Haché offers a more grown up alternative with its sophisticated French influence on the predominantly more American territory of burger restaurants. Haché is Europe’s attempt to mount a challenge, but was it any good? Time to find out...
Ideal for:
Those tired with the American establishments
Dinner before a night out in Shoreditch
Burger Lovers
Ambience & Décor
The neon-signed frontage makes Haché Shoreditch easier to spot (left). Despite being a single unit, Haché makes great use of the space without feeling too cramped.
In lieu of the hipster vibe, Haché opts for a restrained look despite the quirky. The quirky bar area out front is novel. Despite being packed, the ambience was more French brasserie, rather than a noisy American watering hole. I liked the look.
Service
Both the French-accented waiters that served us were courteous, professional and forthcoming. I enquired about their best burger, and they happily gave me their recommendation. The French are famed for their hospitality, and it was evident here.
Food
We started with Creole Chicken Wings with hot Cayenne sauce and sour cream dip (left) and the Black Garlic Hummus. For £6, I wanted more than four skinny wings. The wings should have had some heat and be bursting with flavour, but I felt underwhelmed. The hummus fared better, with the sweet caramelised onion garnish working well with the savoury hummus.
On recommendation, I ordered the Steak le Fumé. Accompanying the patty was caramelised onions, smoked bacon, Gruyère & Haché coleslaw (right). Served in a smoke-filled cloche, the waiter removes it to unveil the burger. I love dinner with a bit of razzmatazz. The pungent aroma of the strong Gruyère is not for everyone. The juicy, succulent and flavoursome patty was the star of the show, and a great testament to the haché-style cooking. The sweet onions, flavours from the slaw and smoky textures from the bacon were obliterated by the Gruyère lava. The coleslaw only providing a texture change. The Steak le Fumé had some fantastic aspects, but it did not fully come together.
The Oreo and Peanut Butter milkshake could have been a tad thicker. The portion is not as big as an American Tinseltown or The Diner, but I think that is the point.
At £13 for the Steak le Fumé, perhaps one is paying for the refinement of a burger rather than the basic test of having wonderful flavours and textures. The distinct cooking style will draw crowds and a meal sub £25 presents good value. However, the American heavyweights are producing some excellent meals at cheaper prices. Haché is a worthy counterpunch from Europe, and if you are bored with the American scene, Haché may be the perfect alternative. Based on the night, I give Haché Shoreditch a solid B+ rating.
Photos of Haché Shoreditch and more can be found on Instagram here.
Final grade: B+
Final comment: Haché performed well, and despite a few niggles, I will return.
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