Smash burger joints are opening as quickly as New York pizzerias in London and next in line is Chuck’s, a US import with a sturdy reputation.
After a series of pop-ups and residencies, Chuck’s will open permanently at Carousel’s adjoining cocktail bar No. 23 in early September.
The premise is simple: “a single, crisp-beyond-crisp patty, cheddar, pickles, white onion and signature house sauce, all hugged by a pillow-soft potato roll”.
The brand says it does away with “gimmicks” and “faff”, instead employing a less is more approach. Founder Chuck George said there are “no compromises, just a flawless formula”.
He said: “If you told me there’d be a Chuck’s in London three years ago, I wouldn’t have believed you, but here we are. I’m thrilled to be joining Ed and Ollie as co-inspirators [sic] in a permanent Chuck’s set within the townhouse walls of No. 23. Burgers and fries are coming this September.”
Chuck George was born raised in Virginia, US, by a Filipino-American mother and an American father, and an announcement sent to the Standard said his diverse heritage informs his cooking. He started his career in New York City with the Silkstone group, working alongside the likes of Phil Winser of Public House (The Pelican, The Bull Charlbury and The Hero) at venues like The Fat Radish and The Leadbelly.
He launched his first restaurant in Milan in 2022 and quickly garnered a dedicated following thanks to his “no modifications” approach. Later came branches in Paris, Rome, and Madrid.
In London, the same burgers will be served alongside Carousel’s existing list of cocktails, as well as wines and lagers. Chuck’s fish sauce wings and chicken burger will arrive on the menu later on.
Ed Templeton, co-founder of Carousel, said: “Chuck instantly became part of the Carousel family when he first popped up with us last summer. We're beyond happy that he's joining us full time, and No. 23 really is the perfect fit. Who doesn't want a peerless smashburger with their spicy marg?"
23 Charlotte Street, W1T 1RW, @chucksnyc
