October
06
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Bobo Social, Soho
Bobo Social – Sophisticated burgers and so much more
To call Bobo Social a burger joint would be doing it such a monumental disservice. In a world where new burger restaurants are opening up in abundance, this is the only place that I’ve experienced that brings more than a street food or American diner vibe to the table with a surplus of finesse. Think boutique burgers and you’re half way there.
Bobo Social is housed in a townhouse on the food Mecca of Charlotte Street and the restaurant is split over two floors.
When my friend and I arrived for dinner on a Monday evening they were running an Experimental Burger night. This ‘burger lab,’ which is held every Monday, invites you to create your dream burger out of all sorts of seriously out of the ordinary ingredients (peanut butter anyone?), under the supervision of what I can only describe as London’s Mad Burger Professor. It was in full swing when we arrived, and to be honest it seemed like a real party! I made a mental note to check it out another time! Mince meat chaos in the best sense!
We were taken downstairs to the basement where we were going to dine out of the way of the raucous upstairs, which was surprisingly light with boutique-esque décor. We were led through to a private booth at the back of the basement in a cove like space, that would be ideal for parties or more clandestine gatherings. There was a lovely small cocktail bar area downstairs too – it all felt very private and chic. About as far removed from a diner as you could ever imagine – which honestly is a refreshing thing!
The menus were, well short and sweet. There are well selected starters from across the world then the around eight different burgers (inc pesceterian and vegetarian options) that are the main events. I can’t even tell you how delicious each one of them sounded. From the plain Bobo burger, which is burger of 6oz Rare-Breed Beef, to the plain bonkers peanut butter burger. There are also a world of extra toppings are available in case you’re burger doesn’t quite hit your sweet spot: Westcombe Cheddar, Maple Cured Bacon, Jalapeno Peppers, Fried Egg, Colston Bassett Stilton, Manchego, Guacamole, Sautéed Shitake Mushrooms, Truffle Shavings. All burgers are cooked in a Kopa Charcoal Oven to enhance the flavour of the meat, and are delivered in a Buttermilk Bun with the Bobo Set (Lettuce, Tomatoes, Charcoal-Roasted Red Onions, BOBO Sauce).
We ordered a light starter of the crispy salt and pepper squid and their prawn ceviche, leaving a lot of room for the main event. These were to be accompanied by a few cocktails from their menu, that had been split into Bourgeois Cocktails and Boheme Cocktails. I plumped for the Gummy bear sour – and yes it came with a gummy bear or two, and my willing accomplice a Porn Star martini which came with a shot of champagne. They were luscious and fun, and complemented the starters well. The ceviche was to DIE for. Zingy and fresh and not too acidic, and the squid was crunchy and soft. They more than adequately warmed us up for the main event.
…And so to the burgers. My friend ordered a plain BoBo burger with extra bacon, and I went the whole hog ordering a Debauchery burger. The latter consisted of 6oz Wagyu Beef & Rare-Breed Beef, Ogleshield Cheese, Confit Shitaki Mushrooms & Onions, Lettuce, Tomato, Bacon Mayo, Shaved Truffles. My mouth is watering just recalling how epic it truly was. The meat in both was rich and juicy, with large chunks of beef infused into the patty with the minced meat, and it was very well seasoned. The maple smoked bacon arrived in thick strips instead of the usual over crisped ashy slivers one is usually presented with . We ordered a side of deep fried pickle, which was crispy on the outside and then a juicy, explosive bite. Ahhhh burger heaven! To accompany this we have a lovely house red which was a perfect match.
After this delectable meat feast we ventured forth unto the last course – stuffed as we were we were told that these were a must. We opted for the Banoffee pie and Dark & Milk Chocolate Mousse with Salted Caramel. To be honest neither of them fully hit the spot but we were so very pleased with our starters and burgers it totally didn’t matter.
We left vowing to come back for the Experimental Burger night if nothing else. Bobo has totally turned the whole burger/diner concept on its head and made it into a very chic, very eclectic night out. There is so much thought and effort gone into thinking around their basic concept, and the execution is spot on. If it was a more social night and the desserts were as good as the burgers this would be be a guaranteed 5 star from us – but its early days so who knows. The burgers are a-ma-zing and for grown ups, so get down there and get social and Bobos!
95 Charlotte St, London W1T 4PZ
020 7636 9310
Heart London 5 * Rating
Service 4
Food 4
Drinks 5
Décor 4
Atmosphere 3
Emma, Heart London Magazine
Heart London Magazine 