Restaurant Review: Honest Burgers, Tottenham Court Road

If there's one thing London isn't short of it's burger restaurants. The capital is full to the brim with various places claiming to sell the best and tastiest burger in the whole city. As a seasoned Londoner, I've tried out my fair share of them but am still yet to find 'the one'. In comes Honest Burgers, a chain of burger restaurants across the country (there are dozens in London alone). 

I love a burger as much as (probably more than) the next person, but I am also incessantly fussy when it comes to food. Think of Sally Albright in When Harry Met Sally, when she orders her food: "I’d like the chef salad, please, with the oil and vinegar on the side. And the apple pie a la mode... But I'd like the pie heated, and I don't want the ice cream on top. I want it on the side. And I'd like strawberry instead of vanilla if you have it. If not, then no ice cream just whipped cream, but only if it's real. If it's out of a can, then nothing."

Image credit: Ruby Naldrett // created with Canva

En route to Honest Burgers I was 100% expecting to have to do my usual ordering ritual of - yes I'll have that one, but with no tomato and no pickles, but extra sauce and oh can I have cheddar cheese instead of American? I'm a waiter's worst nightmare, so when I looked at the menu I was pleasantly surprised and somewhat shocked to see a burger on the menu in which I would not have to change or substitute anything (well except the pickles, obviously.)

I opted for the 'Spring', a special edition seasonal burger that was only available for a limited time. Beef, bacon, Montgomery cheddar cheese, garlic pesto and rocket. A true treat for the senses. Each burger comes with a side of rosemary chips and the option to 'double up'. I also ordered a side of onion rings - as in my eyes you can never have too much garlic in one meal.

Image credit: Ruby Naldrett

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When it arrived, the burger looked slightly smaller than it did in the picture (but don't they always?) but the size was definitely made up for when the worlds largest portion of onion rings I'd ever seen arrived. I don't even know where you would find onions that big, but I'm keen to find out!

Time for the taste test - the burger was cooked medium (they do ask how you want it cooked when you order) so it was soft without being bloody and cooked enough without being chewy. The garlic pesto was delicious, and the stand out of the meal - and something I will buying and smothering over everything I eat immediately. 

I ate the whole burger without taking a breath and hoovered up the chips without a second thought. The onion rings were a bit more of a challenge, and to my dismay, I did end up leaving a few behind but my stomach couldn't physically hold any more (but trust me I gave it a good go.)

The atmosphere of the restaurant was buzzing with people, and they played great music (anywhere that has Bon Jovi on their soundtrack is a winner in my eyes) the service was quick and friendly, and we got our food promptly. It's a great place to go for a quick meal with friends, or an end of the week treat. I visited the Tottenham Court Road branch, but they're dotted around the country, so you're never too far from an Honest Burger - plus if you're one of the lucky ones who live in the city you can enjoy your burger in the comfort of your own home thanks to the likes of Deliveroo.

I'll definitely be going back, but next time I think I'll opt to share my onion rings! 

Honest Burgers now offer 30% student discount, Monday to Thursday 14:00-17:30 (and longer hours at selected branches) - see all T&C's on their website.

Lead image credit: Ruby Naldrett