Shake Shack in Covent Garden introduces the ShackMeister

Since it first opened its doors to the British public back in the summer of 2013, Shake Shack has had no trouble becoming accustomed to its Covent Garden setting. Brits and tourists alike have flocked to the chain’s first and only UK branch in a bid to experience a quintessential American burger joint.

After our first review back in 2013 when it launched, we returned to see if the Shack’s burgers had maintained their version of the American fast-food dream.

Shake Shack seeks to bring mouth-watering concoctions to its customers, and quite often succeeds in doing so. This time around, the Covent Garden branch has introduced the ShackMeister: a perfectly cooked Angus beef cheeseburger, topped with crispy ShakeMeister Ale-marinated shallots, and finished off with their infamous, mysterious ShackSauce.

The shallots complement the beef patty wondrously without being overpowering; the crisp batter hides a soft centre which melts in the mouth. The lot is arranged between two soft buns, which although very soft, do not disintegrate as you chew your way through the burger. The only minor disappointment about the ShackMeister is Shake Shack’s ShackSauce, which tastes more like normal mayonnaise and fails to have a real, distinctive taste.

For those desiring some veg in their burger, Shake Shack’s ShackStack will answer all wishes. The Angus beef cheeseburger is topped with a crisp-fried portobello mushroom, lettuce, tomato and finally, ShackSauce. Though not for everyone, the use of fresh ingredients – real lettuce leaf instead of shredded lettuce, and red tomatoes in favour of green, unripe tomatoes – is refreshing. The mushroom is flavoursome but its crispy coating proves to be a strange combination with the beef patty.

The burgers are accompanied by a choice of Cheese Fries or plain Fries. Shake Shack’s crinkle-cut fries can only be deemed a success: crispy on the outside, light and fluffy on the inside. What’s more, they actually taste of potatoes! Unfortunately, the Cheese Sauce leaves a lot to be desired, the cheddar taste is lost and the gooey texture of the sauce is displeasing, to the point of being overwhelming. Additionally, as a lover of piping-hot food, the fries could be warmer upon serving.

In the Covent Garden area, Shake Shack is closely rivalled by Five Guys – also an American burger chain – yet undoubtedly wins the race with its milkshakes, an attribute which Five Guys does not possess. The Black & White – made with vanilla and hot chocolate fudge – and the Peanut Butter shakes respectively deserve their own reviews. The shakes are smooth, sweet and ice cold: everything one can expect from a shake is delivered.

And if you’re not feeling shake-y, Shake Shack’s offer of ice-cool beverages are sure to keep you satisfied. Their 50/50 drink – half iced-tea/half-lemonade – is the perfect summer cooler to accompany the Shack’s mouth-watering burgers.

It seems that after two years in the British business, Shake Shack has made its mark in the burger industry and is here for the long haul. Shake Shack has found its niche – shakes, burgers and crinkle-cut fries – and when they’re so good, well, we’re certainly not going to complain.

★★★★★

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Anaïs Merlin

For further information about Shake Shack, 24 Market Building, The Piazza, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8RD, visit here.