The long road winding down at the World Cup, where semifinals await Team USA
This seemed so far away in the beginning
1970-01-01 08:00
10 best burgers in London: We tried and tested everything from plant-based patties to a Tomahawk steak
When you get a burger craving, there is little else that can satisfy it. If you’re someone who simply cannot make do with a sub-par patty, then you’re in good company and luckily for you, we’ve rounded up the best burgers to feast upon in London. While we do tend to get these burger cravings more than we’d like to admit, we’ve actually selflessly gone out to test the best that this city has to offer – whether that’s at the OG spots we all know and live or to help you try something completely new. From beef and chicken options to plant-based patties, there’s something for everyone. For example, indulge in a dirty burger from Five Guys, an OG classic from Bleecker or be of the opinion that sometimes the humble patty alone just isn’t enough – enter a 1kg tomahawk (yes, you read correctly). Whatever you’re feeling, this list should have you covered. Burgers and Beats A newcomer to the scene, Burgers and Beats has only been around since 2021. However, in that short space of time it’s fast cemented itself as one of London’s best burger offerings. You may have seen that iconic tomahawk burger making the rounds on Instagram – and we can confirm it’s not just a novelty. Every bit of it (complete with a fried egg, pico de gallo salsa, chimichurri and more) is absolutely delicious. However, the standard menu is also worth considering with the smashed double cheese and “east meets west” (with sweet chilli syrup and chimichurri mayo) being two of our all-time favourites in London. Also, do leave some room for the chicken tenders and loaded fries as they’re both excellent and worth stretching your stomach a little more for. burgersandbeats.co.uk Burger and Beyond Ah, we remember Burger and Beyond back in the days of the Camden Market stall… then its residency at the Camden Assembly. Well, it’s quite a different kettle of fish now, with four permanent sites up and running. Dining at the OG bricks and mortar spot in London’s Shoreditch, one bite of the “bougie” burger takes us straight back to those early days, but also proves just how far this place has come. Other standouts include the mushroom raclette burger (demonstrating that burgers most definitely do not have to be beef) and the vegan “chicken” entry with Korean sauce and gochujang mayo. We did love the krispie chicken, too, though we wished the miso butter was more prominent. If you’re not a burger fan (weird), we’d also recommend the trio of tacos, or the stellar dirty tots and bone marrow gravy fries. burgerandbeyond.co.uk Bleecker Potentially London’s favourite burger joint, Bleecker is undeniably committed to its cause, with founder Zan Kaufman trying to recreate the moment of euphoria she experienced upon trying “the best burger she had ever eaten” in New York on this side of the pond. From a burger truck to its first kiosk in Spitalfields Market, then bricks and mortar restaurants, it’s been years but this burger joint is still going strong. Again, keeping things simple, the most adventurous it gets is adding blue cheese or Neil Rankin’s symplicity burger to the menu. Burgers can be at their best this way and at Bleecker, the double cheeseburger is more than enough to satisfy any craving. bleecker.co.uk Punk Chef You can find professional chef and TV presenter Scott Garthwaite’s food truck in East London’s Spitalfields Market, which not only serves mouthwatering burgers but also employs three members of staff from the deaf community. We got our hands (and mouths) on Punk Chef’s classic number “The Legend”, which is essentially a chicken parm burger (though plant-based escalopes are also available) with homemade bechamel sauce, melted cheese, gherkins and a special burger sauce. A standout among London’s already top burger offering. punkchef.co.uk Blacklock Known for its chops and iconic Sunday roast, we’d also heard great things about the Blacklock burger. If you’re dining there but don’t fancy chops or steak, the burger offers so much more. Potentially more enjoyable, in our opinion, the double cheeseburger is packed full of onions that have been caramelised in “a healthy glug of vermouth”. Beautifully rich – but not overly so – and also a decent size. We have to say that while the rising trend of “the bigger, the better” may suit some, it might be overreaching for the humble burger. Bravo, Blacklock – we’ll be back for this one. theblacklock.com Black Bear Another London burger staple and one whose market stall days we still remember, Black Bear proves it’s an oldie but a goldie. You can’t come here and not get the Black Bear with cheese, smoked bacon and onion jam. However, the brisket burger, with 12-hour braised meat, and the miso bacon burger, with miso honey butter mayo, are very good choices, too. Share two and take one home for later? Also indulge in the cheeseburger spring roll, one of the restaurant’s signature snacks. blackbearburger.com Shake Shack Yes, we know everyone is well aquainted with the New York burger chain, but Shake Shack has come a long way since its days of being a hot dog stand in Madison Square. Originally the class “roadside” burger, what we really love about Shake Shack is the size. Like we said earlier, bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better and whether you go for a single or double patty here, Shake Shack burgers tend to hit the spot every time. While our frontrunner remains the Shackmeister (with those perfectly crispy ale-marinated shallots), the vegan crispy shallot burger is another one of our favourites. shakeshack.co.uk Coqfighter We’ve been pretty focused on beef burgers up until now – although still acknowledging the delicious vegan versions those burger brands have to offer – but here’s a spot that knows its stuff when it comes to fried chicken. It seemed only fitting that we tried the variety of sides on the menu, with the laksa butter wings and classic buffalo options taking centre stage. Don’t worry – we left room for the burgers, and thoroughly enjoyed devouring the iconic green chilli cheeseburger, featuring chipotle mayo and pickled green chilli. The honey ginger buffalo (what better string of words or ingredients is there?) is also a strong choice – but beware, it’s a messy one. coqfighter.com The Beaumont Stepping away from the classic burger joints, there are many standard restaurants in London that serve up burgers to rival those whose sole purpose is to cook them. The Beaumont is one of these spots, with Gatsby’s Room, situated in the centre of the hotel, offering the perfect escape from the buzz of central London. The Beaumont cheeseburger features a juicy patty on top of caramelised onions and is slathered with a rich and moreish secret sauce – proving that a good old fashioned favourite can still leave a lasting impression. Served with thick cut chips, it’s ideal for anyone who fancies a more decadent setting when devouring such a meal. thebeaumont.com Five Guys Another American food chain to make a long-lasting impression on the UK burger community, Five Guys is exactly where our brain goes when we think of the ultimate dirty burger. Things are kept simple, with a hamburger, cheeseburger, bacon burger and bacon cheeseburger on that side of the menu (the chain also includes hot dogs and various sandwiches, too) and if you ever have that intense craving, this may be the place to satisfy it. While a tricky one for anyone with a nut allergy (the chips are fried in peanut oil), the burgers come with two patties as standard and can be washed down with one of the many milkshake flavours on offer. If you want to cement yourself as a firm fan, Five Guys has also released its own line of merchandise so you can fully embrace the burger brand. fiveguys.co.uk So we’ve covered food and now what about wine? Meet the sommeliers who are breaking the industry’s stuffy stereotype Read More The best outdoor restaurants, terraces and rooftop bars in London to book now The best outdoor restaurants, terraces and rooftop bars in London to book now Is bottomless prosecco going to be killed off by climate change? Thrifty and fruit coconut, raspberry and chocolate muffins
1970-01-01 08:00
Analysis-Default dodged, but Country Garden's upcoming debt payments stir worries
By Xie Yu and Davide Barbuscia HONG KONG/NEW YORK Creditors of Country Garden Holdings are doubtful the Chinese
1970-01-01 08:00
UK rejoins EU science research scheme Horizon
UK-based scientists and institutions will have access to the £85bn fund from today.
1970-01-01 08:00
Women being invited to help shape the future of reproductive healthcare – from period pain to menopause
Women are being invited to share their experiences of periods, pregnancy and the menopause to shape the future of healthcare for females in England. The Women’s Reproductive Health Survey will help the Government better understand reproductive health and ensure services meet their needs. It forms part of the Women’s Health Strategy, which was launched in 2022. The 10-year blueprint will aim to tackle disparities in women’s health and ensure services “listen to women’s voices”. Women’s health ambassador Professor Dame Lesley Regan said: “We need to make healthcare work for women and girls – and for it to fit around their lives. “There’s no point bolstering services if they can’t be accessed, or the support available doesn’t work for them and meet their needs.” Women have previously described difficulties accessing reproductive health services. Often health services are not ‘joined up’, leading to multiple visits and appointment delays Dr Rebecca French Questions included in the Women’s Reproductive Health Survey will centre on period pains, how women prefer to access contraceptive services and the levels of support received for menopausal symptoms. It is open to women aged 16 to 55 in England and will run for six weeks from September 7. Dr Rebecca French, an associate professor of sexual and reproductive health research at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said women should be able to “make informed decisions about their own reproductive health and wellbeing”. “For most women, it can be nearly 40 years from their first period to menopause. “Women have previously described difficulties accessing reproductive health services, for example, to get contraceptive supplies, to access fertility treatment or to obtain an appointment with a gynaecologist. Often health services are not ‘joined up’, leading to multiple visits and appointment delays. “We know that poor reproductive health not only has a negative effect on health in general but can also impact women’s mental health, relationships and finances. “Further research is needed to better understand inequalities across England so that women and people described as female at birth are able to make the choices they need for their own reproductive health and wellbeing.” Maria Caulfield, the minister for the Women’s Health Strategy, added: “Women and girls deserve the best healthcare at every stage of their lives, but we simply can’t deliver that without listening to their lived experiences and concerns. “Women should always have a say in their own healthcare, whether that’s in managing pregnancy and fertility or dealing with the challenges of the menopause in the workplace. “I would encourage every woman to complete the survey on reproductive health as soon as they’re able and ensure their voice is heard.” Other measures included in the Women’s Health Strategy are funding to set up women’s health hubs across England and a new online tool on gov.uk for people to access easily information about IVF in their local areas. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live 4 key activewear trends for autumn workouts How to style your home like a professional One in 10 ‘spending beyond their means’ – try these 7 cutbacks guaranteed to save families money
1970-01-01 08:00
Hong Kong Largest Developer’s Profit Falls in Property Downturn
Hong Kong’s largest developer Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd. reported a 17% drop in full-year profit as the
1970-01-01 08:00
Kenya's hard won gains against malaria threatened by surging temperatures
There are fears that the deadly disease is spreading to new communities in the country -- and just at a time when the development of the world's first mosquito vaccine is raising hopes malaria could one day be eradicated.
1970-01-01 08:00
4 key activewear trends for autumn workouts
The new season calls for a change in sportswear, as we say goodbye to summer and get in gear for autumn activities. The latest activewear collections have landed and they’re full of stylish pieces for exercise enthusiasts – whether you’re pounding the pavement on morning runs, getting sweaty at spin class, stretching it out at yoga or jumping around with a HIIT workout. Here are four essential fitness fashion trends to know about now… 1. Quarter zip tops If you buy one thing for working out this season, make it a slim-fit quarter-zip top. Versatile and practical, these breathable mid-layers are great for warm-ups or outdoor workouts on chilly days. Available in cropped and longline styles, they come in a huge range of colours and prints. Nike Air Crop 1/4 Zip Top, £73; Nike Air Flare Leggings, £60, JD Sports Adidas Techfit Cold.Rdy 1/4 Zip Long Sleeve Training Top Preloved Yellow, £55 2. Pink Fabletics Corey SculptKnit L/S Top Very Berry, £49 for members (£64 for non-members); High-Waisted SculptKnit Panelled 7/8 Very Berry, £54 for members (£69 for non-members) Barbie’s favourite colour is still going strong for autumn, especially in the athleisure department. Bring some brightness to your workout wardrobe with everything from pastel pink to fuchsia. Very X Lucky Mecklenburgh Seamless Training Bra Pink, £25; Seamless Cycling Shorts Pink, £25 Puma Ultraweave 2-in-1 Running Jacket Women, £90 3. Bodysuits Gymnastics-inspired unitards are a sleek, all-in-one solution for yoga and Pilates buffs. A workout onesie will take you from the gym to brunch – just throw on a baggy sweatshirt and your outfit is complete. Tala SkinLuxe Unitard Shadow Black, £56 Sweaty Betty Super Soft Bodysuit Trek Green, £110 4. Eighties aesthetic Go retro with 1980s-inspired sportswear – think bright, clashing colours and bold logos on everything. Team an oversized tee or sweatshirt with bike shorts, ribbed ankle socks, chunky trainers and a baseball cap for a cool, vintage vibe. Berghaus Logo Boyfriend T-Shirt, £30, JD Sports Castore Navy Silverstone Core Monobrand Cap, £22
1970-01-01 08:00
Toyota mobility tech unit CEO Kuffner to leave post
By Daniel Leussink TOKYO James Kuffner, the chief executive of Toyota Motor's autonomous driving technology unit Woven by
1970-01-01 08:00
Softbank-Backed AMEA Plans to Build a Kenyan Green Hydrogen Plant
AMEA Power, a Dubai-based renewable-energy company, plans to build a green hydrogen facility in the Kenyan port of
1970-01-01 08:00
John Terry in talks over move to Saudi Pro League
John Terry is in talks to leave Chelsea and take over as manager of Saudi Arabia's Al Shabab.
1970-01-01 08:00
Kourtney Kardashian reveals 'life-saving' reason Travis Barker had to rush back from tour
Kourtney Kardashian has revealed that she had to undergo emergency fetal surgery to save her baby with Travis Barker. Blink-182 fans were left confused after the drummer rushed home from their recent tour, but the reason wasn't clear, with photos emerging of Kourtney still pregnant a short time later. "I don’t think anyone who hasn’t been through a similar situation can begin to understand that feeling of fear", the reality star posted on Instagram. "I have a whole new understanding and respect for the mamas who have had to fight for their babies while pregnant." Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter
1970-01-01 08:00
