The Vurger Co. opens in Brighton

Last week, I had the pleasure of visiting The Vurger Co., the latest addition to Brighton’s indie (and vegan) fast food scene, to preview* the menu ahead of its grand opening this weekend, Saturday 11th July.

The concept of The Vurger Co. came after years of co-founders Neil struggling with stomach issues and discovering the exciting possibilities around plant-based living during a trip to California. Beginning as a market stall in 2016 and running successful pop-up events and catering, by 2018 founders Rachel and Neil opened their first restaurant in London. The Brighton store is their third restaurant and first location outside of London.

First impressions

The burger joint itself is super bright, airy and glass fronted, which makes a lovely change to the usual dark hues and walnut interiors of other burger restaurants and feels more inviting for a daytime venture. Plus, the outside seating is a perfect little suntrap to watch passers by in surrounding Brighton Place and Market Street.

Food

I went for the Buffalo “chicken” Vurger, a buffalo hot sauce covered patty with vegan cheese, “bacon”naise, gherkins and crispy onions in a brioche-style bun.

The patty had a great crisp on the outside and definite “chickeny” texture, with a tasty, spicy hot sauce. The crispy onions and burst of freshness from the gherkins brought a welcome combination of taste and texture, although I have to say I didn’t really notice the baconnaise or cheese. I’d have loved a vegan equivalent of a blue cheese or ranch sauce in place of the baconnaise.

Tater tots are always a great side and remind me of fast food in NYC. These came with a delicious peri peri mayonnaise on the side.

Finally, the chocolate hazelnut shake – and I think the milkshake menu is a star in its own right. So good, made with soy and almond instead of dairy, with a very silky kind of cream topping. I can see myself stopping by just for another one of these – or to try the other flavours (pictured at the back of the photo below you can just about see a salted caramel popcorn one)!

Third place?

The Vurger Co. is a great addition to Brighton’s fast food offering for vegans, veggies, meat-eaters and gluten-free diners alike. All burgers can be made gluten-free by switching the buns and all sides are GF as standard – this will be welcome news for vegan and veggie GF diners, as so often seitan is used to replicate chicken and other meat textures.

The menu features lots of exciting options, changing specials and vegan spins on classic fast food choices. Everything is cooked fresh to order and I found afterwards that I didn’t have that sluggish feeling of having eaten something too meaty or greasy, as you might get with some burger joints (don’t get me wrong, there’s always a time and a place when that’s what you’re craving!).

Another big bonus is that The Vurger Co. is very dog friendly – I took Mr Biscuit along and the lovely team were very excited to see him, so this is always a big plus for dining out in Brighton.

After what I hear was a fantastic opening weekend, I’m looking forward to seeing more from The Vurger Co. and have no doubt it will be a successful addition to Brighton’s Lanes. I’ll absolutely be counting it as a good casual dining / doggo friendly option.

You can read more about The Vurger Co., see the menu and FAQs on the website. Let me know what you think if you visit!

*I was invited to preview The Vurger Co. for a press launch, so all food and drink was complimentary – but all photos, thoughts and the decision to provide a full review are my own 🍔