Somewhat like an American University’s nod to its football squad, the brilliantly to-the-point named Burger & Lobster says it’s Home of the Lobster and… Home of the Burger. We’re pretty happy with that because they do lobster, and burgers, really well. And fresh from successes in New York, London, Qatar and Bangkok they’ve now landed in the best city of them all, probably: Brighton.
The concept is “serving up prime burgers and wild Atlantic lobsters to epicureans” they say, referencing the ancient Greek philosophical system emphasizing the pursuit of pleasure and happiness but not in a hedonistic, self-indulgent way. Yet the portions are epic, and the pleasure is in the indulgence of it all.
They do brunch!
Sex and the City fans will be overjoyed to discover that, to our knowledge, the Brighton incarnation of Burger & Lobster is the world first to offer brunch. Eat our dust, NYC!
‘Whether you’re recovering from a night out [they evidently know Brightonians], enjoying quality time with family, or catching up with friends, come on down to Burger & Lobster for great vibes and even better food. From sweet Berry Waffles, Avocado Toast to indulgent Lobster Benedict, we’ve got something for everyone.’
They do. In addition to a tummy-rumbler B&L Benedict featuring lobster and poached eggs, there’s a ‘we’re here, and firmly anchored in the city’ option of The Full Brighton, piled high with sausages, bacon, eggs and… house smoky beans, which go very well with an equally delicious Lobstar Martini (you’ll have to visit to sample the delights of this inspired creation).
Let’s claw it back to the evening menu
When The Shellfish Bar nibbles menu says the oysters are ‘freshly shucked’ you know they’re worth a punt, so we dived into two Rock Oysters (with only minor disappointment they’re not called ‘Rockstar Oysters’ given the cocktail menu) and we freshly chucked them down with a touch of tabasco, lemon and shallot vinaigrette.
We discuss how all meals should start like this. Even if the main is beans on toast. It’s yet more everyday indulgence (there’s that word again) that makes one feel pumped. We matched these with a perfectly balled lobster, prawn and mozzarella croquette which, with its crunchy outer layer and indul… no, decadent…insides was a marvel.
Grilled tiger prawns laced with chilli and spring onions and a ‘Brighton sauce’ spiced things up further – cooked to sweet, plump perfection. (It’s worth noting that if you’re not actually a shellfish fan, Wagyu beef croquettes and veggie options like oyster mushroom bruschetta are also a good nibble choice.)
But, The Combos!
The signature dishes at Burger & Lobster are the Combos which, as you might imagine, combine lobsters and burgers in three different setups. We opted for the B&L Combo: Half lobster, 5oz beef burger, fries, lemon and garlic butter, and the (what else?) Lobster Combo: Half lobster, lobster sandwich roll, fries, lemon and garlic butter. And because our Fat Fighters subscription had lapsed, we added creamed spinach, and mac & cheese to the sides. If we start with the sides, these were *checks dictionary for ‘indulgence’ synonyms* pleasingly satisfying, gooey, deeply flavoured and served in handy stay-warm little black pots.
Lobsters are apparently tricky to cook correctly, especially when they’re flying out of the kitchen, but thankfully the chefs are on point and picking the sweet flesh from the shell and dunking each bit in the lemon and garlic butter sauce is a heavenly experience. The lobster roll is a creamy wonder, encased in brioche and prone to dripping mayo down one’s chin. The fries are spot-on crispy-fluffy beauties. And the burger – a packed-full seeded roll of pickles, flavourful patty, crispy bacon and burger sauce with just melting cheese. What’s not to love?
The Tail End
Welcome to Brighton, B&L. We are so happy you’re here. And we hear you source much of your produce locally, which is probably why everything tastes so good. You really are home.
