Reviews The Three Compasses, Dalston

What could be more appropriate than dragging the hip and trendy peskytarian Hedonist along to a seafood pop-up in East London. The Three Compasses is a rather happening pub specialising in London craft beers, with that kind of cosy, scruffy interior that you’d like in your own local.  It’s not the easiest place to reach if you are not already part of the Hoxton or Shoreditch tribe.  But, it’s got that ‘my favourite local’ feel about it – perfect for a cold winter’s evening.

Original Fry Up Material, OFM for short, are doing some seriously good things with burgers. Known for their mobile street food ambulance, and for serving some of the most banging breakfasts (not to mention sausage and egg muffins) London has to offer, they've been around since the end of 2012.

It's only natural, then, with breakfast success under their belts, that their attention would turn to burgers in the form of a residency in the 3 Compasses pub in Dalston...and that's where this burger story begins...

Price:

Cheesy Burger - £6.50 
Fries - £2.50

Presentation:

Simple. The burger comes plated, lid-on. It's neatly proportioned and smells fantastic.  

Toppings:

Very good. I'll work from the bottom up there's a ketchup and burger sauce that's so similar in style to that you find on a Big Mac, I doubt you'd recognise the difference - a mix of blended mayo, pickles, capers and ketchup - it's very, very good. Layered on top of the sauces is a bed of chopped lettuce and onion - ideal for spreading the juice evenly across the base of the burger. The patty is then topped with a nicely melted American cheese and another liberal dollop of the big mac sauce. A final magic ingredient is what OFM call their 'green sauce' which adds texture, flavour and umami (blitzed anchovy, capers, olive oil, garlic and parsley) 

Meat:

Meat Win. The ground beef in the OFM burger is a proprietary blend of grass-fed, aged chuck and short rib from rare breed cattle. They're sourced by the most excellent team at Flock and Herd in Peckham, and the quality shines through in the patties. There's a very decent caramelised crust around the outside, and the seasoning is perfectly balanced. Mine was cooked just beyond medium but for once I didn't mind - it's a phenomenally juicy and flavoursome burger patty. 

Bun:

The OFM burger bun is a semi-sweet soft white roll - a rarity in our brioche and semi-brioche dominated London burger scene - but it's a good one. It's unglazed and toasted, the base of mine was slightly over toasted, but that didn't affect the overall quality. It's a custom bun (source secret) built specially for this burger and it works really well, squashing down beautifully around the patty. 

Accessories:

Skin on fries are hand cut and sea salted, served in an enamel bowl. They're decent quality and great value for £2.50. 

Overall Rating: 9/10

I REALLY enjoyed this burger. There are a couple of niggles - the lack of pink in the patty, the over-toasted bottom bun - but I really didn't care because the burger tastes so frickin' good. It's the closest thing I've come to a burger replicating a Big Mac in London, aside from the Fred Smith 'Big Boy' one off special.This burger is a Good Thing. 

The Three Compasses pub, where they're based, also serves a decent range of beers, including 5 Points and London Fields, so once you've had your burger you can settle in for a couple of pints. And probably another burger.

Proper pub. Chilled vibe. Small outside area larger inside. Friendly bar staff. Delicious food. We had jerk fries and the chicken burger (not the hash brown one). It was pub quiz night and packed. Would definitely go back.

Real chill late night spot. Kitchen was closed when I went (after 11p.m.), but you could still get drinks and enjoy the punk-ish playlist. Menu looked very tempting, though, with some creative and vegan options. Would go back to eat and drink for sure.

The Three Compasses in Dalston is the epitome of a classic London pub. With a proper local old-man boozer feel, it manages to maintain an inviting and fun atmosphere on a Friday and Saturday night & a chilled out post-work pint feeling in the week. One of the bet things is the music. When I visited, they were playing some great bumpy UK Garage that had everyone going, and the DJs had a great selection of tunes throughout the night. The pub has a great vibe that makes you feel at home as soon as you walk through the door. The drinks have a variety of lager, pales, IPA cider & wine on offer, lovely Guinness too. The seating is plentiful, and you can easily find a spot to relax and enjoy your drink, even on a busy night.

Friendly service and delicious food! The miso aubergine burger was amazing, delicately spiced and had a slightly Thai taste to it! And halloumi popcorn was brilliant slightly smokey flavour! Good choice of lagers and craft ales!

Drooping bushels dress the sun trap frontage. Small picnic tables sit out side it’s pleasant wooden face. Inside are blood red walls, with a thick bar to the left. Games of backgammon, cheese and trivia pile in he corner. Stubby round tables crowd the central space, as 2 televisions are pitched directly the infront and too the right of the main entrance. Within a stones throw of dalston market it definitely worth dropping in for a tipple, meal or catching Spurs.