YouTube Videos
See videos of my experience at The Lowback and more...
The Big Matt Burger at Hawksmoor
The Lowback, 1 Water St, Canary Wharf, London, United Kingdom, E14 5GX
The legendary Big Matt Burger finally has a permanent home, here at The Lowback Bar in Hawksmoor’s Canary Wharf branch.
What is The Big Matt Burger?
The Big Matt Burger is Hawksmoor Head Chef, Matt Browns, take on a fast food favourite from a certain golden arched chain. However, as expected from Hawksmoor, this version uses only premium ingredients. Including two dry-aged 100% beef patties, shredded iceberg lettuce, the sweet and nutty flavoured Sparkenhoe Red Leicester cheese, melted perfectly. Also, pickles and the Hawksmoor special sauce, which tastes remarkably like the one it’s inspired by, yet more refined. All of that in a homemade bun.
How does it taste?
I’d wanted to try this burger for a long time, but due to The Big Matt not being a regular fixture at any Hawksmoor restaurant in particular I only managed this recently. Even before trying it though, I knew it would be good. However, it exceeded my expectations. Creator Matt Brown knows his way around a kitchen, having been head chef at two restaurants with 3 MICHELIN stars. And, the fact it was Hawksmoor, who are well known for the quality of their steaks and meat in general. Plus, who doesn’t like the idea of a big mac right? Just with the highest grade ingredients.
“the best burger in London”
Side options include creamed spinach and a couple of salads. Although, if you’re going to do it properly you need to order the triple cooked chips to accompany your Big Matt burger. The usual sauces and gravies are also on the menu, like bearnaise and peppercorn, but I find the homemade ketchup goes well with this burger and chips combination, plus it’s free. All being said, I would say this is possibly the best burger in London.
Where can you get The Big Matt Burger?
The Big Matt burger was first thought up and sold in Hawksmoor’s Spitalfields bar. Over the years it has made sporadic appearances at other Hawksmoor locations, including in Manchester, but only for a limited time period. I would always seem to miss it. But now, it has found it’s permanent home in The Lowback bar in Canary Wharf.
What is and Where is The Lowback Bar?
You might recognise the above picture from our previous article reviewing Hawksmoor Wood Wharf in Canary Wharf. That’s because The Lowback is a bar by Hawksmoor, situated on the lower floor of the same floating island as the restaurant.
What's on the Menu at The Lowback?
Here at The Lowback bar, located underneath Hawksmoor Wood Wharf, is a focus on drinks, specifically creative cocktails invented by the Hawksmoor team. But, not forgetting their own brand beer, other craft beers and ciders, and an extensive wine list. Plus, for those non-drinkers, a decent amount of alcohol-free cocktails, like the Steady Pete’s Ginger Brew. Delicious and refreshing.
What other food is served at The Lowback?
There is a food menu as well, with sharing plates and snacks. Almost all your favourite steaks from the normal Hawksmoor menu are also available, like ribeye, fillet and bone-in-prime. As well as The Big Matt burger is the Hawksmoor double cheeseburger. So, you certainly won’t leave hungry. On this occasion I was here for one reason though, and that was my replica burger, which didn’t disappoint.
Another Childhood Favourite
It was my lucky day at The Lowback on this occasion. As another replication of a childhood favourite was also on the menu.
Have you guessed what they are yet? Growing up in the U.K., the original version of this sticky caramel covered in milk chocolate, were a favourite of mine, and most likely many others. Hawksmoor have created a very similar version called Tributes or Salted Caramel Rolos, albeit a more luxury version. The original version had quite hard, chewy caramel inside, whereas these Tributes are more runny and liquidy. You can have 3 of them as a dessert at the restaurant or order a box of 8 (about £10) to takeaway.
Alongside the Tributes on the dessert menu is a sticky toffee pudding and an ice cream sandwich. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to try either of these on this visit , but did get a box of Tributes to go. We were just too full from the bar snacks (luxury nuts and olives) we had with our drinks, and the mains. It just means we’ll have to come back again soon.
To conclude this review of The Big Matt and the Lowback, I have to say I was more than pleased with a burger I’d been wanting to try for a number of years. Would I have a it again? Yes, without a doubt. The burgers are cooked almost well done, which works perfectly in this replication of a classic. At £19.50 with chips (£14 without), it’s good value for a burger of such quality at one of the best restaurant groups in the country.
For you steak lovers out there, visiting a Hawksmoor and not having a steak can seem a bit strange. So depending how hungry you are, order your steak, and share a burger between up to 4 people, just to try it. That may well be what I do on my next visit to The Lowback.
Related Articles
See my full list of the other best restaurants in London here.