In a world where the cost of a gourmet meal is ever-increasing, Gordon Ramsay's latest offering pushes the boundaries: a £29 burger. Promising an unparalleled dining experience from his Street Burger chain, we decided to see if this premium patty could truly justify its staggering price tag.
The Grand Expectations
Arriving at the sleek, modern interior of a Street Burger restaurant, the atmosphere buzzes with the promise of quality synonymous with the Ramsay brand. The menu, however, delivers a jolt with its headline act: The Ultimate Gourmet Smash Burger, sitting proudly at £29. For context, that's more than many main courses at high-end restaurants.
Deconstructing the £29 Plate
So, what does nearly thirty pounds get you? The burger is a formidable construction, arriving with a certain grandeur.
- The Patty: A blend of dry-aged beef, promising a depth of flavour beyond the standard fare.
- The Cheese: A generous melting of Ogleshield, a rich and nutty British cheese.
- The Extras: Confit onions add a sweet, soft texture, while smoked bone marrow mayonnaise aims to inject a profound umami richness.
- The Bun: A classic brioche, toasted to a perfect golden brown.
- The Side: Crucially, the price includes a portion of triple-cooked chips and a selection of dips.
The Taste Test Verdict
The first bite is a symphony of high-quality ingredients. The dry-aged patty is undeniably delicious, boasting a complex, robust flavour that standard mince simply can't match. The Ogleshield cheese is gloriously decadent, and the confit onions provide a delightful sweetness.
However, the smoked bone marrow mayo, while conceptually ambitious, struggled to make its presence known amidst the other powerful flavours. The chips, though perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, are a standard offering found across the gastropub scene.
The Burning Question: Value for Money?
This is where the review becomes a matter of perspective. There is no denying that this is an exceptional burger. The quality of the ingredients is top-tier, and the execution is precise.
Yet, the £29 price point is undeniably a monumental ask for a burger, even in today's economic climate. While the included chips soften the blow, it remains a luxury item, an occasional indulgence rather than a regular feast. You are paying a significant premium for the Gordon Ramsay name and the sourcing of specialist ingredients.
Final Conclusion: A Treat, Not a Tradition
Gordon Ramsay's Ultimate Gourmet Smash Burger is a triumph of flavour engineering. It is a beautifully crafted, delicious product that lives up to its gourmet claims.
But is it worth £29? For a once-in-a-while splurge for dedicated foodies seeking the very best, absolutely. For the average burger lover looking for a satisfying meal, the standard offerings on the menu will likely provide a more than enjoyable experience for a fraction of the cost. The premium, it seems, is for those who want to taste the absolute pinnacle of what a burger can be, Ramsay-style.
