As the smash burger trend continues to gain momentum, Sam’s Kitchen in Hammersmith has firmly positioned itself at the forefront with what may very well be the best smash burgers in London. Following the overwhelming success of its Smash & Grab pop-ups this summer, the restaurant has now made smash burgers a permanent fixture, available every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening from 5pm to 8pm.
Sam Harrison, the visionary behind Sam’s Kitchen, has long been known for his Sam’s Cheeseburger, a bestseller at his flagship restaurant Sam’s Riverside. With the UK consuming over 2.5 billion burgers annually, Harrison saw the perfect opportunity to take his passion for burgers to the next level, tasking head chef Abbie with creating a smash burger that would stand out in London’s increasingly crowded burger scene – and she certainly delivered.
The menu is refreshingly simple yet impactful. Diners can choose from three options: the Cheeseburger, Bacon Cheeseburger, or Chorizo Jam Cheeseburger, with the option to double up for extra indulgence. Each burger features a custom blend of ribcap, chuck, and aged beef from West London’s HG Walter, one of West London’s most respected butchers. Smashed on the griddle to achieve a perfect caramelised crust, the patties are paired with housemade pickles and Sam’s signature secret sauce, all served in a soft bun that perfectly complements the juicy beef.
While straightforward, the flavours are anything but. The Bacon Cheeseburger is a standout, delivering depth and balance, while the Chorizo Jam Cheeseburger adds a bold twist with its smoky-sweet chipotle jam that truly sets it apart.
No burger meal is complete without fries, and Sam’s Kitchen doesn’t shy away from cooking them up as best in class. The House Fries, topped with pickled and crispy shallots, jalapeños, and melted cheese, are a must-try, as are the Chorizo Fries that are smothered in sweet and smoky chipotle jam. These loaded fries offer a burst of flavours that could easily be enjoyed as a meal on their own.
Dessert is not to be missed, thanks to Sam’s partnership with Happy Endings. There are indulgent ice cream sandwiches on offer, including the Strawberry Shorty (strawberry cheesecake parfait, vanilla marshmallow, strawberry jam), The Naughty One (miso salt caramel parfait between slices of chocolate Guinness cake), and fan-favourite The Gay One (malt shortbread, vanilla milk ice cream, and salted caramel honeycomb parfait dipped in milk chocolate) – a real must-try for those looking for an indulgent treat.
To round out the experience, frozen margaritas, house wines, and homemade lemonade are amongst the drinks available, providing the perfect refreshment to accompany the meal.
What sets Sam’s Kitchen apart is not only the quality of the ingredients and the expert execution but also the simplicity of the menu. By offering a small, focused selection, Sam’s Kitchen ensures that every element of the meal is prepared to perfection. This minimalist approach, combined with exceptional flavours and an immaculate vibe thanks to the phenomenal staff (and their notable playlists that have the patrons tapping along), keeps diners coming back time and time again.
For those in search of the ultimate smash burger experience, Sam’s Kitchen in Hammersmith is not to be missed.
Sam’s Kitchen Hammersmith can be found at 17 Crisp Road, London W6 9RL. You can get your hands on a smash burger between 17:00 and 20:00 each Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
