What: Yet another new smash burger concept. Founded in Amsterdam in 2019. Fat Phill’s is said to be the fastest growing burger brand in the Netherlands and has now made its UK debut on Battersea’s St John’s Hill moments from Clapham Junction train station. The fast casual format has an expansive menu that includes burgers, fried chicken and Philly cheesesteak sandwiches.
Who: Fat Phill’s founder is the Iranian-born Armin Vahabian, who has built his brand to nearly 20 sites by way of a franchise model. Fat Phill’s is being rolled out in the UK by Freshly Baked, which also holds the master UK franchise rights for pretzel brand Auntie Anne’s.
The food: Key menu items include a double cheese burger; truffle burger; cheese fries; mac ‘n’ cheese; buffalo fries; and a pot of Instagram-friendly liquid ‘dripping cheese’. Burgers start at £8 for a single with Fat Phill’s signature burger four-patty option the ‘Big Belly’ priced at £14.95. Sides include mozzarella sticks; barbecue wings; chicken nuggets; and onion rings.
To drink: Soft drinks are roughly what you’d expect: a selection of mass market sodas and shakes. Topped with cream and a garnish that varies depending on which one you go for, options for the latter include a caramelised biscuit shake; vanilla Oreo shake; and pistachio shake.
The vibe: Sandwiched between a Cafe Nero and a Wasabi moments from the south entrance of Clapham Junction, Fat Phill’s has a little over 20 covers. Design details include a small living wall, self-service screens and a semi-open kitchen.
And another thing: Freshly Baked has big plans for Fat Phill’s in the UK. It is on the hunt for two further smallish locations (1,000sq ft to 1,800sq ft) on greater London high streets but has bold plans to launch 100 sites on these shores over the next 10 years.
16 St John’s Hill, London SW11 1SA
www.fatphillsdiner.co.uk
