The best burger deliveries in London: From the extravagent to the eco-conscious

There are few fast food staples that bring more satisfaction than a perfectly balanced burger. But with great power comes great responsibility, and there are also few things that bring more disappointment than a burger that isn’t worth the calories. With this in mind, we have rounded up some of our favourite burger joints so that you can indulge safely without fear of straying from familiar territory. Whether you prefer eating your burger hot off the grill with a DIY meal kit or you want to receive your patty pre-stacked, there’s an option for you.

The award-winner: Libertine Burger

Though Libertine Burger has managed to make its name free from the buzz of the capital, establishing successful restaurants in Rugby and Leamington Spa, their award-winning burgers are now available nationwide as a head-turning meal kit that doesn’t mess around. Included in this indulgent box are high-quality beef patties, delicious chilli to spoon on top and chimichurri to cut through with some zing. In addition to this scrumptious burger, the cheesy-truffle tater tots make for a fun yet luxurious side. Top tip: don’t be tempted to flip the meat more than necessary – set a timer and fry it for four minutes on each side as this ensures it will be cooked with a perfect crust. Order your kit online via the Libertine Burger shop.

The posh: Crockers 

Photo: Cristiana Ferrauti

Fresh from the picturesque riverside town of Henley-upon-Thames, Crocker’s delicious and easy-to-assemble burger box is a surefire way to level up your grilling game. The finish-at-home kit is up against tough London competition, but it has some winning features that don’t go unnoticed – starting with the generous portion size. This towering burger doesn’t just come on its own: from the three sides to the desserts, the box guarantees a complete and fulfilling dining experience. Even amongst this extensive spread, though, the beef patty proves to be the real protagonist of the set, keeping perfect shape when cooked to a succulent medium-rare. On top of this, the composition process doesn’t require more than basic skills – just a few pans and pots are needed to enjoy this comforting weekend treat. Order your box online here.

The eco-conscious: Honest Burger

Despite having built a business off the back of high-quality beef-burgers made in their own butchery, Honest Burger have also gained something of a reputation for their signature vegan alternative. Their Plant Burgers, made with patties from Beyond Meat, are widely considered one of the best options for eco-conscious diners. Having tried the DIY kit for ourselves, we can confirm that they are worth the hype. The juicy burgers sizzle beautifully and it really is hard to believe when you bite into them that they haven’t been anywhere near a cow. Combined with mayo, smoked gouda and toasted brioche buns, they are the kind of burgers you inhale rather than eat, and though the pack doesn’t come with chips – the company are adamant it wouldn’t do them justice  – they provide their iconic rosemary salt so that you can still get that trademark flavour on your own freshly made fries. Order online to receive your kit along with a free tote bag.

The exuberant: Dirty Bones

It’s hard to think of a richer, “dirtier” burger than those designed by Dirty Bones. The skinny fries are delicious and will be coated with crispy lamb belly in a miso glaze. As if this isn’t enough, you’ll then add onion and garlic salt, and a generous drizzle of jalapeno dressing, finishing it with thinly sliced chilli and spring onion. If that’s the treatment for the fries, what to expect for the burger? Pulled beef short rib will go on top of the patty, and then a copious amount of mac & cheese follows before topping it with a glorious brioche bun. Burgers have never been more extravagent. Order online here.

The plant pioneer: Rudy’s Vegan 

Rudy’s Vegan is London’s first-ever all-vegan diner and butcher. With stores in Camden and a new shop freshly opened in Islington, this micro-chain is making a mark across the North London community. It may sound counterintuitive but it’s easy to see where the “butcher” element comes into play. Despite there being no blood in sight, the quality of the team’s plant-based burger kit has the potential to convert meat-eaters, showing a real understanding of what carnivores are craving. This DIY kit is a convincing vegan take on a dirty diner burger: the patties are full of flavour with a great texture. The components are easy to assemble but if you do want to find out more, you can reach out to the excellent customer service team. Order your kit online here.

The hearty: Patty & Bun

Patty & Bun are in the big leagues when it comes to burgers, but can their DIY Burger kit live up to their reputation? Well, you might be pleased to know that our verdict is a resounding yes. This burger is probably heart-stopping in more ways than one, but it’s certainly worth the calories. Their signature Ari Gold and Smokey Robinson kit delivers two helpings of two favourites, packing the flavours the brands are known for – including Smokey P&B Mayo, HG Walter Bacon and homemade pickled and smokey onions – as well as some easy-to-follow instructions. Tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat, crispy bacon and crunchy toasted buns are a match made in heaven. There are no fries included, but this can be forgiven in the current climate – they’ve got to encourage us back somehow, right? Order online via Plateaway.

The Insta-friendly: Flower Burger

This is a new joint on the town, but that doesn’t make it less deserving of your attention. This vegan venue is custom-made for the Instagram generation, offering up a rainbow of burger buns in vibrant shades. Whether brightly coloured food is to your taste or not, you’ll likely be sold on the flavours. The Spicy Chickpea Burger is perfect for those who want to bring the heat without blowing their heads off, while the Jungle Burger serves up a tempting walk on the wild side. However, you’re in the safest hands with the signature Flower Burger: a seitan and red kidney patty layered up with tomato confit, soybean sprouts, lettuce, flower cheddar, Magic sauce, sandwiched between violet buns. The desserts are also worthy of note – Coco Nuts is a surprisingly creamy treat, while we recommend the Chocolate Salami for a slice of fun after-dinner indulgence. If you do go in-store, you are guaranteed a friendly welcome from the team. Order online via Deliveroo, UberEats or Supper London.

The meat-first: Burger and Beyond

Burger and Beyond know the secret to a great burger kit: simplicity. Essex-born but London-based, the company started as a popup truck before opening a restaurant in Shoreditch to rave reviews. Their DIY meal kits are incredibly easy to make but they taste as good as any elaborately plated masterpiece. The restaurant uses high-quality ingredients, allowing the meat to take centre-stage – just as it should. The patties are made from their signature 35-day-aged mince beef and can either be doubled up or used to feed four hungry mouths. We’d never had tater tots with a burger before – call us traditionalists – but they proved the perfect complement to the burgers and will certainly make their way onto the menu again. For a burger made from only the best cuts, order online here.

The pairer: Beer + Burger

Photo: Cristiana Ferrauti

The name of this brand reveals the key to their concept – and it’s a sterling one too. Let’s begin with the beer: an inordinately large fridge is a paramount requirement of every store in order to stock up on an incredible variety of bottles. With half of their labels coming straight from the UK, and many others fittingly favouring an American flavour palette, the drinks at Beer + Burger cater to a multiplicity of tastes, tantalising customers with pleasant new discoveries. In addition to the traditional food offerings, the menu comprises plentiful extras and sides, including vegetarian options, and every month features a guest edition. The restaurant’s current special, Bang-Coq, is bursting with flavour, and you won’t be disappointed by the March cheesecake, decadently lavished with Nutella, vanilla and Oreos. Order online now via Deliveroo.

The classic: Shake Shack

Photos: Virginie Viche

Shake Shack have become a familiar name when it comes to fast food, and with reason. Since hitting the UK scene with their American-born crinkle-cut fries and indulgent shakes, they have continued to keep their menu fresh and flavoursome. The good news for fans of the franchise is that their DIY kits are just as tasty. The boxes come with step-by-step instructions that make the burgers easy to prepare, meaning it’s a great option if you don’t have much time to prep and cook – or if you are allergic to your oven. The card includes topping ideas from their kitchen team to complement their burgers – we recommend the addition of fried onions and sliced comté if you want to upgrade to a tangier cheese. On top of great quality patties, the parcel includes Shake Shack’s custom sauce as well as a special salt and pepper mix to perfectly season the meat. Order online via Plateaway. 

The American-Nordic: Tommi’s

Pop-up turned permanent fixture, Tommi’s Burger Joint has earnt its place in London’s food scene. Founder Tomas Tómasson started his epic journey in 1981 by bringing the American staple home to his native Iceland, but he has since set up shop all over Europe, and today his team are busy delivering their meals across the British capital so we can enjoy tasty, no-nonsense food from the comfort of our living rooms. These unpretentious burgers, served medium rare, keep it really simple and focus on presenting fresh ingredients and classic American flavours. Served with crunchy, skinny fries, fully loaded indulgent milkshakes and a range of delicious sauces (including Bearnaise!) Tommi’s delivers the full diner experience straight to your door. Order Online via Deliveroo.

The double decker: Neat Burger

Neat Burger may be a relative newcomer to the London scene, but it’s already making waves. Created by none other than Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton, the venture claims to be the first plant-based sustainable burger chain and the franchise works in collaboration with the Eden Project, promising to plant a tree for each burger sold. Since being named the best Vegan Restaurant at the Deliveroo Awards last year, the chain has opened a third branch, and it’s not hard to see why. Their burger kits come complete with two signature Neat patties which could give any classic quarter pounder a run for its money. We recommend frying on a high heat to get a nice brownin – and a touch of mustard never goes amiss. Order online here for both standard delivery and make at home options.

The editorial unit