Guide to the best London burger chains

The award-winning Bleecker Burger was born out of the love for a classic New York City burger. Its rich beefy flavour results from dry aging and cooking to order rare-breed, grass-fed beef from small UK farms, and it definitely sets this burger chain apart. A choice of simple burgers with add-ons such as American cheese or special scratch sauce are available, complemented by fries and ice cream shakes. You can order takeaway here, too.

Patty & Bun's presence across London is a boon for burger enthusiasts, as their commitment to quality, evident in their use of top-notch ingredients such as beef from HG Walter and fine cheeses from Neal's Yard Dairy, ensures a proper, juicy burger every time. The menu caters to a wide range of tastes, including a halal selection and plant-based options. Various indulgent sides, such as cheese balls or brisket-loaded chips, are also available.

Neat, established by Formula 1 legend Lewis Hamilton, is an award-winning restaurant group offering a range of delicious plant-based burgers and fast food. The brand emphasises sustainability in both its food and operations, using ethically sourced ingredients and eco-friendly materials like compostable cutlery and biodegradable packaging. The vegan burger chain's menu features a variety of options, including burgers, crispy chick*n sandwiches, salad bowls, and sides like plant-based mac and cheese.

Black Bear Burger is renowned for its juicy, loaded burgers, offering a simple yet delicious menu in lively, cool settings around London. Focusing on burgers made from high-welfare British meat, the menu also includes chicken and vegan options, various sides, sharing plates, and complimentary signature soft-serve ice cream, making it a popular destination for fulfilling meals.

Even though it's an omnipresent global burger chain, Five Guys is regularly mentioned as one of the top places for a burger by pundits. Head to one of their many branches around London for fully-stacked, greasy burgers hot off the grill, served on a soft, toasted bun with melted American cheese. There's a range of burgers to choose from, with toppings to your heart's content, as well as sides and Five Guys classics such as shakes.

Byron offers a range of burgers, from fluffy Korean-inspired buttermilk chicken to a satisfying vegan option with double bacon and cheese. Their comprehensive menu appeals to a variety of tastes, ensuring there's something for everyone. Equally impressive are their sides, which include the likes of crispy chicken strips with sriracha mayo, fresh slaw, and halloumi fries loaded with toppings. Top it all off with one of Byron's famous milkshakes.

Shake Shack is a fast-casual dining chain from the United States, renowned for its selection of burgers, fries, and milkshakes. Their burgers are crafted from pure Angus beef and are cooked to order, ensuring a juicy, tasty patty. The menu offers a range of choices, headlined by the signature ShackBurger – a combination of lettuce, tomato, ShackSauce, and American cheese. The chain supports sustainability and eco-friendliness in its operations.

For those familiar with London's vibrant street food culture, Baba G's Bhangra Burger is likely a good friend. Introduced initially as a pop-up, Baba G's can now be found at several permanent locations in the city. Their menu is a fusion of Indian cuisine and classic burgers, bursting with rich and unexpected flavours such as mango raita, spicy chilli pickle, and crunchy onion bhaji.

The Honest Burgers chain places a strong emphasis on sustainable farming practices, high-quality ingredients, and transparent sourcing. At their branches all across London, they serve delicious chicken, beef, or veggie burgers in a straightforward setting, with budget-friendly prices to boot. They also feature unique monthly specials and location-specific offerings, complemented by a variety of sides and drinks.

The Beer + Burger Stores boast extensive collections of bottled and canned beers from all over the world, alongside a rotating selection of drafts from independent breweries. In these stylishly decorated venues, the highlight is their range of burgers, available in both meat and plant-based options and accompanied by a wide array of side dishes.

Burger & Beyond is a group of casual burger joints drawing inspiration from all around the world for their meaty delights, from London to Miami, Vegas to LA, and New York to Berlin. Having made a name for themselves on the pop-up circuit, they now operate several brick-and-mortar sites in London, serving the likes of bacon butter burgers with a side of bone marrow gravy fries, thick, boozy ice cream shakes, and more.

Meatliquor came about as an idea in a Peckham car park, leading to the launch of the first Meatwagon burger van in 2009. Today, it has expanded to numerous fixed locations throughout the city, garnering a dedicated fan base. While burgers are the main attraction, the menu also includes a variety of dishes ranging from buffalo wings and chilli cheese fries to vegan options and indulgent desserts.

Originally a street food venture, this London burger chain has grown into multiple permanent locations across the city, named in honour of the owners' Grandma Bill. The menu features indulgent hand-pressed burgers with meat provided by an award-winning family butcher and aged in a Himalayan salt fridge. In addition to the banging burgers, Nanny Bill's is also known for its hand-rolled deep-fried croquettes, which pair perfectly with a juicy burger.

Manna is a relaxed street-food spot offering smash burgers and fried chicken, drawing inspiration from American diner traditions and a love for fast food. Their menu includes a variety of burgers and chicken sandwiches, topped with options like spicy honey, jalapeno cream, slaw, and others, accompanied by sides such as waffle fries. They also provide delivery and takeaway services.

Featuring a straightforward industrial design, Gourmet Burger Kitchen, found throughout London, is renowned for its meticulously prepared gourmet burgers, filled with tempting ingredients. This modern eatery offers a diverse menu featuring beef, chicken, and plant-based burgers, along with gluten-free choices. They also cater to younger diners with kids' meals.

Two childhood friends launched Amigos Burgers & Shakes in Acton some years ago and have since expanded to several locations in London and beyond. Committed to creating superior burgers, their menu includes a variety of burgers, sides, shakes, and even breakfast choices. This rapidly expanding chain accommodates a range of dietary needs, offering vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, and ensures all their offerings are halal.