We’re living in a golden age of fast food, with new brands venturing into the UK from overseas and giving the likes of McDonald’s, Burger King and KFC a run for their money.
The likes of Dave’s Hot Chicken, Carl’s Jr and Hooters have been popping up around the country, with American and Canadian eateries typically making up the cohort of lesser-known but highly-competitive brands making the leap across the Atlantic.
A newcomer from closer to home could be set to take the UK by storm, however: Fat Phill’s Diner, home to the ‘best burger’ in Amsterdam.
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In 2024, the Dutch brand launched its first outlet in London at Clapham Junction, offering smash burgers, American sandwiches, mac and cheese, and loaded fries. The quiet but successful launch looks set to spawn more branches in the British Isles, with Dublin’s Temple Bar set to get its first Fat Phill’s in June 2025.
The chain was only launched in 2019 but has since opened 18 outlets across the Netherlands. Its UK and Ireland chains are being led by franchisor Freshly Baked Ltd, which also graced us with the Auntie Anne’s pretzel shop in the UK.
Freshly Baked reportedly plans to open more Fat Phill’s in London, with a 10-year plan to launch 100 outlets across the country. Ireland will also see a few more outlets roll out by 2030.
So, what sets Fat Phill’s apart in the highly-competitive fast food market?
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The menu is mainly populated with burgers, with Fat Phill’s taking a Five Guy’s-style approach to maximalist toppings whereby customers can triple any items they want within each burger.
It’s quadruple cheeseburger with bacon – the Big Belly – is a particularly succulent focal point, but Fat Phill’s most-beloved menu item is its Double Cheeseburger.
For those of us with a penchant for capsacin, there’s the Tamale Burger too; a Double Cheeseburger with grilled jalapeños, spicy mayo, mustard, and glazed onions.
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There’s also the indulgent Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich consisting of thin slices of ribeye steak, plenty of cheese, jalapeños, Phill’s secret sauce, and onions.
Beef isn’t the only option, of course, with options including the Nashville Hot chicken burger covering more meaty bases. Buffalo Wings are another chicken option, and none of this would be complete without a side of loaded or layered chips or a thick and creamy milkshake.
Fat Phill’s has proven a hit with Londoners, with its Clapham Junction outlet having won a 4.5 out of 5 average on Google Reviews.
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"Super friendly staff created a good atmosphere," said one review.
“Fantastic food! We tried the meaty burger, the Nashville fried chicken burger, loaded fries and mozzarella sticks. All amazing. Deffo recommend checking this place out if you need some fried goodness!” raved another.
Elsewhere, food blogger By Row opined: “I can confidently say that this restaurant beats out McDonald’s and KFC any day of the week.”
If you can’t make it down to Clapham, you’d best keep an eye out for a Fat Phill’s opening near you to try it out for yourself.
Rachael Davis