The Bush Tavern is the new independent pub opened on Goldhawk Road, serving Ed Sheeran’s favourite smash burgers by No Drama and traditional drinks in a cozy, contemporary setting.
The bar and brewing company Bird House London have provided a permanent home for the burger business who have returned to London’s culinary hotpot following the closure of their Acton home earlier this year.
According to Ed Sheeran, No Drama serves up the number one patties in the city.
“This is the best burger in London”, said the musician, 34, after being filmed tucking into No Drama’s patty with Tiktok food content creator Topjaw.
Unable to try their burgers due to allergies, I gave my gluten-abled accomplice Adam I’Anson, 22, the challenge of rating the cheeseburger on the Bush Tavern’s opening night.
He said: “The grub is good, and I usually hate pickles but these are unbelievable.”
As well as burgers, No Drama- led by Brodie Campbell-Park- offers plentiful sides including loaded hashbrowns with a sprinkle of their magical parmesan dust.
Complementing their evening spread, No Drama will offer a weekend brunch in line with their American culinary brand served Friday to Sunday 12 to 4pm.
But being a pub, eyes fall on the refreshments.
Lining the Bush Tavern’s tap is the independently brewed Bird House beer selling larger at a reasonable (for London) £6.50 per pint.
Their cocktails are also worth a try, starting from £9 with both classic and bespoke options, and I enjoyed a spritz within the hustle and bustle of a packed pub, sound tracked by a live DJ.
This food and drink fusion is central to co-founder Frazer Timmerman’s vision.
He said: “The Bush Tavern blends classic pub culture with our style of contemporary hospitality.
“Our focus here is simple: great food, proper drinks and a welcoming space for everyone.”
However the night was not without complexities.
Ordering food on the Tavern’s popular opening night came at the cost of an hour and 40minute wait.
This is something that can be forgiven due to the skyrocketing orders coming through on night one, a tell tale sign of a well publicised opening night and a host of eager, thirsty, locals.
With a capacity for 120 people, the full crowd did not seem put off by the food delay.
Customer Felix confirmed that he will be back as he appreciated the drink selection and the attention to detail shining through the understated decor.
The pub is a product of the Bird House London team who are also behind The Hawks Nest- found on the same Goldhawk Road as the Tavern- hospitality business Peckham Arches and Bird House Brewery in Herne Hill, London.
Rising on top of the relics of another closed down Brewdog, a prominent Scottish brewery and taproom chain, the independent venue has opened its doors amidst the UK’s hospitality sector’s struggling climate.
The British Beer and Pub Association predicted that this year pubs will close down at the rate of one per day.
But promising comedy nights, quizzes and live music- as well as their exclusive tap selection, infamous burgers, and contemporary decor- there is hope that the Bush Tavern can keep in the crowds and settle firmly into Goldhawk Road’s eclectic, independent line up.
Feature image credit: Jennifer Thompson Chatburn.
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