God. I've waited THREE YEARS for this. Ever since I stumbled into Black Tap's Westfield location with a hangover that could've killed a horse and discovered their ridiculous burgers saved my life.
The New York burger joint that's been flooding my Instagram feed with those insane milkshakes is finally opening in Soho on April 17th. And listen - they're calling it their "biggest, most ambitious location yet." Which is saying something since these guys already have 23 spots around the world.
Free Burgers? I'm Already Planning My Sick Day
Here's the part where you might want to "suddenly" develop a mysterious illness on the 17th... They're giving away 100 FREE BURGERS when they open at 11am. First come, first served. My editor bet me £50 I wouldn't queue up at 8am to get one. Challenge accepted, mate.
You'll get their All American Burger with that thick beef patty, cheese and their special sauce that I'm pretty sure contains some kind of addictive substance (kidding, FDA people, don't come for me).
Veggie friends aren't left out either - there's a Falafel Burger option with vegan feta, pickled onions, and all that Mediterranean goodness on a whole wheat bun.
What's With All These Americans Coming Over Here?
Black Tap is just the latest in this weird American fast food invasion we're experiencing. Popeyes landed in 2021 and already has 50 stores. Church's Texas Chicken (which honestly IS better than KFC, sorry Colonel) has plans for - wait for it - NINE HUNDRED branches. That's not a typo. 900 bloody branches!
Wendy's and their weirdly square burgers are aiming for 150 locations by 2028. Which Wich is creeping in with their second UK store opening in June. And Wingstop already has 57 places where you can destroy your white t-shirts with orange buffalo sauce.
Back in 2018 when the first of these chains started appearing, I remember thinking it was just a novelty. Now it feels like teh entire UK high street is turning into a mini-America.
Those Milkshakes Tho...
I feel stupid now admitting this, but I once spent £4K on a weekend trip to NYC and one of the highlights was getting a Black Tap CrazyShake. It was like drinking a carnival.
The Soho location is getting an exclusive "Big Apple Shake" with cream cheese frosting on the rim, cheesecake, and an entire toffee apple on top. It's basically dessert cosplaying as a drink.
My nutritionist would murder me in cold blood if she knew I was even writing about this.
Is It Actually Any Good?
According to people who've been to the Westfield location, the "burgers are to die for" and the food is "outstanding." One person wrote a review that was basically just keyboard smashing excitement: "YOU HAVE TO GO HERE!!... A slice of authentic America that cannot be missed."
There's also a London-exclusive burger called "The Londoner" with stinking bishop cheese (amazing cheese name, by the way) and Sammy Smith's apple cider jam.
The new spot will be massive - 5,000 square feet across two floors with a ground floor bar for cocktails. I'm already planning my recovery strategy for the inevitable food coma.
Fancy Burger Joints: The New Normal?
Remember when burgers were just... burgers? Now they're "craft" and "artisanal" and come with cheese I can't pronounce.
Chris Barish, the chairman of Black Tap, gave that classic corporate line about how "Opening in London's Soho feels like coming full circle for us." Apparently they started as a tiny 15-seat restaurant in New York's Soho a decade ago.
His response when I asked if they'd consider more reasonable milkshake sizes: "That's like asking Picasso to use less paint." (Okay, he didn't actually say that to me, but I imagine that would be the answer.)
I'll be there on opening day. Probably in that embarrassingly long queue. Just look for the person who hasn't had coffee yet and is questioning all their life choices.
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Statistics
- Research by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that individuals who receive financial education are 25% more likely to save than those who do not.
- According to a survey by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), about 66% of Americans could not correctly answer four basic financial literacy questions.
- According to a Gallup poll, 56% of Americans report that their financial situation is better than it was a year ago.
- As of 2021, the average student loan debt for recent graduates was approximately $30,000, according to the Federal Reserve.
- A survey by the American Psychological Association found that 72% of Americans reported feeling stressed about money at some point in the past month.
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- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American spends about $1,500 per year on coffee.
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How To
How To Start Investing for Beginners
Starting to invest can be daunting, but it is a crucial step towards building wealth. Begin by setting clear financial goals, such as saving for retirement or a major purchase. Educate yourself on different investment options, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs. Consider starting with a brokerage account that offers user-friendly platforms and educational resources. Diversify your investments to reduce risk, and consider low-cost index funds or robo-advisors if you prefer a hands-off approach. Make regular contributions, and resist the temptation to react to market fluctuations. Over time, compound interest will help your investments grow significantly.
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https://hellofaread.com/money/easter-madness-at-aldi-dodge-the-crowds-or-face-the-consequences
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