Thirteen burger businesses across the North East have been named finalists in the British Burger Awards 2026, including a Gateshead-born viral sensation with two nominations. The Oceanic Awards, which organises the event for a second year, has placed 10 regional names in the 'Best of North East England' category, with others featured across two further categories.
Viral TikTok Favourite Among Nominees
The shortlist includes Meat:Stack in Newcastle, known for its triple patty burgers, and the TikTok-famous 40 Ounce in Gateshead, which has secured a double award nomination. 40 Ounce, an American-style, hip hop-inspired outlet serving items like the Uncle Elroy with American cheese, Applewood smoked maple bacon and slow-cooked pastrami, built its reputation from a van on the Team Valley in Gateshead before expanding into Newcastle and winning an award.
Other nominees include The Staithes Cafe in Dunston, recognised for its homemade gourmet burgers for dine-in or takeaway, and Wings 'N More in Newcastle, which is shortlisted for its chicken burger range. The list also features burger masters from Sunderland and County Durham.
Takeaway and Restaurant Categories
In the Burger Takeaway of the Year category, three local businesses appear on a national shortlist of 10 finalists, with 40 Ounce featuring again. The Burger Restaurant of the Year category includes Craft Burger Durham, while the Hartlepool branch of the chain is among those in the 'North East best' category.
The awards celebrate the best of the UK burger industry, with winners announced at a ceremony in November. Presented by QSR CNCT, which covers the quick-service restaurant sector, the awards include regional categories and represent diverse burger businesses, from independent restaurants and street-food operators to established brands and rising stars.
Ceremony Date Announced
A spokesperson for Oceanic Awards said: “We are delighted to announce the finalists for the second annual British Burger Awards. Following the fantastic response to our inaugural awards, it has been exciting to see the continued growth and creativity within the British burger industry.”
The winners of all award categories will be revealed at the awards event in Wolverhampton on November 9. The three categories featuring local finalists are listed below.
Best of North East England: Ati's home of smash (Sunderland), Spice Hut (rebranded as Smok’d & Smash’d, Newcastle), 40 Ounce (Gateshead), Meat:Stack (Newcastle), Tango Durham (Durham), Lola Jeans (Newcastle), The Staiths Cafe (Gateshead), Craft Burger (Hartlepool), Simply Smash Burgers (Durham), Wings 'N More (Newcastle).
Burger Takeaway of the Year: Friez & Burgz (South Shields), 40 Ounce (Gateshead), 2Knives Bar & Kitchen (Newcastle).
Burger Restaurant of the Year: Craft Burger (Durham).
