Mission: Find The Best Burgers in London - Gourmet Burger Kitchen

Gourmet Burger Kitchen

I love burgers. They are up there amongst my top three comfort foods. Recently I felt I should venture out in search of burger heaven. Following the footsteps of my London bible “Time Out”, I decided to go on my own personal quest to find the BEST burger in London, or at least have a pretty good go at it…

I have been one of GBK’s most loyal customers over the years since the opening of their first restaurant in Clapham’s Northcote Road. Hundreds of reviews have been written about this new London institution, and I am positive they are in no need of further publicity.  However, I would like to include GBK in my list of burger joints I will be reviewing in the coming year, as I feel no list would be complete without it.

Some might argue that GBK’s burgers are not as outstanding as they used to be - I am not sure whether their fast expansion has had a detrimental effect on the quality of their burgers or whether it is just a novelty that is now wearing off. Either way, I personally feel that GBK has been consistently good over the years. I still go back there frequently, and I still love their burgers.

 GBK has also been resourceful getting its punters through the door in more recent/difficult times. It teamed up with Voucher Codes (www.vouchercodes.co.uk) and frequently offers generous discounts via this website. Offers vary from £5.95 for most burgers & chips to BOGOFs on burgers and main courses. All you need to do is to print these vouchers and bring them to the restaurant, highly recommended if you would like to save a few pounds.

Following our disappointing visit to Haché in the previous week, Mr G and I headed to the new GBK branch in the trendy Spitalfields Market. The place was buzzing; the décor and lighting are slightly more upmarket than other branches. Our allocated waitress was young and quite friendly, and at my request, accommodated us at a larger table as I needed one with good natural light for the pictures below.

I ordered my old time favourite “Avocado and Bacon”, while Mr G had a “Pesterella” with two chunky portions of chips.  As usual, the burgers did not disappoint – my burger was delicious and perfectly cooked. The bacon had been beautifully charred and added a smokey flavour to the sandwich that married well with the meaty burger. I love the addition of avocado as it makes the sandwich creamy and rich and counterbalances the other flavours perfectly. 

Mr G’s Pesterella was also good and well presented – I had tried this burger before but felt that the Pesto tasted as if it had come out of a jar. If you know Pesto, you will know that the jar variety is a very poor imitation of the real thing. The mozzarella was fresh and delicious but as expected, the Pesto was disappointing. Overall, however, the sandwich was good and Mr G munched through his quite happily.

The chunky chips were good, but not exceptional, as they were a tad dry. I think there is definitely room for improvement there.  The table next to ours sent theirs back and they were quickly replaced by fresher ones. Our choice of Chilean Merlot wine was not available, so we ordered a bottle of the Argentinian Malbec (Norton) which was very good and only £4 dearer, at £16.75 it was still good value.

Verdict – GBK’s burgers have been consistently good over the years and have never ceased to impress me. Burgers are meaty and perfectly cooked, and the combination of flavours, which sometimes may seems odd, is well balanced and works well. Their wine choices are good and well priced. Still one of my favourite burger joints in the capital, which I would have no hesitation in recommending.