Where exactly is it? The Leyton Star, older sister to the mighty Heathcote, but with a very different feel: much more East End boozer than leafy Leytonstone beer garden.
OK. So what goes on there? Everything you’d expect, from craft beer to sport on the telly – with sheltered booths outside too. But the main deal, right now, is the super-hot new kitchen residency.
What should I eat? We’re getting to that. Cheeky Burger, with a very big Instagram following, has its main restaurant in Camberwell, with outposts in Greenwich and Stratford Roof East – and they’re now in command here in E10. These aren’t any old patties: chef-owner Sebastien is a classically trained French chef who has appeared on Master Chef The Professionals, no less.
A highlight? There are of course vegan and vegetarian options, with chicken and fish coming soon. But we went full-on carnivore. A Hot Daddy is a winner, the steak beef patty juicily medium rare, cheese gooily unctuous. House chipotle sauce and smoky mayo added heat and extra umami flavour, with jalapeno jam for spice, and pickles, lettuce and sturdy bun bringing the whole damn thing together. A Cheeky Bacon was equally good, although a question: is bacon somehow less essential in a burger? Truffle and parmesan fries just had the edge over the rosemary fries, with all manner of home-made sauces a must – blue cheese, smoky mayo, ranch and more. Yum.
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What’s the service like? We had an early 6pm slot on what would later be a roadblock Friday night: it was smooth as clockwork, without feeling like we were being pushed along for the next booking.
We say: Best burgers in the area? It’s a tough call – there are some corkers across Leyton and Leytonstone – but these are worth a pilgrimage for any patty-pusher after a fresh hit.
Find Cheeky Burger at Leyton Star, 116 High Road E10. Follow @cheeky_burger on Instagram
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