‘The future will bear choice as a fundamental ideal’ – 1980 (39th American President Jimmy Carter - 1977-1981).

This quote is false. It’s ultimately, entirely, and in every way imaginable, untrue. Jimmy Carter didn’t say it, no one said it (to my knowledge). At least not in 1980. But it sounds like something someone might have said in the early eighties right? Something of no massive note when thoughtlessly uttered, but in time, grows in weight and points to a rising situation you don’t realise until it’s too late.

If you look around, not just at restaurants, but coffee shops (Starbucks), clothes shops (Uniqlo), even cars... anything, it won’t take long to agree that we’ve come along way since the days of “any colour as long as it’s black”. The elderly race can be stereotyped to complain at the level of choice in current western markets. Starbucks is the quintessential case study. All but younger generations aren’t used to considering their options as much as they’re now forced. Size? Caffeine level? Milk? Fat? Syrup? Flavouring? It’s too much. Which is why it’s nice, to occasionally be able to take a step back to the past. To a simpler time, where things were decided for you, where you didn’t realise how lucky you were.

I don’t imagine this is the intention of the Byron Hamburger restaurant chain. However it’s certainly how it comes across to me. Their menu consists of a choice of 6 burgers. There’s Hamburger. With Cheese. Without Bun. With Cheese & Bacon. Chicken Burger. And Vegetarian Burger (a big-ass mushroom). If you don’t want a burger, you can have a salad, of which there are four. The creator of the restaurant must have decided very early on that the basis of his/er empire would be built on simplicity. That definitely comes across in the dining experience.

The beef is sourced (so the website tells me) from small farms in Scotland (as they rear the best stuff). They all have lettuce, tomato, onion, and a pickle on the side. Other condiments sit on your table.

All these attributes together add up to a very enjoyable dining experience. I can think of a couple of other ‘American retro’ themed restaurants around town, offering a staple burger and chips in a basket sort of experience. All red leather and chrome. They’re based around the kitsch experience of eating in an actual 50’s diner. Instead, Byron takes everything that was great about the antique styling, and recreates it in a modern restaurant. The menu is simple, meaning the cooking time is short, meaning the food is cheaper, meaning the whole experience is better. This is fast food with the importance heaped onto ‘food’ instead of ‘fast’ – a route McDonalds, and others who used to be able to call themselves restaurants have taken.

All this, and I haven’t mentioned the food. Well there’s no need really, it speaks for itself. It may have been because I visited after a very long, tiring day, but this was, without hesitation, the best burger I’ve ever tasted! I went for the branded ‘Byron Burger’ (Hamburger with cheese & bacon), and it disappeared in a couple of minutes. The ‘skin-on-chips’ were also gorgeous, if a little bit greasy. Yet, even me (a self-confessed greasophobe), tucked into them with relish. And mayo.

BEER SELECTION: For a restaurant it’s fantastic. Normal soft drinks and juices, but also milkshakes, a large wine selection, beer, lager, ale, cider, and even champagne. *****

COST OF A MEAL: Most expensive meal of Byron Burger, Skin-on Chips, any dessert, and Oreo Cookie Milkshake is less than £20. ****

STAFF: Very nice, and patient taking large or small orders. Deal with any request easily. Quick to sit and serve, and the meal arrives before you’ve had chance to salivate. *****

FOOD: Best burgers in town for me. A little on the small side compared to others perhaps, but you get filled nonetheless. ****

SKIRT RATIO: With everyone enjoying their food, and the staff seeming to enjoy themselves too, there’s a nice atmosphere. ***

Overall: I’ll drop one star for two reasons... The burgers are little on the small side compared to its competitors, and if you’re looking for a healthy option, this might not be it. ****

Byron - Kensington - Brought to you by James Wormald -