A boozy day for a friend’s birthday bookended by visits to two restaurants. Ballast for the afternoon was taken at Honest Burger, in a new development just off Old Street roundabout. Hipsterful at lunchtime we timed our entry perfectly, getting the last two seats in the window. The view of dismal rain-sodden brickwork was not the most picturesque in London but I’m sure on a sunny day it wouldn’t be a bad place to take a pavement table.

The greeting was friendly and service swift. Unobtrusive indie choons floated through the speakers and the room had a convivial feel. We both went for specials – South American inspired burgers with chorizo slices and a herby relish. The burger was cooked to perfection, pink in the middle and really flavoursome – as good as any I’ve had in London. With an Icelandic beer and a good helping of chips I was a very contented customer.

Until I went to the loo that is! This was an angry, lidless, seatless spitting beast that deposited half the flush over my shoes. Semi-comic but only because I didn’t need to make extensive use of the facilities.

8/10 (would have been 9 if I’d held on till the next stop)

To see which other restaurants I’ve visited in 2016 check out my GoogleMap

London Restaurants burger honest burger Old Street Restaurant Review