender on the inside. Fans argue this gives the burger a more intense flavour, and chefs love them as they’re quicker and easier to cook – it’s a win, win situation. Plus, thinner burgers equals more space for layers of cheese. Naturally, the best ones are made with top-quality beef, although vegan smash patties are also growing in popularity.
Where To Find Them In London
Junk Burger
A new addition to London’s smash burger canon is Junk Burger, the French-based brand which is landing in Soho this September. The secret here? High-quality ingredients, brioche buns and the secret homemade Junk sauce, with menu options including the Classic Cheeseburger, the Truffle Double Cheeseburger and the Crispy Veggie Burger, featuring a patty made with cauliflower, potatoes and panko breadcrumbs.
49 Old Compton St, London W1D 6HL, junkburgers.com
Manna
Dreamed up by Bake Street’s Feroz Gajia, Manna is a fried chicken and burger joint inspired by US diner culture, housed inside Arcade Food Hall. There are five smash burgers to choose from, including the signature, topped with American cheese, mayo, mustard and pickles; and the Hot One, a fiery take drizzled in Manna’s hot sauce. Pair with a side of waffle fries for an extra treat.
103-105 New Oxford St, Greater, London WC1A 1DB, arcadefoodhall.com
Supernova
Prepare to queue for a smash burger at Supernova: it’s one of London’s most hyped burger spots. But you’ll be rewarded with perfectly crafted smash burgers featuring thin, juicy patties with crispy edges, topped with American cheese and served with fries.
25 Peter St, London W1F 0AH, supernovaburger.com
Gasoline Grill
The Standard’s restaurant is currently hosting a residency from cult Copenhagen spot Gasoline Grill, renowned for its smash burgers. Running until 15 September, its menu includes The Original Burger, Cheeseburger, Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich, and a ‘Surf & Turf’ burger developed especially for The Standard. Enjoy alongside a portion of crinkle cut fries and a beer from Two Tribes Brewery.
Ground Floor, The Standard, 10 Argyle St, London WC1H 8EG, until 15 September 2024, standardhotels.com
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Bun & Sum
This US-inspired East London favourite began as a small takeaway spot, expanding to a sit-in restaurant in Hackney. Head there to try the famous Big S’Mac: a smash patty topped with American cheese, lettuce, pickles and the house sauce, alongside a side of French fries.
224 Graham Rd, London E8 1BP (Hackney) and Unit 4, Bow Triangle Business Centre, Eleanor St, London E3 4UR (Bow), bunandsum.com
Bake Street
This Hackney cafe may be best known for its brunch, but on weekends it serves one of the best smash burgers in town (and who says you can’t have a burger for breakfast?). A pillowy brioche bun houses a deliciously soft beef patty topped with fried shallots, tangy pickles, ketchup and French mustard.
58 Evering Rd, Lower Clapton, London N16 7SR
