Holy Burninations Byron!
31 Jan 2011
I’m generally pretty forgiving when it comes to food, focussing on the good and sweeping the not-so-good under the carpet. However there is the odd occasion when I come across a disappointing food experience. Normally I would just forget about it and move on, but having started this food blog I suppose I should properly represent all experiences. It’s only fair.
While suffering from a combination of jet lag and iron depletion at work and feeling like I was on the verge of passing out, I thought it would be a good opportunity to treat myself to a take away and finally try Byron for one of their burgers. I’d heard many a good thing about Byron on the blogosphere so I was quite excited about my lunch.
The Classic Burger... so far so good
Arriving at 12.20pm I was pleased to find that I was the first customer for lunch. ”Excellent!” I thought to myself, “Less waiting!”. I decided the Classic Burger (£6.50) would be a good way to introduce myself to Byron; something simple with no extras to distract from the pure flavours of the burger. I hadn’t meant to order any sides but onion rings are another one of my weaknesses so I ordered these too and upon receiving my order, hurried back to my office to consume the goods.
Sadly the flavours of the burger mostly tasted of burnt. What’s more it was rather dry. There was a lack of sauce, save for a small scraping of mayo. I suppose if the meat had been as tasty and juicy as I had expected the lack of sauce would have been a benefit, but this was not the case. Being the first customer there you’d think they’d have time to make my burger well.
Where there would normally be delightful char marks from the griddle pan, instead the lay long, wide, blackened stripes, black as the blackest night. Sure there’s a fine line between charring and burnt but I know charring. I love the taste of charring! Sorry dude… burnt is burnt!
Charring Fail
They managed to redeem themselves slightly with their rather tasty onion rings (£2.95). Unfortunately the packaging wasn’t ideal and they were starting to get soggy, sitting in a pool of oil.
Quite tasty onion rings
All in all, massively disappointed by Byron which is a shame since I’d heard good things about them and really wanted to like them. Whether my poor meal was the result of a drop in quality due to rapid expansion (which seems to be the kiss of death of a number of good restaurants), or a one off mistake, or just a poor take away service I’m not sure. Perhaps someday I’ll find out but for now I don’t think I’ll be hurrying back.
Byron (various branches across London)
97-99 Wardour Street
London
W1F 0UD
Aw man, that doesn’t look right! Obviously you should come to NYC where we have a bagillion good burgers for you to eat. Yaaay, problem solved!
By jove, you’re right! Ahhhh… I can’t believe I still haven’t made it out to New York yet. Hopefully in April! *crosses fingers*
Just seen your latest burger post on Serious Eats – looks like some awesome recommendations there. I want to gooooooooooooo!!!
Their burgers are usually a lot better but I do notice a difference in quality based on location. No problems usually at the Westfield branch.
But their onion rings are always that greasy. I prefer their courgette fries.
I did try to improve the situation by stuffing my dry burger with greasy onion rings. It helped… a little.
Courgette fries sound interesting!