Shake Shack Brent Cross — Restaurant in London

A Disappointing Dive into High-Priced Mediocrity

Venue: Shake Shack Location: Brent Cross Date of Visit: 13th December 2024

As a food critic, anticipation often precedes a visit to a new venue for me to try, and I was eager to experience what Shake Shack had to offer. Nestled among bustling food outlets and retailers, it was hard to ignore the eerily quiet atmosphere of this establishment, especially during the festive holiday rush when its counterparts thrummed with energy.

Ambiance and First Impressions The restaurant's setup was pragmatic at best. Customers are required to order at the counter before seating themselves, later collecting their meals when called. This cafeteria-style approach is far from unusual in fast food venues but lacked the charm or efficiency one might hope for. The tables, showing signs of wear, did little to uplift the atmosphere, leaving the space feeling more shabby than chic. The menu presented its own challenges. Absent were the visuals one might expect for a menu boasting variety. This omission complicated the ordering process, as the lack of product images made it difficult to discern the appeal of the numerous offerings.

The Order and Sticker Shock Opting for two small single-layer burgers with lettuce and onion along with two portions of fries, I was met with an unexpected shock: £27. After querying the cashier, I learned that the high price was due in part to the £9.10 charged for the fries and an additional £2 per burger for sauce. While intrigued by the possibility of culinary brilliance to justify such pricing, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease.

The Food Experience When the order arrived, my first impression was one of disappointment. The burgers, thin and modestly topped with a dab of sauce, a single lettuce leaf, and a fresh onion ring, were underwhelming in presentation. The fries, crinkle-cut and unsalted, looked serviceable but uninspiring. The first bite of the burger offered some redemption. The flavours were commendable, with the patty delivering a pleasant balance of seasoning and juiciness. However, the size left much to be desired, particularly for the price. The fries, on the other hand, were a profound let down. While crisp on the outside, they lacked the fluffy potato interior one expects from quality fries. The result was a hollow, insubstantial bite that did little to justify their exorbitant cost.

Final Thoughts It is rare to encounter a meal that leaves one feeling both dissatisfied and overcharged, but Shake Shack managed this dubious feat. The burgers, while tasty, failed to deliver the value expected at their price point. The fries, priced as a premium side, were a glaring disappointment both in portion size and texture. For £27 without any beverages, one might expect a fast food experience elevated to something extraordinary. Unfortunately, this visit fell woefully short of that mark. With lacklustre fries, modestly portioned burgers, and a forgettable ambiance, this restaurant fails to justify its price tag and is unlikely to warrant a...

Th e burgers tiny. Nothing in them. I paid £13.70 for a burger and a raspberry lemonade. The burger was the vegetarian crispy shallot burger. All I could taste was salt. The raspberry lemonade only sugar. They make lemonade and add raspberry purée on top is what they told me. This is your typical American eating place. All fried. Sugar and salt. I’ve had beef burgers at shake shack and they are nothing special. I’d be surprised if even the buns did not have sugar in them. I left feeling like I ate the worse and most unhealthy meal I’ve had in ages. Probably because I did.

My suggestion . Cut down on the salt and sugar and let us taste the food or is the quality so bad you need to hide it with additives? Steviol would be a better option than cane sugar.

By far the worse part of the burger for me was the bun. I would suggest you replace the bun with a proper burger bun that is not sugary in taste. I know America love sugar and salt but they also have the most unhealthy nation on the planet and I found the burger sweetness not very appealing

Let’s compare to Gordon Ramsey street food restaurant. A burger and chips is £16 which is just three pounds more and what a meal. Grass fed beef. Quality. The lemonade has so little sugar you can’t even taste it. I would suggest the owners of shake shack visit and learn.. my point is there are much better places for the same money.

I now need to get some water to get rid of all that sugar and salt in my mouth. Horrible and the last time I visit. I’d recommend only my enemies to visit to give them high blood pressure and diabetes

I realise you can’t please everyone but we all know what’s bad for us and even if you use quality ingredients you’re ruining it with so much sake and sugar for me to spend...

I’m quite disappointed with my recent experience at Shake Shack, especially considering the premium pricing and the reputation the brand carries. I had high expectations, but unfortunately, the food and overall offering fell short.

To begin with, the burgers were underwhelming. They were quite small in size and lacked any distinctive flavour or unique qualities that would set them apart from standard fast food options. Given the cost, I anticipated something more substantial and memorable.

One of the most surprising aspects was the absence of a dedicated kids’ menu. It’s quite perplexing that Shake Shack offers a dog menu, yet there is no consideration for younger diners. This is even more confusing when you take into account that dogs are not allowed in the shopping centre where the restaurant is located. I raised this concern with a staff member, and it still doesn’t make sense how a dog-friendly menu is prioritised over children, who are much more likely to be present.

Additionally, I was disappointed to find that there were no meal deal options available. Everything must be ordered separately, which quickly adds up. For example, a small portion of fries costs £4.55, which is not only expensive but also insufficient for sharing between two people. When compared to similar establishments like Five Guys or even a local chip shop, where the portions are more generous and better value for money, Shake Shack seems overpriced for what it offers.

Overall, my experience did not live up to expectations, and I don’t see myself returning in the future. I believe there is significant room for improvement, both in terms of value and customer...