How does Gourmet Burger Kitchen fare amongst local competition?

We continue our search for the best burger in town

Time Out claims they serve “the best burgers in town”, The Observer Magazines calls them “fun in a bun” but how does Gourmet Burger Kitchen fare amongst local competition? 

In my house Tootsies is the old reliable, new kid in town Ground deemed more substance than style leaving the next pit stop open for GBK.

Personally I find the canteen styled GBK quite possibly the least beguiling of the burger providers on the High Road (I am not including McDonalds in this particular equation) although GBK state that their premises reflect the simplicity of the operation and call the “décor is clean, crisp and fresh”.  Clearly a matter of taste although I must admit that the stark unflattering lighting is very soon over-shadowed by the fabulous aromas emanating from the clearly visible kitchen.

A vast blackboard displays GBK’s wares and impressive wares they are too. With a selection of no less than 25 different variations on the humble burger (including chicken, venison and vegetarian options) priced from £5.45 (junior burgers from £3.95) to choose from, I was relieved to be asked by a very pleasant waiter if I wanted to sit down during my deliberations.

Each GBK outlet is managed by owners which creates a friendly, relaxed and efficient atmosphere, indeed when a waitress overheard me asking my husband if he agreed that the music too loud she immediately informed us that she was going to turn it down which she did.

Back to the food and even seated amongst the lively throng of young twosomes and supplied with an A4 version of the menu, the choice of burgers remained overwhelming. Finally out of pure hunger and some unpleasantly antisocial drooling - by us I hasten to add - we chose a garlic mayonnaise burger (£6.40) and a blue cheese burger (£6.95), with two bowls of fries (£2.35 each) and a side pot of garlic mayonnaise (£1.25).

After ordering at the main desk, our food arrived in a timely enough fashion to reassure us that it had been cooked to order but the sheer scale of the meal was awesome. Restaurant guide Hardens describe them as “monster portions” and they are not exaggerating. Oversized spheres of bread, grilled meat and a generous helping of salad filled the huge white bowls which came with an accompanying mound of chips.

No one would ever described me as having a bird like appetite (unless the bird was an vulture that is) however, although the food was undoubtedly delicious, I found my burger impossible to finish and the two of us barely made a dent in the chips – a real first. As for the garlic mayonnaise, let’s just say that I had to exclude myself from polite company for a good few days after due to its pungency!

With a reasonable bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon the bill came to £32.80.  No service charge is added to the bill, I assume because you order from the counter not from a waiter, but the level of service we received was far higher than in other places where 12.5% is asked for. 

To surmise, great burgers, great service and reasonably priced although one order of chips should satisfy two adults. Not a place for romance considering the lighting (and the garlic come to that!) but great for family outings, hungry couples or groups of friends.  

Harden's London Restaurant Guide 2006 voted the Gourmet Burger Kitchen the place to get the best burger in London. I wouldn't go that far yet with more research to undertake, but would say that although not way out in front, GBK is certainly one of the front runners in the best burger debate.

Emma Brophy

January 5, 2007