Burger & Lobster (Farringdon)

Really didn't require the booking I made as it was after peak lunchtime, but knowing the mad queues at the other branches I booked a half day off work and also a table here.

Very few diners at this point and was not asked for my booking. Nice decor, red banquettes and a glass ceiling with a view to the open grill near our table.

Our main waitress was very efficient and can't fault her but she had a little bit of a brusque manner and wasn't exactly friendly. I don't mind that stuff as I don't want to be best mates with the person serving me particularly.

I was concerned the burger wouldn't represent value but my fears were assuaged when my companion ordered one. Food came so promptly that my sly pre dinner fag was called off after the first puff by the waitress coming out to signal the arrival of my lobster.

Claw meat was divine though being only an occasional lobster eater they took a bit of grappling! The meat in the first half of the body (don't know if that's the technical term) was really quite chewy in places. I was really struggling to extract some of it and one piece even went into a napkin after my jaw gave up the ghost! Nevertheless this was only the case for some bits. I think asking for it grilled might mean it can be a tad overdone, as presumably it has already been steamed.

The burger was epic, and one of the nicest patties I have ever tried. My companion managed to finish it, minus the bun and chips. Really huge, delicious burger with bacon and cheese included in the price. Both came with a decent baby leaf salad including a really good dressing and parmesan. Also the fries of course which we really couldn't manage. Despite this the fact you get the extras as well as the gorgeous massive burger or fairly nice lobster (not grilled next time) it really seems like a good value hearty meal.

Dealt with another waitress who was super charming, but the first lady was slightly patronising. No big deal though...

One thing, as the portions are so huge the table for we had could barely hold it's contents. I dropped cutlery twice as well as my plastic bib. Which I did wear but only cos the place was virtually empty. To be honest it was needed as I descended into ripping the crustacean to pieces with my hand and teeth after about 10 minutes!

Overall really did enjoy it. Only qualms being parts of the lobster being a tad chewy and table size. We had 2 pints of Asahi and it only came to about £55 with tip which is good considering you do feel like you've had a luxurious gluttonous treat for lunch.
Comment on this reader review

Kedi
8 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7
Tuesday, November 20, 2012

This the the 3rd site for this Group .Have not been to the other 2 because they don't take reservations, and I don't see why I have to queue/wait for someone else to vacate a table. We get enough of that from the Public Sector in the UK.

There are only 3 choices on the menu, and all at the same price. Hence if you want value for money go for the lobster, and don't overpay for the burger.

We tried all 3 dishes-the burger;the lobster; and the lobster roll.

Now, we had just returned from a trip to the USA, so we couldn't help but compare to similar experiences there.Given this place seeks to emulate what is available in the USA, it is fair to compare.

The burger- it's ok. Not the best, nowhere near the "5 napkin burger" in NY or Boston. Unfortunately it is served on a bun with sesame seeds.This putting of sesame seeds on a bun is a monstrosity invented by McD's, and no serious burger place stateside does it. A brioche bun or "kaiser roll" is far superior . After all who wants to eat grit with your burger? The chips(fries) are of the frozen branch of chipdom-McCains from what I could see of the visible stack of boxes. I have nothing against this brand, but at this price point, I would have expected fresh fries .At least they did not have the skins still on them, which is another excuse for laziness that is to be avoided.

The lobster- is offered steamed or steamed and grilled. We opted for the steamed, and it was ok, nothing like the fresh, sweet lobsters we had in Boston.

The lobster roll- does use a similar,elongated,soft white, roll as the U.S. The lobster chunks were oversmothered in cloying, mayo which was industrial. Again, compared to what we ate in the US, it was the "poor cousin" much like the other 2 dishes were.The US version has the roll lightly toasted, with a smear of butter that melts into the roll, and a very small amount of mayo and lemon juice to keep the mayo thin and prevent it from gumming up the lobster.

All told , it was ok, but not a patch on these same dishes as served in the USA.
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C.Elder
6 Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 6
Wednesday, November 14, 2012