The quality chain of burger bars offer more than your average Burger King and Macdonalds, proving that burgers and chips can be a decent dinner out as opposed to some quick junk.

The Venue
The Soho option of the Gourmet Burger Chain is found along Frith Street and fits in with the typical decor of the chain. With so many quality eating establishments down this road, it manages to stand out, being a large building with a glass facade. The recognisable, simple white lettering declaring the presence of the venue works to keep the idea in mind that this is the upmarket fast food establishment.

Inside, you enter a narrow walkway through to the till point. There’s not much time to choose your burger, but the menu is compact and obvious, with specials shown on blackboards and signs. After ordering, you’re given a number that you take to one of the many tables. This is what lets the eatery down. The plastic chairs and tables are coloured in garish bright reds and whites and shine with a cheap veneer. They’re also very uncomfortable. However, this isn’t fine dining and you’re unlikely to languish for overly long so it’s a sin that can be easily overlooked.

The Atmosphere
Being in Soho, the unusual mix of tourists, locals, shoppers and colourful characters that litter the streets of London is evident. Also, as time ticks on into the late evening a more audible drunken drawl falls over the restaurant. That said, this is no Macdonalds so any drunken behaviour is more restrained.

The staff are friendly, better than in many cheaper burger chains, and they take more care of customer service with a table service, complete with smile.

The Food
The food is what Gourmet Burger Kitchen is all about and they excel on the proclaimed ingredients they use. These fresh/organic sources are stated on proud signs dotted around the restaurant. The buns are all hand baked on the site every morning, the fresh meat is delivered every day and the Aberdeen Angus Scotch Beef is sourced from traced grass reared free range animals only. A good range of burgers is available, all simple, ranging from the usual like a cheeseburger, to the unusual ‘chorizo’ burger. There’s also a great choice of veggie options, which may surprise the hard done by vegetarians.

A good choice is the Pesterella - a burger with fresh pesto, mozzarella, salad and relish. The mozzarella is an unusual cheesy taste compared with the usual cheddar that works well thanks to its moist, light texture. The pesto add an Italian flavour to the American favourite. The chips are also worthy of a try - being crisp on the outside and light and fluffy underneath. Although beware, the chips don’t come with the burger.

That’s the problem with Gourmet Burger Kitchen. The food is of a good standard and unusual, but everything costs. Expect to pay at around £15 per person if you factor in a drink, burger, chips and a sauce. Yes, sauce will set you back as well I‘m afraid and more than the 5p you may be used to.

The Drink
Nothing inspiring but that’s no surprise. Beers include Steinlager, Budvar, Mac’s Gold and Warsteiner, and there’s a decent selection of soft drinks, juices, mineral waters and milkshakes. Prices are average for cheap eateries in Soho, with beers costing around £3 a bottle and soft drinks approximately £2.

The Last Word
Gourmet Burger Kitchen is perfect for those sick of the usual cheap burgers and junk of some chains. However, the price unfortunately doesn’t reflect the quality and there are more affordable rivals that have sprung up in the London metropolis.

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