Burger & Beyond Soho

Set against the streets of Soho, Burger & Beyond is one of many burger restaurants throughout the capital fighting for a dominant spot – and it seems to be a contender.  

The restaurant itself seems quite small on first impressions, however, the dining area extends downstairs to the basement level where extra seating and the bar are met by sleek, black interiors, bright hanging lights and upbeat music; the true characterisation of a trendy dining spot.  

Getting down to the food, you can expect the obvious – lots of burgers and carbs. Our starter was a difficult choice with the tempting crispy pork belly tacos, however, we decided on the beef and cheese crispy pancake which did not disappoint. Audibly crispy and filled with tender beef and melted, stringy cheese; the chipotle salsa dip was so tasty that the final bite contained more salsa than pancake just so it wasn’t wasted.

The main course arrived incredibly fast, gracing our table alongside two portions of tater tots. The bacon butter burger was simple but effective, with a burnt butter mayo, crispy bacon and melted American cheese. Opting for a vegan burger, the Korean chick ‘n’ dip was a very realistic replication, dripping in Korean sauce and gochujang mayo that had the perfect balance of sweetness and spice – although, avoid this burger if you’re on a date as it’s definitely messy.  

What makes Burger & Beyond live up to the latter part of its name is definitely the sides. Crispy, but fluffy on the inside, the truffle tots were covered in sauce and the dirty tots combined a spicy, sharp, buffalo with a cooling ranch dressing; finished off with crunchy bacon bits.  

If you’re not full to the brim by this point, opt for the ice-cream sandwich. It was surprisingly light and refreshing with a rich caramel that the vanilla ice cream balanced out.  

Burger & Beyond does exactly what it says on the tin: it delivers juicy, cheesy, burgers, flavoured to perfection. Combined with memorable small plates, cocktails, friendly service and its trendy atmosphere the restaurant really does go ‘beyond’ its competitors.   

Burger & Beyond, like its competitors, started as a burger truck. After quickly rising in popularity, the truck was replaced by a restaurant in Shoreditch. Now, the chain has spread all over the capital, including this site in Soho, with the menu featuring a hedonistic array of burgers, sides and milkshakes. Burgers here use free-range, grass-fed, native breed cattle from Yorkshire, resulting in marbled, juicy meat packed with flavour. The meat is also dry-aged to improve tenderness and flavour.

The Soho site offers a short selection of cocktails like Espresso Martinis, Tommy’s Spicy Margaritas and Elderflower Collins, as well as a strong selection of independent beers and homemade soft drinks. Fizz and wine are also available for those who want a bit of class in their glass, as well as boozy milkshakes for those who don’t. Indulge from the start with the likes of smoked mozzarella sticks, fried chicken bites or corn ribs with vegan nduja butter. 

Unsurprisingly, the main event here is the burgers, which primarily feature beef alongside a couple of chicken, pork and vegan options. Purists can opt for the classic cheeseburger - and even double up if they're feeling particularly peckish. Those looking to splash the cash, meanwhile, can plump for the Boujie Burger, which features double American cheese, steak sauce, marrow-naise and beef fat onions.

In the poultry department, you’ll find the Krispie Fried Chicken burger laced with miso maple butter and ranch pickle slaw, while vegan options include the mushroom raclette, which features panko-crusted mushroom, melted vegan raclette, caramelised onion and smoked garlic mayo.

Be sure to order some Dirty Tots loaded with ranch sauce and bacon bits, or fries with bone marrow gravy and cheese curds, to accompany your burger. Finish with an over-the-top ice cream sandwich or hot Biscoff brownie to make sure there’s absolutely no room left.