Yes. I’m writing about burgers AGAIN. I do appear to have eaten rather a lot of them over the last few weeks. I’m not going to apologise though as this is another absolute winner that I’m telling you about for your own good.
The beauty of Byron is it’s consistantly high standard of food, great staff, and rapidly increasing locations, which means you’re never far from a safe burger option wherever you might be in London. There’s regularly a ‘special’ burger on the menu that’s always worth a try, with the Uncle Sam being my favourite so far. Oh, but Tom Byng, Byron’s founder, has really excelled here with this latest; teaming up with Fred Smith of The Admiral Codrington to create The Chilli Queen, in celebration of the Queens Jubilee. I was one of a bunch, including most of #teamburger, invited to attend a preview last week.
There was no doubt in my mind that the duo of tom and Fred could produce anything less than marvelous, and this burger is exceptional; glossy bun, perfectly seasoned, medium rare patty, green chillis and American cheese, smothered in chipotle mayo all sit on a crispy bed of shredded lettuce and pull together harmoniously. Nods and satisfied murmers around the table confirm that feelings are unanimous; this is GOOD. The accompanying, dangerously addictive, chipotle cheese fries are not only beautiful but taste sensational, sadly not on the menu, they’re so good they really, really should be.
Wine and the new Byron Pale Ales lubricated the evening, interspersed with Fred’s dasterdly concotion of chilli picklebacks; yes this was a messy one, Tom sure knows how to throw a party.
Tom and Fred; it’s a match made in burger heaven.
The Chilli Queen goes on sale for a month from May 3rd.
Seriously, GO!