When that all-encompassing hunger strikes and only a big, fat burger can sate it, who ya gonna call? Why, the Gourmet Burger Kitchen of course, where filling bellies with fine, prime burgers is what they do best.

The Venue
GBKs have been popping up all over the show for the past couple of years and now has about 50 branches in the UK alone. The Bayswater branch on Westbourne Grove is bigger than others with a large, airy dining area at the front complete with zigzag doors which open onto the street. The decor is clean and basic with blonde wood trappings and pale cream walls which house funky neon orange strip lights. On the bare tables sit retro squeezy tomatoes giving a faint, tongue-in-cheek nod to the Wimpy’s heyday of the ‘70s. Right at the very back of the restaurant, past the semi-open kitchen and mini-booths, is a tiny, stamp-sized patio. Here lives a gigantic fern sent all the way from New Zealand in celebration of GBK’s Kiwi origins.

The Atmosphere
The hungry folk of Bayswater show that this bustling burger kitchen is the place to be on chilly weeknights. Couples, friends and larger groups all muck in for good food at reasonable prices. The atmosphere is light and buzzy although the quick turnaround of tables makes it feel a little fast-foody. The waiting staff are personable and friendly and will take your drinks orders although you do have to queue up at the counter to order and pay (Nando’s style), which again enhances the fast-food joint ethos.

The Food
The menu at GBK is just built for hungry bellies and hangovers, bird-like appetites need not apply. From the Classic with Aberdeen Angus beef, salad, mayo and relish to the veggie-friendly Butternut Squash Burger (£7.45) with polenta, celeriac and pecan nuts, everyone is well-catered for. The Kiwiburger, GBK’s signature dish, is one giant beast of a burger and only the truly hungry should attempt one. On top of the beef patty sits a dizzying combination of beetroot, pineapple, cheddar cheese, a fried egg, some salad, mayo, onions and relish. Phew! Do not be fazed, it tastes absolutely fantastic. Influenced by our Antipodean friends, this man-mountain of a burger has a sweet taste thanks to the beetroot and pineapple. However, trying to eat it burger-style (with hands) will certainly ensue a cartoon moment where the entire contents of the bun will hilariously slip out onto the plate. Thus said, the Kiwiburger is best eaten either with a knife and fork or a complete lack of decorum.

GBK has recently introduced an organic premier range which offers buffalo burgers, wild boar and pork and leek burgers. The Buffalo burger (£9.95) has a deliciously rich and meaty flavour, the mayonnaise, salad and an extra slice of cheddar cheese makes it a definite treat, albeit slightly pricey. There are a handful of salads for non-burger fans and vegetarians are very well catered with the likes of Puy Lentil burger (£5.95) and Veggie and Camembert (£7.75).

As for sides, the homeslaw (£2.35) is the Kiwi version of coleslaw but much lighter than our creamy mayonnaise version. Finely shredded cabbage, spring onions, carrot and celeriac is dressed in a tangy vinaigrette, which cuts through the meatiness of the burgers perfectly. The chips (£2.75) are fat, fresh and very crispy and there is a good selection of homemade dips. (Warning: the garlic mayo is as pungent as a poke in the eye.)

The Drink
The drinks menu here at GBK can easily dress up or dress down your burger dining experience. Dress it up with a bottle of wine (prices start at a reasonable £11.95). The house red is a smooth and light blend called De Luc from France. For a few quid more you can have a typical NZ Sauvignon Blanc for a bargain price of £16.75. Or for a more casual affair add a cool Steinlager (£3.30) or a bottle of Laverstoke Park organic ale (£4.95).

The Cokes and Sprites come in proper glass bottles and the milkshakes (£3.55) are apparently legendary. Served large in Fifties-style steel shakers, they come in colourful flavours from chocolate to lime to Oreo and there’s plenty enough for two.

The Last Word
It’s hard not to fall in love with the Gourmet Burger Kitchen. It’s rapidly becoming a chain that will pop up in every town and be the first port of call when only a burger will do. The Wimpy is dead, long live GBK!

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