Last Saturday I paid my first visit to Burger & Lobster - I've heard great things from friends, read some good reviews and with a name like that, what's not to like?
We decided to go to the one in Soho on Dean Street because this was meant to be larger than the original pop-up one in Mayfair and with a no-booking policy I thought it would better our chances of getting seated reasonably quickly. Unfortunately, my logic failed me on this one.
Upon arrival we were told that there was a 2 hour waiting time for tables which came as a huge shock despite the mental preparation. We were however, kindly advised that if we stood behind the people seated at the bar, we could take their seats when they were called to their table and then eat at the bar if we wanted. With nothing to lose we chose a couple to hover behind and by a streak of sheer luck, they left a few minutes later – our lucky day!
For those of you not familiar with B&L the concept is simple: no menu, 2 burger dishes, 2 lobster dishes – all of which come with the same salad and fries. Cost = £20. Although I consider this to be quite steep for a burger I also think it’s great value for a lobster and I have it on good authority that they make a seriously good burger.
They make up for the lack of food menu with a very comprehensive drinks menu and some tasty looking cocktails although I can’t speak from experience as I went for a Samuel Adams – an old Boston favourite. Both myself and my boyfriend were pretty set on the lobster so we got one of each and then did 50:50 – I would highly recommend this when possible as you get the best of both worlds. The cold lobster brioche sandwich was the definition of scrumptious and just thinking of it now is literally making my mouth water – you may also note that there is no photographic evidence as it was inhaled long before I could think of getting the camera out. The steamed lobster also delivered on flavour and was everything we had expected it to be. Delicious!
After picking out every last morsel of lobster we could find with the supplied picks and crackers we then took some time to sit back and revel in the destruction left on our plates. This was however, slightly short-lived as the mounting pressure from the expectant hoverers was building and it was only fair to let someone else have their turn.
All in all, I would give B&L a 9/10 and will definitely be going back soon although I’m not sure if I’ll ever be able to tempt myself away from the lobster and go for the burger option.
By Joanna Morrison-Wood (Web & E-Commerce Manager)