Welcome to The London Foodie



Reviews of London's Restaurants, Supper Clubs and Hotels, Wine Tastings, Travel Writing, and Home to the Japanese and French Supper Clubs in Islington

For the latest food events, restaurant openings, product launches and other food and drink related news, visit the sister site The London Foodie News

Friday 12 March 2010

Mission: Find The Best Burgers in London - The Harrison

The Harrison

In my search for the best burger in London, I have been fortunate to have had some pretty good experiences like the ones at Byron, Gourmet Burger Kitchen, and more recently at The Harrison with Mr Noodles and Dr G.


This arduous task is proving a most enjoyable quest despite disastrous meals at The Diner in Islington and Grand Union. I was also a little disappointed with Hache in Camden Town although I feel I should pay it at least another visit before making my mind up. Another unfortunate experience was at The Fine Burger Co. on Upper Street which I am still to write about.


This month I will be trying the two most talked about burgers in town, Hawksmoor and Goodman’s. Considered the top end of steak houses, their burgers & chips do not come cheap at £15 and £12 respectively.

The Harrison was an interesting find, and one I would not have come across but for Mr Noodles’ invitation. I would not describe it as a gastro-pub and despite its subtle gentrification, it retained some of its original elegant features.


The menu was reassuringly simple and excellent value with meals ranging from £8 for a “wild mushroom, spinach and ricotta lasagne” to £13.50 for a “rib-eye steak, salad and chips”. The beers on offer included quality brands such as Guinness, Staropramen, Erdinger (weissbeer) and some Belgium bottled beers.



Mr Noodles and I were both happy with our combination of burgers, coleslaw, salad and chips @ £9 – the patties were meaty and juicy and perfectly cooked. Dr G was however not as lucky – his burger was overcooked, while his French fries needed a bit more cooking, and his salad was poorly washed and gritty.


I would like to return to The Harrison although the lack of consistency in their cooking is an issue that needs to be addressed.


Cost: £9 for burger, chips, and salad + £3 to £4 for a pint of beer.

Likes: good patties, simple and good value menu, and Erdinger weissbeer on tap.

Dislikes: lack of consistency in their cooking, gritty salad.

Verdict: good value local pub serving some quality beers and food in Kings Cross. Well worth a detour if in the area, but make sure the burger is cooked medium and the French fries are crisp.

Harrison Gastro Pub on Urbanspoon

13 comments:

  1. I've never heard of this place, but I have to say, the lack of consistency you speak of has put me off trying it. The Hawksmoor cheeseburger is heavenly, can't wait to hear your verdict - am going there tomorrow to try their new poshed up sausage and egg mcMuffin!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I've got on my eyes on a couple of other pub burgers but in the meantime looking forward to Goodman.

    ReplyDelete
  3. @ Gatrogeek - hey Rej, I have heard great things about Hawksmoor's burger and now their brunch menu! Hope you have a good one there.

    @ Mr Noodles - sure, I think Goodman will be good but am happy to try other places too, just let me know if you are ever planning a visit to one of these places.

    ReplyDelete
  4. what a nice blog topic! how far will you travel in your quest?

    if you venture up north try the burgers at Victoria Stakes on Park Road in Crouch End. We've had them a couple of times and they absolutely hit the spot. they do great chips too -- thin and crispy. yummmmm.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Mel, it was lovely to see you and Kelsie yesterday at Pho. I love my burgers and would travel anywhere for a good one, and Crouch End is just around the corner so thanks for the tip, it's been added to my burger joint list! Looking fwd to seeing you again on 27 March for our 3rd London Cooking Club evening!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Luiz, hope you are well?

    I had a burger at Hix the new restaurant in Selfrdiges and it was the best I had in long time.... Worth a try!!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi Lee, nice to see you here. Your supper club on Friday was fantastic, I loved the food and the atmosphere.

    Thanks for the tip, I will add this to my list of burger joints to visit straight away! Next time you are going into town to one of these foodie expeditions, drop me a line!

    Luiz @ The London Foodie

    ReplyDelete
  8. You are reminding me of the fact that i haven't had a burger in five years; I need to go get one asap!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi Joumana, burgers is one of my top comfort foods of all times, sometimes only a burger will do!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Have you tried Carnaby Burger Co. yet on Carnaby Street? Awesome. Love their New York steak burgers.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi Digressica, love your site! Thanks for the tip, I will check this place out next time i am in town.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Kevin @ The Royal Albert in New Cross did an excellent burger! has now moved to The Tiger in Camberwell! hopefully its on the new menu! best burger i've had in a long time!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hey Mark, thanks for the tip, another one on my hit list!

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts with Thumbnails