If you’re a burger lover, you’ve likely heard of smash burgers – that delightful, crispy-edged marvel taking London by storm. Now, thanks to successful restauranteur Sam Harrison’s dedication to the art of the burger, smash burgers are a permanent fixture at Sam’s Kitchen in Hammersmith every Thursday to Saturday evening from 5-8pm. Following a series of sold-out pop-ups over the summer, Sam’s Kitchen has officially embraced the evening burger scene, with their popular Smash & Grab burger nights, providing West Londoners with a post-work delight or a pre-pub bite that’s quick, tasty, and packed with premium ingredients.

Normally known for its artisanal coffee and daytime café treats, Sam’s Kitchen is switching gears for the evening crowd. Led by the very friendly Sam himself, this culinary venture has taken cues from his flagship restaurant, Sam’s Riverside, where the cheeseburger has long been a fan favourite. Driven by London’s appetite for quality burgers, Sam collaborated with head chef Abbie to create an extraordinary burger experience tailored to the Hammersmith community, launching the “Smash & Grab” concept this past summer. After four successful evenings that left guests hungry for more, Sam’s Kitchen decided to make these evenings a staple in their calendar.

The star of the show is, of course, the burger itself. The Sam’s smash burger is no ordinary patty – it’s crafted from a custom blend of ribcap, chuck, and aged beef sourced from HG Walter, one of West London’s most respected butchers. This, I learnt, after speaking with Sam after my meal, is the key to a truly flavoursome burger. I couldn’t help but agree and had to admit, they were quite possibly the best burgers I  had tasted. Almost like an elevated Shake Shack burger with extra pizzaz.

Each burger is topped with house made pickles and slathered in Sam’s secret sauce, giving it a balance of flavours that almost nurtures the soul. I am currently on a Keto diet. I pitifully don’t eat carbs, yet I shunned the diet for this night of meaty, fluffy bunned indulgence – and I had no regrets whatsoever.

Diners can choose from a classic cheeseburger, a smoky bacon cheeseburger, or a unique chorizo jam cheeseburger, with the option to double up for an extra indulgence. And with sides that are far from afterthoughts, guests can devour house fries topped with pickled shallots, crispy shallots, jalapeños, cheese, or the extra treat of chorizo fries.

To complement the meal, Sam’s Kitchen offers a thoughtfully curated drinks selection, from a must-try Tommy’s frozen margarita to Sam’s house wine and a bespoke lager. Each pairing has been chosen to enhance the burger experience, making it easy for guests to linger in the warm, casual ambiance of the café or grab a quick takeaway. When we left the restaurant with extremely pleased bellies, Sam gave my wife and I an exciting ice cream sandwich to take home which we chose from a tempting selection. We opted for one aptly named The Gay One.

What makes Smash Burger evenings at Sam’s Kitchen stand out is the combination of thoughtful sourcing, quality ingredients, and a sense of community. This isn’t just about the latest food trend – it’s about delivering a menu that resonates with Londoners who value both quality and affordability. As the UK’s burger obsession shows no sign of slowing down, Sam’s Kitchen is poised to become a must-visit for anyone craving one of the best smash burgers in town. Just don’t delay – with a limited number of burgers available each evening, these masterpieces go quickly, and burger FOMO is not pretty…