Yep, more burgers for London. These latest come compliments of Icelandic entrepreneur Tomas Tómasson, who has launched nearly 20 restaurants and hotels (including the Hard Rock Cafe) back in his native Iceland and reckons now is the time to expand beyond his tiny island’s shores and capitalise on London’s currently “huge appetite” for burgers.
Tomas might well be on to something. He and his crew (I think they’re all Icelandic folk working there at the moment) certainly know how to flip a burger that’s as delicious as any I’ve had in London.
As ironic as visiting a “joint” on upmarket Marylebone Lane may be, it’s nonetheless a worthwhile endeavour. During my lunch there on Saturday afternoon, I was reminded of the sorts of local yocal dives I’d eaten at as a little kid riding around North Georgia with my dad. Seriously. Happy days darting around hilly highways in his truck running errands and pursuing odd jobs – and chowing down on down home chow at little independent eateries in small towns dotted along the countryside. Picnic tables with vinyl tablecloths and all that.
Proust had his madeleines. I’ve got charred medium rare cheeseburgers. And somebody from Iceland brought those memories back to me in a Marylebone restaurant?
Anyway, I digress. Back to Central London reality, the just under a tenner price for Tommi’s cheeseburger, fries and soda “offer of the century” felt a bit more in line with the demands of such a swish street. But you know what, I’d pay it again. It seemed to be yummy value for money and maybe even less expensive than other “best burger in London” options nearby.
Tommi’s Burger is located at 58 Marylebone Lane, W1U 2NX. And I liked just about everything about my meal there. The burgers are awesome. The fries are fine. The attitude is non-existent. Tomas and crew are even serving free coffee to their customers.
Make sure to try the cocktail sauce when you go . Apparently, this is the thing Icelandic expats in London are most excited to be able to eat again.
More info at burgerjoint.co.uk.
