Top 5 pub burgers to try this week

With the 11th National Burger Awards taking place tomorrow (Tuesday 11 February), we've taken a look back through the event's history books to highlight five proper pub burgers to try ASAP.

The annual competition sees a mixture of hospitality venues competing at the live final, with many pubs and bars stepping up to the grill over the years. In preparation for the 2025 final, here are some top picks that have made the cut to get you in the mood...

Whole Beast 
For the 10-year anniversary of the National Burger Awards, a special Champion of Champions showdown brought together past winners and competitors. Whole Beast secured its spot as the ultimate UK burger champion. Having previously operated at Parched pub The Montpellier, you can now find them at Exale Tap Room in London.

MEATliquor
The Dead Hippie from restaurant outfit MEATliquor stamped its place in the burger hall of fame long ago, but did you know you can find it in a pub as well as MEATliquor restaurants? The burger brand operates The Dartford Arms in London's Forest Hill, and has just opened its first sports bar, Bloodsports in Covent Garden, where you can also eat from the MEATliquor menu.

Four Legs at The Plimsoll
What started out as a lockdown project has become a highly renowned hospitality operation. The cheeseburger from Four Legs, which can be ordered at The Plimsoll pub in Finsbury Park, has won over burger aficionados from across the country. Sadly, despite earning a place in the 2025 National Burger Awards final, Four Legs had to drop out. Maybe we'll see them compete next year. 

Sixes Social Cricket
You may not think a competitive socialising bar brand is the place to pick up a perfect burger, but you'd be wrong. The menu at Sixes, in fact the whole operation, is led by ex-Mac & Wild duo Andy Waugh and Callum Mackinnon. Mac & Wild was crowned champion of the National Burger Awards all the way back in 2016 - even though it is no longer around, thank goodness we can still visit Sixes for that burger hit to the boundary. 

Young's Burger Shack
The Young's Burger Shack brand has certainly stood the test of time. Launched in the same year as the National Burger Awards itself, the spin-off from the pub group can be found in a number of its venues across London and the south east, as it has expanded its footprint gradually since 2015. As a previous round winner of the 2018 event, Young's also took part in the 10-year anniversary special, the Champion of Champions. 

Hungry for more? The National Burger Awards 2025 is just around the corner. Check out the full list of finalists here and follow #nationalburgerawards for all the live action.

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