The gourmet burger chain Patty&Bun has announced the closure of four of its six locations in London, signaling a significant shift for the brand. This decision comes amid a broader trend affecting similar establishments in the city.
On March 30, Patty&Bun shared the news via social media, expressing gratitude to the communities they served. The statement read:
‘We’ve loved being part of these communities and just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who’s walked through these doors. It’s been a privilege to serve you. To our teams past and present, the graft, the energy, the madness and the love you put into every shift… we’re endlessly grateful.’
Locations Affected by the Closures
The four Patty&Bun restaurants that have ceased operations are:
- James Street (Marylebone)
- Liverpool Street
- Kingly Street (Soho)
- Northcote Road (Battersea)
Despite these closures, the Canary Wharf location and the Brighton branch will remain operational. Additionally, smaller Patty&Bun outlets in various venues will continue to serve customers.
Remaining Smaller Outposts
The smaller Patty&Bun locations that will continue to operate include:
- Brighton: Fortune of War pub
- London: Swingers golf club (Oxford St.)
- London: Lane7 bowling alley (Victoria)
- London: The Leyton Star pub (Leyton)
Customers can still enjoy Patty&Bun through delivery services across London.
Significance of the Marylebone Closure
The closure of the Marylebone branch is particularly poignant, as it was the original Patty&Bun location, which opened in November 2012. The restaurant quickly became a highlight of London’s burger scene, known for its high-quality, messy patties and brioche buns.
In 2017, founder Joe Grossman emphasized the importance of the overall dining experience, stating:
‘Great burgers and great food is primarily the spine of what we do, but I think for us it’s really important that people get the full Patty&Bun experience rather than just the food, which is what people know us for.’
Signature Offerings
Patty&Bun gained popularity with its signature burgers, including the Ari Gold, a cheeseburger inspired by a character from the show Entourage, and the Smokey Robinson, named after the Motown legend. The original Marylebone restaurant, with only 30 seats, was a stark contrast to the larger chain it has become.
A review from Time Out in 2013 described the atmosphere of the Marylebone venue as laid-back, with bare tables and music playing from a laptop at the bar. The review noted that while Patty&Bun was gaining a reputation as a leading burger establishment, it remained humble.
Context of the Closures
While the closures are unfortunate, they are not entirely unexpected, especially following a significant restructuring within the company last year. In their social media announcement, Patty&Bun reassured customers:
‘This isn’t goodbye to Patty&Bun. It’s just the end of this chapter.’
As the burger scene in London continues to evolve, the fate of Patty&Bun serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by restaurants in a competitive market.
Bildquelle: Foto von Virginia Marinova auf Unsplash
