UK's Best Burger Crowned: Honest Burger's 'The Honest' Takes Top Prize
Burger enthusiasts searching for the UK's finest can finally end their quest, as the title for 2026 has been claimed. The National Burger Awards have crowned a winner, and it might surprise some. British chain Honest Burger emerged victorious with 'The Honest' burger, named National Burger of the Year.
What is The Honest?
Created by co-founder Tom Barton, The Honest is a twist on the first burger the chain sold when it launched in Brixton in 2011. It features smashed dry-aged Honest beef, American cheese, thick-cut smoked streaky bacon, beef and onion relish, onions, and pickles. Previously available only at the Smash + Grab site at London Liverpool Street, it is now on all menus nationwide for a limited time, priced at £15 with rosemary fries or a side salad, until June 15.
Who Else Was Up for the Award?
Honest Burgers beat strong competition, including London hotspots Bleecker and Burger & Beyond, Danny's Burgers in Bristol, El Perro Negro in Glasgow, Fat Hippo, 7Bone, Oowee Diner, Sobe Burger, Roddy Burger, Meat Stack, Mollie's, Dodo Pub Co, Cawsburger, The Boring Burger, and The Flavour Trailer.
Does the Winning Burger Live Up to the Hype?
According to Dine Out Magazine, which hosts the awards, The Honest is 'nothing short of legendary'. A reviewer who tried it on launch day found the smashburger patties perfectly crisp outside and juicy inside, with melty American cheese and tangy pickles. The beef and onion relish added a rich, umami flavour. However, the raw onions were noted as overpowering in some bites, preventing a perfect score.
The World's Best Burger
Previously, 'The Big Matt'—a tribute to McDonald's Big Mac by Hawksmoor's executive chef Matt Brown—was named the world's best burger in 2023 by the World's Best Steak Restaurants. Priced at £19.50 with beef dripping fries, it features two dry-aged beef patties, double American cheese, special sauce, shredded lettuce, onions, and pickles. It is only available for limited times; the last UK sale was March 2025.
