Boom Burger (Restaurant)

Top 10 things we learnt about Boom Burger restaurant:

1) Located at the northern extremity of the hallowed Portobello Road, Boom Burger is a tiny Jamaican themed burger joint that can be found clinging to the distinctive main drag of shops under the train line leading from Ladbroke Grove station.

2) The bulk of the pint-sized main room is taken up by a bustling open-front kitchen, while the rest of the space is decked out in a Jamaican colour scheme, leather booths, reggae paraphernalia and old vinyl records lining the walls.

3) The fantastic soundtrack follows suit, lurching between reggae, dub and hip hop to suit the prevailing mood. On Saturday night, the indoor tables are cleared away and cutting a rug is strongly encouraged.

4) With 25 covers inside, 20 outside and takeaway available, Boom Burger is aimed squarely at the influx of foodies to Portobello Road and the surrounding neighbourhood, and does not disappoint.

5) Boom Burger is frequented by a laid-back, eclectic and invariably trendy young clientele from Ladbroke Grove and beyond, and the atmosphere is cheap and cheerful, with a brisk trade on weekday evenings and at weekends.

6) It’s not hard to figure out why. Let’s not beat around the bush here: the burgers here are superlative. Organically sourced, whipped up on the spot and presented in a rudimentary plastic basket (this isn’t a fine china sort of place), the fare here is ample, self-contained – none of the inelegant mess usually associated with burger stands - and mouth-wateringly tasty.

7) The Jamaican influence plays a major part in elevating Boom Burger above your average pop-up stall. The Jerk Burger, for instance, blows the competition out of the water with a fiendish combination of jerk chicken, fried plantain (also available as a side), rocket and mango sauce.

8) Rounding out the sparse menu are the Veggie Burger - with sweet potatoes and chilli jam - and the Brunch Boom with bacon and eggs. Starters and specials include finger-lickin’ good chicken wings and saltfish fritters, among others.

9) The bar’s drinks list is simple but effective, with bottled beer and soft drinks augmented by stiff cocktails such as the rum punch and pina coladas.

10) Despite its diminutive size, Boom Burger contains all the right ingredients for a fantastic, relaxed and eclectic evening on Portobello Road....read more