Food & Drink,Restaurants,The list

London’s 10 best burgers

It’s the debate that’s raging across the capital. Or maybe it’s just raging across the office at Esquire. Either way, we decided it was time to canvas the great and the good in a bid to determine, once and for all, the 10 best burgers in olde London town. So that’s what we’ve done. Enjoy…

Haché: Deluxe burgers, using only the freshest ingredients, are what make Haché stand out from the crowd. Try the Steak Catalan burger, topped with chorizo and chili jam, for a truly unbeatable burger experience. 329-331 Fulham Road, Chelsea, London, SW10 9QL (020 7823 3515) or 24 Inverness Street, Camden Town, London, NW1 7HJ (020 7485 9100). www.hacheburgers.com

Smiths Of Smithfield: Masterchef presenter and Smiths’ founder John Torode is passionate about sourcing his meat. Evidence of this can be found on the restaurant’s second floor in the form of the delicious Smiths’ Beef Burger, topped with mature cheddar and Old Spot bacon. 67-77 Charterhouse Street, London, EC1M 6HJ (020 7251 7950). www.smithsofsmithfield.co.uk

Joe Allen’s: To order a burger at Joe Allen’s, you must already be in the know because despite its peerless reputation it never appears on the menu. The beauty of this burger is its simplicity; made entirely of ground sirloin with no seasoning, the meat does all the talking. 13 Exeter Street, London, WC2E7DT (020 7836 0651).  www.joeallenrestaurant.com

Automat: The portions at this stylishly retro American Brasserie are generous and the weekly special topping allows you to try their signature burger a different way every time. Of course, you might always prefer to stick to the brilliantly mastered classic. 33 Dover Street, Mayfair, London W1S 4NF (020 7499 3033).  www.automat-london.com

The Diner: The Diner serves up arguably the sloppiest burgers in London – a juicy meat pattie accompanied by fresh salad and a seemingly endless list of toppings to suit your tastes. Try the Double Decker with Monterey Jack cheese for a proven protein hit. Branches in Camden, Islington, Soho, Shoreditch, and Kensal Rise. www.goodlifediner.com

Byron Hamburgers: With a tagline like “proper hamburgers” you know you’re in safe hands. There are a few simple yet effective variations on the classic, but the Byron Burger (dry cure bacon, mature Cheddar, and Byron sauce) remains the benchmark. Branches in Kensington, Kingston, Guildford, White City, Gloucester Road and King’s Road. www.byronhamburgers.com

Lucky Seven: Simple, so as not to detract from the flavour of the meat, Lucky Seven’s classic interpretation is the Kalifornian, served with bacon, cheese, freshly made guacamole, half a roasted tomato and sour cream. Cool and authentic. 127 Westbourne Park Road, London W2 (020 7727 6771). www.lucky7london.co.uk

Balans: The Balans Burger is a meal in itself. At 10oz, this is one of the larger options on the market, and though burger aficionados might disagree, you might be best served attacking this beast with a knife and fork. 60 Old Compton Street, Soho, London, W1D 4UG (020 7439 2183). www.balans.co.uk

The Wheatsheaf: The staff at The Wheatsheaf proclaim their trademark burger is “made with love”, something that’s evident in the tasting. The only options are cheddar, bacon, and house relish, as they maintain the original speaks for itself. 126 South Lambeth Road, London, SW8 1RB (0872 148 2813)

Eagle Bar Diner: The burger variations at the Eagle Bar Diner are numerous and appetising in the extreme; ever heard of a Golden Hog or an Italian Job? With a long list of toppings and themes, the Eagle Bar turns the humble burger into an art form. 3-5 Rathbone Place, London, W1T 1HJ (020 7637 1418). www.eaglebardiner.co.uk

Words by Charlie Jeffries