Black Bear Burger’s – Black Bear DIY

Black Bear Burger is one of my favourite Burger restaurants. The Black Bear, I had just before lockdown in the UK last year and remained one of my favourite burgers throughout the year despite the various DIY Kit offerings entering the market. Would this DIY Kit match up to the classic burger served in the small restaurant in Brixton? Have a look see.
 

The Bun: 14/20

Like the Black Bear review previously I have to take points away from category. Scoring 15 last time in the Black Bear review in Brixton it is actually scored slightly worse today probably because it was me that toasted the buns! The instructions say to toast the buns before starting the cook of the burgers and that probably works given it is a quick fire and quick prep burger. Day one, I did what it said on the tin. Day two and the next batch of burgers my wife made the buns around the same time I started to cook the meat and it was a LOT better. The buns coming out hot, although they may not hold as well as some would like, they are a lot softer and just add to the overall textural balance of the burger. The instructions that come with the DIY, I stuck to for reviewing purposes, but I can honestly say that the buns are the major downfall of this burger. A Demi-brioche seeded bun, it is no more than okay. I wish Black Bear would improve on this bun because their signature burger is a real contender if they do.

The Toppings: 8/10

Pickled Onions and Oak Smoked Bacon Rashers are the toppings of choice for the Black Bear. The bacon is brilliant, well smoked, crisp but meaty and brings about a nice balance without being overbearing like some smoked bacons do in burgers. The pickled onions is where Black Bear have taken a couple of points hit here. The DIY came with a measly amount of pickled onions, I am talking about a teaspoon for a decent sized burger which just made no sense. I am a fan of pickled onions in burgers and the actual flavour of Black Bear’s onions is great, when you actually get to taste some of it!

The Condiments: 10/10

As before, this is a high scoring category for this burger. The onion jam and garlic mayo are generous in serving and the flavour combination is excellent. The garlic mayo is so good you find yourself wiping your finger through the excess in the pot and smearing wherever you can find space! The onion jam is just a delightful addition, not particularly strong but is noticeable with each bite and the sweetness acts as a good mediator of the garlic mayo in a great bite of a burger.

The Cheese: 18/20

Having read the DIY instructions I have come to realise that I got the description of the Black Bear Burger completely wrong, an American cheese! The cheese is perfect, and sits over the top of the small amount of pickled onions. Texturally beautiful and has the cheeseburger look that I always scream about! Black Bear Burger have scored so highly on our reviews, check out our Hit List here of our Top Burgers in London

The Patty: 18/20

That being said, the precision of the cook at this establishment takes what I would consider a ‘good’ meat and turns it into a top meat. I would compare Black Bear’s patty to Five Guys, very meaty and chargrilled but the cook time produces an incredible medium rare patty. Think Five Guys Michelin star!

The Taste: 19/20

Phenomenal, period. This burger is one of the best out there, I have no doubt about it. The balance of this burger is impeccable. The subtle taste of the garlic mayo combined with the sweet onion jam married with oozing cheese and a great chargrilled patty. Had the bun been softer and not been so heavy this would have been a challenger for my personal top spot.

Our Verdict: 87/100

The Black Bear at the restaurant scored slightly higher but the DIY Kit is a very good reincarnation of a classic burger at home. I think when you have such a great burger in a restaurant you naturally doubt the ability to recreate it at home but Black Bear have given us one that is extremely close. I mentioned in my last review one of Black Bear burgers’ strengths is the expert chefs that create their burgers well balanced and timed to perfection to serve. My impatience to eat, perhaps could impact on the overall quality of a burger, but Black Bear have given more than enough room for error with fantastic individual components and a well-balanced offering to the DIY market. You can check out Black Bear Burgers website here