London Pub crowned the best place to get a burger in the UK
This summer, the National Burger Awards hosted a special Champion of Champions cook-off to name the best place to get a burger across the country.
We’re no stranger to the National Burger Awards – with cult-favourite chain Bleecker taking first place in February’s ceremony for its signature Bacon Double.
However, to celebrate 10 years of the prestigious foodie gong, a one-off contest pitted 26 previous winners from the last decade against each other.
And it was here that Whole Beast, the resident kitchen at The Montpelier pub in Peckham, was crowned the best in the UK.
The meat maestros triumphed with their signature Aged Cheeseburger, a true carnivore’s dream featuring a dry aged Norfolk Wagyu beef patty, smoked bone marrow, American cheese, bread-and-butter pickles, diced onions, and a signature burger sauce – all nestled in a soft potato roll.
It’s a favourite of food critic Jay Rayner, who previously said the Whole Beast cheeseburger is so revered that it’s ‘talked about in these parts in hushed tones’, adding he said he ‘can see why’ it’s been given a number of accolades.
You’re probably thinking that any creation so indulgent and widely-lauded will set you back a pretty penny, especially as it’s a London spot. But burger fans will be glad to know that this award-winning burger costs just £11 – less than what you’d pay for the same at a number of bog standard chain restaurants.
Previously the Blogger’s Choice winner in February, this menu staple from Whole Beast keeps going from strength to strength in burger pros’ eyes, it seems.
Whole Beast beat a number of big names to take home the prize, from Bleecker (two-time winners) and El Perro Negreo to popular spots Danny’s Burgers and The Beefy Boys.
If you want to try it for yourself, WB x The Monty is serving up burgers and elevated bar snacks galore at the Choumert Road boozer every day except Monday.
During the winter, there are roasts too – in the collaboration’s unique style, of course, with smoked meats and sourdough sauce alongside traditional roast potatoes and veg.
Posting on Instagram, founders Sam and Alicya Bryant, thanked their fans for the continued support, saying: ‘So last night we did it, National Burger Awards Champion of Champions with our Aged Cheeseburger. Absolutely mad, we are completely blown away.’
Acknowledging the judges – including foodie filmmaker duo Top Jaw and competitive eater Kate Ovens – and their suppliers, the pair added: ‘Something so simple wouldn’t be possible without the right mix of ingredients and equipment.’
The Instagram post drew in a wealth of praise, from Peckham locals as well as bigger names.
Professor Green commented: ‘Gangsta! gutted I couldnt judge this – my disdain for cheese was a problem 😂 congrats!’
London-based Filippino chef Budgie Montoya also posted a series of flame emojis, while competition rival Danny’s Burgers commented some clapping hands for Whole Beast’s award.