Black Bear Burger Wins National Burger of the Year 2025
We have always taken burgers pretty seriously.
Turns out the judges do too.
On 11 February 2025, Black Bear Burger’s Double Miso Bacon Burger won National Burger of the Year at the 11th National Burger Awards in London, beating 15 other finalists from across the UK.
Cooked by Black Bear owner and head chef Stewart Down, the winning burger brought together the things we care about most: great British beef, big flavour and no unnecessary fuss.
A very good day for burgers.
What Are the National Burger Awards?
The National Burger Awards have been celebrating the best burgers and burger chefs in the UK since 2015. Each year, finalists cook their burgers live for a panel of industry judges, with one taking home the National Burger of the Year title.
In 2025, 16 finalists made it to the live cook-off at Big Penny Social in London. Our Double Miso Bacon Burger came out on top.
You can see Black Bear Burger listed as the 2025 winner on the official National Burger Awards previous winners page.
What Is in the Double Miso Bacon Burger?
The National Burger of the Year is built around balance rather than trying to throw everything at the bun.
2 x 45-day aged British beef patties
Melted cheese
Smoked bacon
Miso butter mayo
Onion
A soft toasted sesame bun
The beef brings the richness. The bacon brings the smoke. The miso butter mayo adds a salty, savoury hit that ties everything together.
Simple ingredients. Plenty of flavour.
Why Did Black Bear Burger Win National Burger of the Year?
We have never wanted to make burgers complicated just for the sake of it. For us, it starts with the quality of the beef and then getting every other part of the burger to work with it.
That approach was recognised by the National Burger Awards judging panel, which chose the Double Miso Bacon Burger ahead of 15 other finalists in the 2025 competition.
It was not our first bit of National Burger Awards recognition either. Black Bear had already placed third in 2024, and later won the Bloggers’ Choice Award at the National Burger Awards Champion of Champions event in September 2024.
But National Burger of the Year was the one we really wanted.
Can You Still Try the National Burger of the Year?
Yes. The Double Miso Bacon Burger is not just a competition burger.
It is on the Black Bear Burger menu, so you can try the burger that won the 2025 National Burger Awards at our London locations. Restaurant and food-hall menus can vary, so it is always worth checking the menu for your chosen location before visiting.
See the current Black Bear Burger restaurant menu or food hall menu.
Where Can I Try Black Bear Burger in London?
Black Bear Burger has locations across London, including Brixton, Exmouth Market, Shoreditch, Canary Wharf, Victoria, Camden, Paddington, Oxford Street and Westfield London.
Use our restaurant finder to find the most convenient location, or book a table at participating restaurants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which burger won National Burger of the Year 2025?
Black Bear Burger’s Double Miso Bacon Burger won National Burger of the Year at the 2025 National Burger Awards.
When did Black Bear Burger win National Burger of the Year?
Black Bear Burger won the title at the National Burger Awards final on 11 February 2025 at Big Penny Social in London.
Who cooked the winning burger?
Black Bear Burger owner and head chef Stewart Down cooked the Miso Bacon Burger that won the 2025 title.
What is in the Double Miso Bacon Burger?
It combines two 45-day aged British beef patties, cheese, smoked bacon, miso butter mayo and onion in a sesame bun.
Where can I try the National Burger of the Year?
The Double Miso Bacon Burger is available on Black Bear Burger menus in London. Check the current menu and your nearest location before visiting.
Has Black Bear Burger won other burger awards?
Yes. Before winning National Burger of the Year in 2025, Black Bear placed third at the 2024 National Burger Awards and won the Bloggers’ Choice Award at the 2024 Champion of Champions event.
Fancy Trying the National Burger of the Year?
You could read about it all day.
But burgers are better eaten.
Find your nearest Black Bear Burger, order the Double Miso Bacon Burger and see why it took the top prize.
Find your nearest Black Bear Burger | View the menu
Come hungry.