With a queue sprawling onto the pavement of dear little James St, my excitement level rose at the prospect of the burgering pleasures that awaited me. Having been personally recommended by some London friends, the queue is testament to the fact that Patty & Bun is a well-established burger institution.
The Ari Gold Cheeseburger is placed in front of me, and it looks like it is going to be one helluva burger. Sadly, it is disappointing, and does not live up to hype, or its looks. It was akin to a party one looks forward to attending, however, on arrival the crushing realisation strikes that everyone is a bit dull and there is no stimulating conversation or mischief. This burger was mischief-less. The patty was under-seasoned sans char or smoke and the meat inherently lacked flavour. It was juicy, nothing dry about it, but the smokey mayonnaise was not lathered on thickly enough, there was no pickle-zing, and I found the slice of tomato a burden. The brioche bun is probably the best thing about this burger; light and sweet.
Even though the pink inside this burger is like a blushing schoolgirl with a crush, it simply doesn’t matter as there is just not enough flavour. It’s not an awful burger, but eating it the day after one of the best burgers I have ever consumed, cemented its low position on the burger ladder. It also was disheartening to see that Patty & Bun was bursting and Dip & Flip was empty. Go figure.
The chips were pretty ace though, crunchy and golden and gnarled. If you’re a chip fan, I would definitely recommend dropping in for some. What better snack is there than some chips and a shake? Oh, they don’t do shakes. A travesty.
