Latest news with #Americanised
Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Times
The 27 best burger joints in the UK
Name me another food that has had such an exhausting series of reinventions as the burger. I think you'll struggle. When I was a teenager in the 2010s, there were just two restaurants on the high street (Byron and GBK) that served patties with a decent meat content. Elsewhere it was flavourless, often defrosted grey slabs. In the 15 years that have followed, Britain's burger scene has been through numerous makeovers. Burgers have been upscaled to comically tall stacks of patties oozing cheese, Americanised with the arrival of Five Guys and Shake Shack, and downsized to crispy, smashed versions — the latest viral preference characterised by squished patties and supremely crunchy edges. There's a whole new set of burger-related terms to remember too: do you know your 'Oklahoma' (smashed but with onions pressed into the patty) from your 'Cali' style (classic with the addition of bacon and avocado)? Yes, all these burgers are essentially still just a patty in a bun, but the ones I grew up eating didn't have hundreds of influencers queueing for hours or crowds loitering in front of restaurants, as they did in Shoreditch last month when Dumbo, the cult Parisian smashed-burger joint, opened its first London outpost. Among their fans, chefs that make burgers are treated with the same reverence as artists. When Jackson Boxer launched a burger made from 50-day aged beef at his west London restaurant, Dove, London's foodies, including Nigella Lawson, made a beeline for Notting Hill. Boxer only makes ten burgers per day. Some diners, he told me, even rearranged flights in an attempt to bag one. I've been twice and still wasn't fast enough. How did we get here? You can trace it all back to Honest Burgers, which opened in Brixton, south London, in 2011 and was one of the first restaurants to change the burger's image from fast food to top-quality dish. 'They were simplistic and homemade. They came with chips and they were all made from British meat,' says the chain's cofounder, Tom Barton. 'We knew we were doing something exciting when AA Gill came and reviewed us. He slated us and gave us two stars, but we just couldn't believe he'd come.' The latest is a hybrid burger at Heard in Borough, south London, that has been created by the Cornish chef Jordan Bailey, who helped Sat Bains secure two Michelin stars before opening his own two-star restaurant in Ireland. 'We roll the patty onto the grill rather than smash it on. It creates the crispy edges, but the centre is still thick enough that you can have it medium rare,' Bailey explains. These burgers are very good. When Heard opened this spring, I went three times in a fortnight. But they aren't my only favourite. Here are 26 others to try. • Read more restaurant reviews and recipes from our food experts NationwideThe restaurant group that changed how Britain thought about burgers with its simple, premium recipe. It has also opened its first smashed burger outlet, Smash + Grab, by Liverpool Street London, Leeds and BrightonMEATliquor was smashing burgers way before it was considered cool. And after trying its Dead Hippie (mustard-fried double beef patty, American cheese and pickles), your life won't be the Hereford, Shrewsbury, Cheltenham and BathThis restaurant group has the royal seal of approval. Well, not quite, but the Queen's son, the restaurant critic Tom Parker Bowles, did visit the Cheltenham branch last year and gave its 'splendidly beefy and lusciously messy' cheeseburger four out of five stars. FalmouthThis family-run burger spot is a local favourite, using free-range Cornish beef from the award-winning butcher Philip Warren and buns from the local bakery Da Bara. Newquay and TruroThe menu here is small — just six kinds of burgers, plus milkshakes, soft-serve ice cream and fries — but everything is brilliant. Don't forget the spectacular chips, including ones that come loaded with brisket. No wonder it's known as Cornwall's best burger place. PlymouthLaunched in London then moved to Plymouth, this spot is inspired by southern Californian coastal culture. BristolHead to the Fierce & Noble brewery and you'll find these award-winning burgers. Order the Crispy Chilli Cheese. Eight branchesLondon's most talked-about burgers since the chain's owner, Zan Kaufman, opened the first site in Spitalfields Market. Its most famous creation, the award-winning Bleecker Black (50-day aged beef and black pudding), isn't on the menu any more, so go with the equally delicious Bleecker Blue (beef patty plus blue cheese). Eight branchesAnother London favourite to tick off. The burgers are ridiculously good — try the Double Miso, above — but the sides such as the rarebit crumpet and the brisket spring rolls should not be overlooked either. Finsbury ParkTwo minutes from the Tube station you'll find this place serving the Dexter: a brilliant cheeseburger in a glistening brioche bun that is so popular in north London, it practically has its own fan club. @ • Paris's best burger is coming to London. I went to try it ShoreditchIf you like burgers and you live in London, the arrival of Dumbo from Paris won't have passed you by. Diners have been known to queue at the French original for hours. What you'll find when you get to the front of the line is just one smashed cheeseburger, a veggie burger and French fries. BoroughHeard has been quietly blowing south Londoners' minds since it opened in April. The burgers are filled with double smashed patties using British meat from regenerative farms and homemade pickles. Notting HillIf you manage to get one of the ten burgers made here each day you are in for a treat: a double-ground patty weighing 220g and made from rib caps of 50-day aged cows, aged brisket, chuck and frozen suet. HackneyGo for a lesson in how to make the perfect smashed burger by Lagom's chef-patron, Elliot Cunningham. The meat, mustard, mayo, vinegar slaw and American cheese work together in delicious harmony. @eatlagom SohoWith just two smashed burgers on the menu (plus fries and desserts), it might be hard to understand why, after two years, people still queue here. Once you've tried them, though, you instantly get GlasgowThis place on Great Western Road keeps things simple with its customisable smashed burgers. There are just three on the menu, they only make 100 a day, and they are simply delicious. @smashedwest Edinburgh and GlasgowOrder the Top Dog, made with rare-breed beef patties, bone marrow, black truffle mayo and Roquefort butter. You may need a lie-down afterwards. • Britain's best burgers — according to top chefs ManchesterWhen I ask friends in Manchester where to get the best burgers, there's a mix of answers: Broskis, Almost Famous, BUN. Burgerism, however, comes up almost every time. Six burgers, plus two fried chicken options and three plant-based patties. Outlets in Stockport and Salford too. DoncasterAs the name suggests, these are less burgers than towers of smashed patties with cheese. Order the Dirty Barbie for an explosion of American cheese, espresso and bourbon sauce, crispy onions and streaky bacon. Newcastle and LeedsFor US-style burgers, head to Meat:Stack where you have a choice of 11, seasoned with homemade sauces and sandwiched into potato buns. NewcastleThis restaurant in a car park in Byker is only open on Friday and Saturday for brunch and then burgers. It's worth the wait, though. @2kniveskitchen NewcastleOne of Newcastle's best spots for burgers like the Beef Dip (shredded brisket, steak patty and gravy) and the Flying North — three smashed patties, American cheese and bacon. LeedsAt the Northern Market, you will find arguably the best place for smashed or chicken burgers in Leeds. Try one of its bestsellers, the spicy Clucky Buffalo Volcano chicken burger. @bigbunsuk PenarthThings can get messy when you order one of these dry-aged smashed burgers, which come with their insides spilling out. And that's a good thing. Look out for monthly specials such as the chorizo and pineapple jam burger. @toms_smashed_burgers BelfastWith just four items on the menu, Bunsen keeps things simple. There are no smashed patties or trendy flavours. Instead, this Irish chain focuses on more traditional takes — and does them extremely well. Worcester and HerefordServing classic burgers and monthly specials made with top-quality, locally sourced patties of prime beef, fresh buns and scratch-made sauces. NottinghamFor chicken burger fans. Go for the fried chicken (no grease, just crunchy coating and juicy meat) and stay for the soft serve.
Metro
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
BBC finally drops series that fans were adamant should 'never be made'
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video BBC iPlayer has finally released the fourth season of the US remake of hit sitcom Ghosts, an adaptation that sparked fiery debates among fans. The UK version – starring Charlotte Ritchie, Kiell Smith-Bynoe and Mathew Baynton – follows an eclectic group of ghosts living in a manor house who equally infuriate and endear the new owners, Alison (Charlotte) and Mike (Kiell), when the former gains the ability to see the dead. The US version, which airs on CBS, follows a similar premise with Rose McIver and Utkarsh Ambudkar playing a couple named Samantha and Jay respectively, who must deal with the riotous ghosts roaming their new home-turned-hotel. Several of the characters are Americanised versions of the UK gang, such as Pete (Richie Moriarty) taking after the ill-fortunate Pat (Jim Howick), and Thorfinn (Devan Chandler Long) taking inspiration from Robin the caveman (Laurence Rickard). It's not a total copy, with plenty of original plotlines and characters that set it apart from its British counterpart. However, as is a time-honoured tradition with over-protective Brits (see The Office UK vs US), many fans of the show were sceptical, to say the least, when the remake first came out in 2022. Some called it a 'poor copy of the original', another said it felt like 'a cheap knockoff that just simply can't replicate the brilliance of the original' and yet another 'a flawed remake'. However, as season four finally lands in the UK, more than one naysayer has been converted into a true fan, with some even making bold claims that the ghosts from across the pond might just have eclipsed the competition. 'As a Brit, who loved the UK version of Ghosts, I was sceptical that the US version would live up to the original, Melanie Smart wrote in a Google review. 'If you've watched Brit Ghosts first, you'll find this slow to get started, but when it does, you'll find yourself fully engaged and loving it. As the episodes roll by, the actors clearly engage more with their characters and really begin to shine and bring the storylines alive.' Zachary Kluckman claimed: 'Honestly? This may be the funniest show on television right now. The British original is also great and worth a watch to be sure, and some of the jokes there are exceptional, but I think (and I never say this) the US version may actually be funnier.' 'I feel that as of late most TV shows and movies are continuations or remakes of past movies/TV shows, whereas Ghosts seems to be fresh and new, yet captivating and funny,' Princess Mikayla added. 'I love the UK original Ghosts show, and I had very little hope for a US remake. I was pleasantly surprised at to how the US version was able to maintain the DNA, tone and atmosphere of the original!' Jennifer Foster praised. Like many other Ghosts UK fans I originally groaned at the idea of a US version of the show, and was sure it was a mistake. Nevertheless, as someone who loves the premise of a household of kooky ghosts (and Rose McIver) I decided to give the show a chance and I'm glad I did. Yes, there were times where the American humour didn't quite land for me, but more often than not, the show has made me laugh out loud and I have grown quite fond of the eccentric band of spirits conjured up in this new version. There's a gay Revolutionary War veteran, Isaac, a forever high 60s hippie called Flower and a self-obsessed jazz singer, Alberta. What's not to love? The fact that there are so many episodes in every season is the cherry on top, and it fills a void left by the UK version of giving us even more time with our resident ghosts. For fellow sceptics, take the new season landing as your sign to give the show a try. 'I saw the previews a few times and thought this will never make it. I am so glad [it] did. It is clever, witty, actors are good,' Diane Burgess said. Another fan called ashura izumi quipped that in their opinion, while most UK remarks 'are the worst', the US version of Ghosts is 'absolutely funny'. Colin Elsdon reflected on the 'trepidation' that they had when giving the American show a chance, 'but all concerns were eradicated from the outset'. 'At first, I had low expectations of the American version as most remakes don't measure up to the original. However, I must say that I prefer the American version,' M Chang agreed. Peter York had been 'dreading' the US adaptation, but promised that it's 'definitely worth a watch'. 'This British TV remake in America is a riot. I loved the concept on the BBC and love what they translated over to the US to make it relevant,' Andrew M concluded. Unlike the UK version, which only contains six episodes per season (plus a few festive specials), Ghosts US has up to 22 per season, including the latest one. Altogether, you can dig your teeth into a whopping 72 episodes – a veritable treat for Ghosts UK fans mourning the show and looking for a similar high. The UK cast even has a sweet connection to the cast of the American version, with Kiell telling Metro he has met with his counterpart Utkarsh and the wider cast. More Trending 'Now we just have more to share because they're doing similar episodes that have similar storylines, things like that. So hopefully there'll be a crossover at some point. I'd love that,' he said. 'But even just to meet them. I met Brandon [Scott Jones], who plays [Captain Isaac Higgintoot] and he came to see The Government Inspector when me and Martha were doing that so there was a little bit of a link up there.' The show has been such a hit that Australia is now making its own version set in Perth. View More » Ghosts US season four is available to stream on BBC iPlayer now. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Wimbledon 2025 TV channel coverage: Where to watch, BBC start times and schedule MORE: Children's TV icon announces return to series reboot after 20 years MORE: 'Addictive' TV thriller is finally completely free to binge on UK streamer
Perth Now
10-06-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
Don't do this first thing in the morning
Australians preparing for tax season have been warned to be watchful for early-morning scams designed to catch them off guard. Taxpayers should expect a deluge of scam activity ahead of June 30, as cunning crooks impersonate the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) in emails and texts. CPA Australia tax lead Jenny Wong warned the public that these communications could often be sent overnight, designed to catch people out before they'd had their morning coffee. 'These 'phishing' scams not only look legitimate, but they're designed to catch you off guard. That's why you'll often see them arrive first thing in the morning because you may be more likely to have a momentary lapse in judgment,' Ms Wong said. 'The scammers know Australians will have tax on their mind and are vulnerable to prompts to act, which is why these messages usually create a sense of urgency or claim of significant refund. 'While they could come at any time, be especially careful opening up and reading messages while you're still waking up in the morning.' Taxpayers have been warned to have their morning coffee before looking at any tax communications. NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw Credit: News Corp Australia Scam emails impersonating the ATO have titles including 'Urgent new notification in your account inbox', directing unsuspecting people to log into their myGov account through a fake link. ATO data shows a huge rise in this type of impersonation scam, up by more than 300 per cent in the past year. The ATO said more scam messages were generally sent during tax time, as scammers tend to know taxpayers expect communications from the tax office. To avoid falling prey to these scams, people have been warned to look for grammatical errors such as Americanised spellings in communications. Impersonation scam losses have increased massively this year. NewsWire / Nicholas Eagar Credit: NCA NewsWire Other signs of scams are hyperlinks in unsolicited text messages, anomalies in the sender's email address, and requests for urgent personal or financial information. The National Anti-Scam Centre reports that Australians have lost $13.7m in impersonation scams since the start of the year compared with $4.6m for the same period last year.
NZ Herald
26-05-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Auckland chef Al Brown champions affordable filter coffee
Cash-strapped consumers are being urged to swap expensive espressos for cheaper filter coffees. Top Auckland chef Al Brown says the modern product (also known as drip coffee) is not the Americanised 'swill' people remember. And with coffee prices rising, he's calling on caffeine lovers to reconsider the brew that's commonly
Free Malaysia Today
05-05-2025
- Free Malaysia Today
‘AI colonialism': how this tech could be a threat to diversity
By writing with AI, users of diverse backgrounds could end up seeing their own culture through a foreign lens. (Envato Elements pic) Presented as an everyday ally, promising to make our lives easier and reimagine the way we write, artificial intelligence is now widely used. But it carries a major risk: a US study claims that by imposing western writing standards, AI could smooth out styles and erase cultural particularities. To measure this threat, a team from Cornell University, led by professor Aditya Vashistha, conducted an experiment with 118 American and Indian participants. Each of them was asked to write texts on cultural themes, with or without the help of an AI writing assistant. The aim was to observe the influence of AI on their respective styles. It turns out that, while AI boosts writing speed, it also profoundly transforms personal styles. This phenomenon was particularly noticeable among the Indian participants, whose writing style became much more Americanised. To adapt to the AI's suggestions, they often had to make numerous changes. 'When Indian users use writing suggestions from an AI model, they start mimicking American writing styles to the point that they start describing their own festivals, their own food, their own cultural artifacts from a western lens,' first author Dhruv Agarwal, a doctoral student at Cornell, explained. A detailed analysis of the texts shows that the Indian participants accepted 25% of the AI's suggestions, compared with 19% for their American counterparts. At the same time, Indians were significantly more likely to modify the AI's suggestions to fit their topic and writing style to maintain cultural relevance. For example, AI typically suggested 'Christmas' to evoke a favourite holiday, overlooking Deepavali. 'Collective emergency' This bias is no mere anecdote. The authors denounce a veritable form of 'AI colonialism', an insidious cultural domination in which western standards are imposed to the detriment of other identities. And the consequences are far-reaching: by standardising the way they write, people could end up seeing their own culture through a foreign lens, to the point of altering their individual perception of it. 'This is one of the first studies, if not the first, to show that the use of AI in writing could lead to cultural stereotyping and language homogenisation,' said Vashistha. 'People start writing similarly to others, and that's not what we want. One of the beautiful things about the world is the diversity that we have.' Vashistha and colleagues are well aware of this and are calling for a change of direction. Cornell's Global AI Initiative is already looking to join forces with industry to build policies and tools that are more attentive to cultural specificities. It's a question of safeguarding the richness and diversity of human expression, protecting the plurality of voices and imaginations, and preventing digital homogenisation. Indeed, defending cultural diversity in the face of AI is not just an ethical choice, it's a collective emergency.
