Addlestone, Burgers, Etc Restaurant Guide

Gordon Ramsay’s four-year-old fast-food chain – one of several diffusion brands from the TV chef – has half a dozen sites across the capital. Views on it have always been somewhat mixed and became even more polarised this year: between those who consider it “a great new discovery” and those who feel it’s “disappointing for an upmarket burger”.

This “admirably restored Edwardian local” in Brentford was “pimped up a few years ago”, and while it “still feels like a proper pub… the focus on food is far greater”. There’s a “wide range of craft ales”, “a roaring fire in winter”, and an “interesting”, diverse menu also incorporating staples such as “very good burgers”. Top Menu Tip – “they also have a range of posh fish in tins which come with toasted sourdough: a nice thing in summer with a drink in the pleasant garden”.

“Very high-end food for a pub” in a special setting – an upstairs dining room with a balcony overlooking the Thames – has made this handsome year-old tavern a “great addition to Barnes”. “The score would be higher but the grub does not always hit the highs”. Founder Joe Grossman is a local boy who owns burger chain Patty & Bun: this is his passion project. Top Menu Tip – “have all the starters and share the lamb shoulder”.

“Best burger for me”, declare fans of this independent group that started out 10 years ago with a stall on Broadway Market and a focus on grass-fed, dry-aged British beef – and the judges at the 2025 National Burger Awards share the view, crowning Black Bear’s Miso Bacon Burger as ‘Burger of the Year’. “Their seeded buns and wings are pretty good too”. The name refers to founders Stu & Liz Down’s working holidays in the Canadian Rockies. In April 2025, they opened their largest outlet yet, with 100 covers, at Westfield White City.