Byron (Haymarket) SW1

London’s Best Beer, Pubs and Bars update
Central London — Soho and Leicester Square

Restaurant
11 Haymarket SW1Y 4BP
T (020) 7925 0276 W www.byronhamburgers.com f Byron-Hamburgers tw byronhamburgers
Open 1200-2300 (2330 Fri-Sat, 2230 Sun). Children welcome.
Cask beer None, Other beers 12 bottles, Also grown-up soft drinks
Food Gourmet burgers

Byron Hamburgers promoting craft beer at Haymarket, London SW1

Founded by Tom Byng in 2007 to replicate the quality hamburger experience he’d enjoyed while living in the USA, Byron now has 16 branches across London. In a further nod to US practice and another indicator of how the market for quality beer is evolving, in summer 2011 Byron worked with award winning beer blogger Mark Dredge to add a short but very well chosen craft bottled beer list to its menu, available across the chain. 10 beers are listed, half from the USA (obvious choices like Brooklyn Lager and Goose Island Honker’s but also Odell Cutthroat Porter), three from London’s Camden Town and Kernel, and one each from Scotland and Australia, significantly expanding on a couple of passable listings on the regular drinks menu (Modelo and London Pride). This is an extremely welcome initiative – let’s hope it’s well supported and endures beyond its summer trial.

My one gripe was my Kernel IPA was served too cold, and even in an iced glass – not the best way to flatter such a complex beer. I’m sure they’ll bring a room temperature glass if you ask but it would be good to see the choice offered especially considering they take pains to do things your way with the food menu. This is simple and traditional but quality and well cooked burger bar fare, including veggie options and main course salads, served by very friendly staff in a stylish venue, with an elaborate 19^th century ceiling, a curious contemporary chandelier and a kitschy collection of Royal Wedding plates down the stairs to the toilets. Note drinks are available only with meals – the first exception to the general rule in these listings but a well deserved one.

Branches. Currently 15 across London, with another due to open shortly. The nearest alternative in Soho is at 97 Wardour Street W1F 0UD, formerly the Intrepid Fox pub, with additional branches in Charing Cross Road and Covent Garden – see website for full details.

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