Over the past decade, Southampton has undergone a burger renaissance, transforming from a land of basic baps to a haven for patty perfectionists. But some burger aficionados may be surprised to hear that this isn't Southampton's first rodeo in the ring of meaty marvels.
So before we delve into this modern-day meaty melee that's currently unfolding, let's take a trip down memory lane to another time burger battles were raging.
Imagine a Southampton way before iPhones, before the internet and even before pagers were widely in use. In those simpler times, a different kind of burger war raged. It was a clash of the titans: Wimpy, with its large chain attraction, versus local cafes like Cadena and Checkpoint.
Wimpy, a beacon of 1950s Americana, lured in customers with the promise of "proper" burgers and that signature sauce.
Cadena, meanwhile, was a haven for those who preferred their burgers with a side of fried egg and a strong cuppa. And Checkpoint, open late into the night, was the fuel stop for many a nighttime adventure.
These establishments, each with their own devoted following, sparked heated debates.
Was Wimpy the king of burgers, or did Cadena's home-cooked charm reign supreme? Was Checkpoint's late-night offering the ultimate hangover cure?
These were the burning questions of the day, debated with almost the same passion reserved for Saints vs. Pompey matches.
Fast forward to 2013, and the arrival of 7bone Burger Co. This wasn't your grandma's burger joint. With its rock-and-roll attitude, graffiti-covered walls, and a menu that could make a cardiologist faint, 7bone was a game-changer.
Forget your standard cheese and bacon. 7bone unleashed a torrent of toppings – think deep-fried pickles, mac and cheese, pulled pork, even peanut butter.
Burgers with names like "The Peter Kay" (a mountain of cheesy goodness) and the "Triple Bypass" (a heart attack on a plate, but oh-so-worth-it) became legendary.
7bone didn't just serve burgers; they served an experience, a challenge, a culinary adventure.
But the battle for burger dominance wasn't just about outrageous toppings and calorie counts.
Enter Chalk Valley Burger, the local hero with a conscience. They championed ethically sourced, pasture-fed beef from the nearby Chalk Valley Farm, proving that gourmet could be good for the soul and the planet.
Chalk Valley's burgers were a celebration of quality over quantity. Simple, honest, and bursting with flavour, they appealed to a growing demand for sustainable and ethical food choices.
The aroma of sizzling success soon attracted the attention of national burger behemoths.
Gourmet Burger Kitchen (GBK) arrived with its sophisticated air and globally-inspired flavours.
Five Guys, with its customizable burgers, overflowing portions of fries, and mountains of free peanuts, offered a taste of the American dream.
Byron Burgers, with its focus on classic recipes and a more refined dining experience, brought a touch of class.
Two smaller players made waves with their unique offerings. Shrimp & Burger Co, as the name suggests, was all about bringing the taste of the sea to the burger game.
Their signature shrimp burgers, featuring plump, juicy shrimp piled high with colourful slaws and zesty sauces, offered a refreshing alternative to the traditional beef patty.
Meanwhile, Burga quickly gained a loyal following with its focus on quality ingredients and creative flavour combinations: from classic cheeseburgers to innovative creations like the "Jerk'd Upp" burger with jerk-marinated chicken and homemade ranch sauce.
The burger battleground wasn't just limited to big names and bold flavours. Handmade Burger Co championed fresh, handcrafted patties and catered to a growing demand for vegetarian and vegan options, proving that plant-based burgers could hold their own in the meaty melee.
Meanwhile, pubs and restaurants across the city joined the fray, adding gourmet creations to their menus. From gastropubs to hidden gems, the quest for the perfect burger became a city-wide obsession.
Gone are the days of accepting bland, mass-produced patties. Southampton residents now demand quality, flavour, and a story behind their food.
Instagram and social media in general, with their endless parade of food 'content', has turned us all into amateur food photographers and critics, fuelling a passion for culinary exploration.
The city's vibrant student population and young professionals are drawn to the casual, social atmosphere of gourmet burger joints and with so many players vying for our attention, the burger scene is constantly evolving, pushing the boundaries of creativity and flavour.
Not all of these burger joints are still trading and many others have sprung up along the way, yet the battle for burger supremacy in Southampton shows no signs of abating.
We will likely see more plant-based patties, global flavours, and hyperlocal sourcing in the future. Sustainability and ethical practices will continue to be a key ingredient, and the creativity of Southampton's burger chefs knows no bounds.
What a city to grab a burger in!