Electric Diner, Notting Hill

bacon double cheeseburger

The Electric Diner is a brand new American style diner that's just opened in Notting Hill. The decor is absolutely spot on, thanks to the SohoHouse owners. The burger is ace too, thanks to an award winning chef from the windy city (Chicago, not Portsmouth). There's a bar on the right hand side complete with high stools and a decent beer, wine & cocktail selection. There's a long open kitchen, there's red leather booths to sit in. The walls are rough brick, the ceiling curved. This is how to do a 'diner'. A DJ in the far corner is playing classic hiphop tunes at a gentle volume. The place is buzzing, there's a great atmosphere, I'm in love with the place before I've even sat down. 

The 'Stack', Malmaison, Clerkenwell

"Would you like to try our Stack burger?" they said, "Hells yes!" was my reply, especially as i've had Malmaison on my burgers-to-try list for some time. 

Located on Charterhouse Square in Clerkenwell, Malmaison is a grand looking hotel with a fancy lobby and an inviting looking brasserie downstairs. Spacious and peaceful, the dining room is a nice place to be. We get settled in leather chairs near an open fire. 

London Burger Bash 2012

Here's my photographic-burger-memory of the 6 magnificent burgers from this week's fantastic London Burger Bash organised by YoungandFoodish (@burgermonday), all fighting for the coveted 'Golden Patty Award' (above, obviously). 

Cinnamon Soho

Being invited to try a new burger at a restaurant is a treat i rarely turn down (read: never). Cinnamon Soho is Vivek Singh's newest spot, and its nestled away in Kingly St. just behind Carnaby St. 

I didn't make it downstairs to the second dining room, but upstairs was buzzy and full. We arrived a little early and grabbed a very decent cocktail at the bar while we waited for a table. 

Blues Kitchen, Camden

I thought it was time to check out the burger at the Blues Kitchen, they'd mentioned that it was pretty damn good so i headed to Camden with an empty stomach. 

Hache, Camden

Hache in Camden are one of the first 'gourmet' burgers places i can remember eating at. I raved about the place to people for ages after a few trips there to experience their fab burgers. Unfortunately my recent visit was pretty disappointing. The venue hasn't changed, its still nicely done out with a hint of French bistro chic. Staff are polite and friendly, the problem was the damn buns and fries. But i'll get to that. 

Mishkins, Covent Garden

Right next door to the Opera Tavern in the centre of the Covent Garden Theatre district is where you’ll find Mishkins, which considers itself "a kind-of Jewish deli with cocktails". To me its more of a kitchey 50s inspired American diner, but whatever, the venue is great, with its rough wood paneled walls, checkerboard tiled floor and appealing cocktail bar by the window. There’s a really warm, homely vibe in here and the young staff seem to be the happiest, friendliest people in the world.