The humble burger’s origins are debated, with numerous claims to its invention, and today’s UK is home to countless eateries vying for the title of best burger. Food blogger Sam Wilder decided to settle the score by embarking on a regional burger tour, starting in the South West.
After gathering recommendations, Sam shortlisted 54 contenders, kicking off his journey with Gloucester’s Burger Boi. This American-style spot, famed for its California smashed burgers, buttermilk chicken, and shakes, was named Gloucester’s top takeaway in 2024.
Their signature “American Boi” burger (£8.45) features the essentials: a juicy beef patty, cheese, lightly grilled onions, sauce, crisp gherkins, and a leaf of lettuce. Sam was instantly drawn in by its appetizing appearance, stating, “That has the look of a burger you really want to eat.” It delivered on flavor, earning an eight out of ten.
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Sam also sampled Burger Boi’s specialty “Hot Honey Smash” (£9.45), loaded with hot honey and turkey bacon jam. Though flavorful, the overpowering hot honey sauce resulted in a modest 6.8 score.
Next was STAKD, a beloved burger van in Wells, Somerset. Despite its simple setup with a small marquee, STAKD promises a summer dining experience “incredible” enough to remember. Their basic “Single” burger (£9.00), notable for its crispy edges, impressed Sam who labeled it “absolutely delicious” and nearly perfect, scoring 8.2.
The speciality “The Melt” (£12) added Umami Sauce, cheeses, and pickled onions. While visually stunning, its complexity brought a slight rating drop to 8.1.
Plymouth’s Zephyr Burgers, recommended by numerous followers, offered the straightforward MCB Single (£8.65). Sam declared it “absolutely delicious” though somewhat lacking a unique twist, giving it a 7.3 rating. The pricier double bacon cheeseburger (£14.25) with bone marrow-naise earned higher marks (8.5) for its richness, though Sam suggested more pickles to balance its decadence.
Bristol’s Three Brothers Burgers took a different approach, serving classic steak burgers rather than the popular smash style. Their £8.15 cheeseburger impressed with a unique potato bun but was “messy” and fragile, scoring 7.5 from Sam.
Their standout, the Steak Poivre, complete with fries under the bun and ingredients like rocket, Gruyère cheese, and garlic mayo, scored 8.3. Sam noted the Gruyère’s nutty flavor complemented the burger better than typical American cheese, although messiness again detracted slightly.
Danny’s Burgers, a legendary food truck near Bristol’s Force and Nobel brewery, rounded out Sam’s South West tour. Its smash burger delivered the crispiest texture of the region. The Classic Cheese (£10) attracted an 8.2 rating, while the premium Oklahoma Onion (£13) featuring fried onions and a remarkable sauce dazzled Sam with a near-perfect 9.2. “This is a stunning, insane, incredible burger,” he praised.
Throughout his South West journey, Sam reflected, “My experience at every burger place here has been way better than London.” With such top-tier burgers in Gloucester and across the region, Sam’s challenge to find a better burger elsewhere in the UK has set a high bar.