The Burger & Lobster chain goes from strength to strength, now with presences in Singapore, Kuwait and New York along with nine in London itself. It has become the go-to spot to get a good drink and quality seafood or meat, or both, if you’re a surf and turf fan. However, the chain isn’t resting on its laurels and has recently launched its new summer menu, encapsulating the iconic flavours it is loved for.
We went to the Leicester Square branch, nestled in the heart of hectic Soho at the tip of Chinatown. Yet, once you step through the doors, the atmosphere is a great balance between a calm enjoyable environment to chat in with a gentle humdrum of Soho buzz outside.
The beauty of this chain and probably the key to success is that it caters for any taste. If you’re a pescatarian, you’ll never feel left out with the freshest fish available sourced from the Atlantic. However if you swing the meaty way, expect juicy burgers and even juicier steak! More over, the new menu includes a hugely tempting plant-based Vegan Katsu Burger with a crispy patty, meaning no one has to miss out! Maybe it’s just me, but I’m a huge advocate for the chain’s signature half lobster half burger platter including grilled lobster and this curried delight.
We chose the new Thai-style mussels; juicy morsels cooked in coconut milk, chilli, thai basil and lime with grilled sourdough bread. Simply delicious and such a unique way to eat one of my favourite options, I knew I had much to come but I couldn’t resist using the bread to soak up every inch of flavour. We enjoyed some delicious oysters; fresh and salty served with a traditional shallot vinaigrette side. Starters also included lightly battered chilli squid served with spicy mayo and quite frankly was my idea of the perfect Friday night meal.
Lobster was the main of choice, and we opted for grilled. It was enjoyable, although in hindsight, perhaps you should choose to go steamed for that melt-in-the-mouth moment that wasn’t quite there. These lobsters are really not an option for a romantic date – no one looks fantastic scraping the juiciest claw meat out! I had mine with the new Tomato Heritage salad instead of chips. It tasted of summer and the herbs complemented the lobster well, although I was assured the truffle chips are also an excellent indulgent choice.
All burgers, lobsters and lobster rolls are served with salads as standard. I personally thought the parmesan on top of the cheese felt slightly unnecessary and should be an opt-in situation. However, I would wholly advocate the chimichurri for the additional kick of herbs which is the perfect option to dip the fishy goodness in!
Don’t forget the fantastic alcohol selection available at Burger & Lobster to compliment all that seafood and steak! We both chose the lobster cocktail – fruity, sweet and tangy including rose liqueur, sapling vodka, pineapple, passion fruit and lime. Next time I have my eye on the Basilico which includes vegan egg white, basil and interestingly avocado liqueur!
If you’re after something reliably fun in central London with food you just know is going to be delicious, Burger & Lobster really is the obvious choice.
