LDNReview
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
Bun & Sum
Included In
London isn’t really a car city. But the food from Bun & Sum—an LA-style takeaway burger spot in Mile End—just tastes better in a car and makes sitting in traffic and fighting the urge to scream at every cyclist worth it. These burgers are worth the journey, even if you have to settle and deal with a packed District line train like most Londoners. Crisped smashpatties are stuffed between soft buns, topped with everything from brisket or pastrami to a straightforward slice of American cheese.
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
Google Maps has done you dirty before, but when it leads you down a sketchy-looking railway arch and through a gate that looks like it needs a permit or a hard hat to enter, keep going. The industrial-looking kitchen is tucked away under one of the arches. Its existence is only given away by a small sign and a hubbub of hungry people crowding around. The playlist is one of chewing and dunking, mmm’ing and polite faux offers between friends to have the last bite. It’s a carnivorous fever dream of oak wine barrels as makeshift tables, and eating excellent smashburgers in three satisfying bites.
Evenings require patience and a willingness to pounce on any barrel that frees up, and on a weekend calling ahead is the best move. But whatever the day, hands will get messy, t-shirts will get stained, and hair ties are strongly recommended. When it’s sunny, leaning against the hood of a car while eating their Big S’mac is an experience. As is ordering a couple of burgers and the BBQ rib-topped fries, and heading to one of the many green spaces nearby for a picnic involving London’s answer to In-N-Out.
Food Rundown
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
Big S’Mac
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
Bow Dip
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
Easy Street
Motz
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
Animal Fries
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
BBQ Rib Fries