Big Fernand, based in Fitzrovia, specialises in “hamburgés” – that’s burgers with a French accent to you and I. We get behind the scenes to find out more about the burgers and plans for EURO 2016 and HOT new specials…
Tell us a bit about what Big Fernand do…
Burgers with a French Accent, or Hamburgés as we like to call our burgers at Big Fernand. We aim to serve the best burger using French produce going against all the beliefs that French gastronomy is only about posh pretentious dining. We instead want to serve a modest burger with the traditional warm welcome of the French countryside.
You have several locations in France, what made the jump over to London?
There were discounts on the Eurostar, we saw it as a sign and thought we should try our luck over here….
What’s the winning formula to the hamburgés…
A good bun, a good cheese, a good meat… And we’re lucky, we have great bread, great meat and great unpasteurised cheeses in France, So why wouldn’t these also be great in a burger?
Tell us about the cheeses you use, where do you source them and how do they work well with the burgers…
We only used raw milk cheeses such as Tomme de Savoie, Raclette Cheese or Fourme d’Ambert, a very creamy blue cheese. We buy the whole wheels and slice these on site twice a week. It really makes a difference in our burgers. The combination of blue cheese with the caramelised onions, our homemade mayonnaise and the taste of the veal is something we are deeply in love with… Yes, we take cheese seriously. We’re French after all!
Mathieu of Big Fernand
Describe the vibe at Big Fernand in 3 words…
Fun, unpretentious, authentic.
You recently created Le Balthazar for your birthday in London. Any plans or specials for the year ahead?
Sure, we are launching the Baptiste and the Prosper later this year. Both with Tabasco, they will be our spiciest burgers so far…
We’re also just about to launch our dedicated EURO’s fan bar upstairs at Big Fernand – quite possibly THE place to watch the tournament – particularly if you’re a supporter of ‘Les Blues’.
Your favourite French (or non French) food & drink #LocalLoves in London?
If we had to pick one, it would be Barnyard on Charlotte street. Great food, lovely staff.
Big Fernand | 19 Percy Street, London W1T 1DY
Read more about the EURO fan bar here.
