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Burgers have come a long way in the past few years. Thanks to the number of quality burger chains cropping up all over the country, getting your mouth around an organic quarter pounder is not as tricky as it used to be.

But, as is human nature, the British burger muncher is now in pursuit of something more. No longer content with a no-fuss fast food fest, we have become spoilt. It's not just about the meat and bread anymore, it's an all-round experience.

Well, listen up burger fans. The people at the Grand Union Bars may just have the answer. When Lisa, my fellow burger connoisseur, and I bowled up at the Camden branch at 7pm on a Wednesday evening, we were not greeted by the slightly clinical diner-inspired decor we have come to expect from our usual burger joints.

No, instead, we entered a light, airy cocktail bar-come-gastropub. Chinese lanterns hung from the ceiling, floral wallpaper covered the walls, chandeliers sparkled in the early evening sunlight and antique-style pictures that wouldn't have looked out of place at my grandparents’ house adorned the walls. Despite the cool Camden setting, the atmosphere was unintimidating. The staff were polite and the twenty-to-thirty something young professional crowd seemed friendly.

We sat down, on mismatched chairs, around an old wooden table and examined the impressive drinks menu. Not only was there a substantial wine list (in addition to the usual beers and soft drinks that you'd expect) but also a cocktail list. Getting into the spirit of things I opted for a refreshing and not too sweet Raspberry Twist while Lisa took the plunge with a classic Strawberry Daiquiri. Both came served in martini glasses. Very Sex And The City. Not very burger joint.

We noted, as we perused the food menu, that it was lucky we both like our burgers. If not, things may have been a little tricky. Although the menu also includes salads, burgers are the main focus and there is an impressive range to choose from. As well as classic beef options, there are also a fair few chicken varieties and an aubergine and goats' cheese creation for vegetarians. Prices are pretty much as you'd expect but be warned that you'll have to order chips on the side. Lisa and I shared one portion between two of us, which was more than sufficient.

I chose a blue cheese burger. Lisa went cheese and bacon burger. Both looked like burger caricatures; like the sort of burger you dream of when you're really craving a burger; like those photos from cookbooks that you never really manage to recreate.

Taste-wise we were not disappointed. Portion sizes were perfect and would comfortably feed a hungry male. Special commendations go to the chips which were the best I've had in a while. Lisa was delighted at the texture of her bacon, which was crisped to perfection and I was more than happy with my blue cheese to burger ratio.

When we had finished our food, we felt no rush to leave our table. The staff made no attempt to shift us in order to seat new diners (...possibly as it was a Wednesday?) and we were left to drink and chat in peace.

Just like the eclectic decor and the cocktail/burger dichotomy, the Grand Union's background music also had an air of 'fusion' about it. Think a tune by The Strokes immediately following Zero 7 before a bit of Dusty Springfield. At the weekends, tables move to accommodate a dance floor and DJs hit the decks. It seems as though the Grand Union Bar is trying to tick all the boxes and keep everyone happy. It is the sort of place that you could go with a big group of people, line your stomach with a burger, enjoy a few cocktails and then dance the night away.

If you like authentic American diners or slick cocktail bars then the Grand Union may not be for you. But if you go mad for burgers, and I mean serious burgers, and you want to take a little longer over your sesame seed bun, then I suggest you come and check it out. And if you want a Mojito on the side, there's no one stopping you.

Lucy Edge

Description:
Cosy conservatory, foosball table & shabby-chic decor...

The Grand Union Camden has a relaxed feel with a mix of vintage and contemporary decor, creating a shabby-chic style. The eclectic mix of decorations includes oriental knick-knacks such as Chinese lanterns and Japanese fan umbrellas, an old foosball table and electric organ. This chameleon-like appeal is reflective of the Camden area. With so many different areas, The Grand Union Camden is perfect for any occasion; make the most of the afternoon sun on the outside tables or in the cosy conservatory; sink into a couch with your favourite cocktail; dine with friends in a booth or dance the night away to funk and soul played by seasoned DJs in the lounge bar. The Grand Union Bar and Grill is an independent chain of branded houses situated in and around London. Each venue is thoughtfully designed, with an eclectic mix of contemporary and vintage styles. Servicing a broad clientele in some of London's most popular areas for dining and drinking, The Grand Union's unique atmosphere suits every occasion. (Updated 10/03/2010)

The Grand Union Opening Hours

Day	Hours	Day	Hours
Monday	12:00pm - 12:00am	Tuesday	12:00pm - 12:00am
Wednesday	12:00pm - 12:00am	Thursday	12:00pm - 12:00am
Friday	12:00pm - 1:30am	Saturday	12:00pm - 1:30am
Sunday	12:00pm - 12:00am

Customer Reviews for The Grand Union

“Checked this place out on Saturday night with a few friends and had a great night. It was really busy however still easy to get a drink - try a mojito one of the best around. Staff were friendly and fit.. what more can u want.”
Rating: — Craig, london (03 Apr 2008)

“I checked out the Grand Union for the first time since its re-fit last night and was really impressed with the new look. The back room is now open all the time, which more than doubles its capacity, and there's a totally different feel about the place. There are retro booths hidden round the side of the bar and plenty more seating, which means it now feels like a proper burger joint, which it always billed itself as. On top of that, there's table football, great music and still not that many people know about it. The Grand Union just got good.”
Rating: — Chris Dow, Camden (19 Mar 2008)

“Having just moved to Camden a work colleague recommended I try the Grand Union for a few drinks on a Thursday. We only intended to have a bottle of wine between the three of us and then move on somewhere else but we ended up there until closing time! Having sat down with a bottle of the house white (just over a tenner) we watched loads of their burgers get taken past us and decided we couldn’t resist. Spoilt for choice we decided to order a different one each so we ended up with a smoked chilli, a greek lamb and a cheese & bacon. Unlike many bars in Camden where the cocktail list is either non-existent or intimidatingly long and complex the list here is a small selection of classics with a few house specialities thrown in for good measure. The ginger aussie behind the bar was helpful and pointed out the Bramble, the Gin Garden (which sounds so weird but is actually awesome) & the Old Fashioned. Not being cocktail connoisseurs we were glad of his advice and he turned out to be spot on.”
Rating: — Victoria Coupland, London (18 Mar 2008)

“My friend had a birthday party here last Saturday in the back bar, and we absolutely loved it! The DJ was amazing, very funky mix! My girlfriends and I really enjoyed ourselves dancing, and drinking the cocktails! As for the previous entry, we must have had the same American barman as she did, because he was a good laugh, and not too bad on the eye either! ;P The only negative thing about our experience, was that the fishcakes we ordered took quite along time to get to us, but in saying that they were quite busy, so I guess its understandable. Overall, I would totally recommend the Grand Union for a fun night out!”
Rating: — Tasha Rowe, London (21 Feb 2007)

“Went to the Grand Union with some friends on Friday Nov. 3rd, and we had a blast! Not only were the cocktails superb and extremely reasonably priced (mixed by two very, very cute blokes, 1 American I think, and 1 English), but the atmosphere was kool! They had a live DJ playing in the back area, and the place had a real buzz about it. We didn't have anything to eat, so I can't comment on the food. But we had a heck of a good time at the Grand Union, and would higly recommend it to others! Try it out, you won't regret it!”
Rating: — Kat, London (10 Nov 2006)

View all user reviews (6).

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