What can you tell us about Burger & Lobster?
It's a new venture from the people behind Goodman steakhouses - and does exactly what it says on the tin, serving up simply burgers and lobsters (alongside some cocktails from Soulshakers). The aim is to make lobster more affordable to Londoners, and they've achieved that partly by installing a mammoth lobster tank in the basement - being able to store more brings the cost down.
Where is it?
Just around the corner from Green Park station, having taken over the site of the old Field pub on Clarges Street. So you're very much in Mayfair territory here.
Who’s it suitable for?
Although the menu is stripped down, the place isn't. There's still a smattering of open brick wall, but in general anyone comfortable at the bar in Goodman will be happy here. Think of it as an upmarket version of Russell Norman's joints or Meat Liquor. Along those lines. As with those, it won't take bookings as it's walk-in only, but quite spacious inside so worth a punt if you're in the area. It's also one of the few affordable restaurants in a very high class area.
Where should I meet my fellow diners for pre-dinner drinks?
You can either meet for a cocktail at the bar (we certainly availed ourselves of their services) and nearby there's the May Fair hotel bar or you could try the newly-opened Novikov.
Where should we sit?
There are plenty of stools near the front and booths at the back. We'd go for the counter dining option if you can which is always more fun and means you can shoot the breeze with the lovely bar staff.
What would you recommend ordering?
The choices are certainly limited, but that's part of the charm. So you can have either burger (with optional bacon and cheese), lobster roll or lobster - each served with and chips and salad for £20 (the latter two coming with melted butter (normal or lemon and garlic variety).
If there are two of you, we'd recommend splitting the order and going for the lobster and the lobster roll to share - both are easy to divide so that no-one will feel short changed. We particularly loved the lobster roll - loads of lobster meat on a lovely buttery brioche roll, and will be back for more. Goodman are rightly renowned for their burgers at their steak restaurants and the quality carries through here so, if your stomach and wallet will stretch to it, go for the burger too.
What about drinks?
Unlike at Goodman, the focus here drinks-wise is definitely on cocktails - split into aperitifs and then into B or L cocktail lists. Of those, we tried the Bull and Bear (Woodford reserve, blackberries, raspberries, pinot noir and crushed ice) and the Summer of Love (Finlandia mango, ruby grapes, passionfruit, sauvignon blanc) - both £9 each. The wine list is as brief as the main menu and kicks off at a bargain-basement £5 for Itallian Trebbiano (particularly good considering we're in Mayfair) and has just five red/white on the menu. That said, if you end up being a regular customer here, you'll probably be offered a choice of under-the-counter wine choices that aren't on the main list. You could also order a very well-priced glass of Mumm champagne for just £9. We were particularly taken with the beers here - there's Meantime on tap as well as Harvey's and Sierra Nevada pale ale from California and the bottled beer list includes Sam Adams.
How much is this going to set me back?
As above it's £18-£20 for mains and you can have either chocolate or lime mousse for dessert at £4 each. This all makes Burget & Lobster very good value indeed.
Overall thoughts?
Goodman set out this particular stall as aiming to sell London's best value lobster. As General Manager Dave Strauss told us earlier; 'When you go to Boston, lobsters are for everyone, not just a five star treat but a fun night out, and we want to bring that to London.' Burger & Lobster does that in spades...and isn't going to hurt your wallet too badly. Don't leave it to the Mayfair hedge-funders - this one's for all of us.
Burger & Lobster - 29 Clarges Street, Mayfair, London W1J 7EF
Find out more about Burger & Lobster
Hot Dinners were invited to eat at Burger & Lobster. Prices are correct at time of writing.
