We Brits love our fast food, but some offerings come with jaw-dropping price tags. From gold-dusted burgers to champagne-infused milkshakes, these pricey treats push the boundaries of what we'd typically call 'fast food.'
Let's explore the UK's most expensive quick bites and decide if they're worth emptying your wallet for.
1. Otto's Bespoke De Luxe Burger - £300
Imagine biting into a burger that costs more than your monthly phone bill! This lavish creation features a triple-threat patty of fillet, sirloin, and ribeye, crowned with foie gras and Oscietra caviar.
The lobster claw adds maritime luxury to this carnivorous indulgence. While certainly memorable, you'll need deep pockets and an appreciation for extravagance to justify this splurge.
2. Claridge's Burger - £46
Nestled in Mayfair's lap of luxury, Claridge's burger isn't just food - it's a statement. The patty blends ethically sourced chuck, brisket and beef fat, creating a mouthwatering symphony of flavours.
Topped with nutty Comté cheese and sweet caramelised onions, it's served in one of London's poshest hotels. Is it worth nearly fifty quid? Perhaps for the bragging rights alone.
3. Five Guys Cheeseburger - £10–£15
The American invasion continues with Five Guys and their cult-like following. Their cheeseburger comes wrapped in foil, dripping with melted cheese and grease - in the best possible way.
What you're paying for isn't fancy plating but unlimited toppings. Fifteen customisation options mean no two burgers are identical. For some, this personalisation justifies the steep price; others call it daylight robbery.
4. Shake Shack Signature Burger - £8–£12
The Covent Garden flagship brought this New York sensation to British shores. Their signature ShackBurger combines 100% Aberdeen Angus beef with a secret tangy sauce that keeps queues forming daily.
The pillowy potato bun soaks up juices without disintegrating - a technical achievement in burger engineering! While not the priciest on our list, it represents the upper tier of mainstream fast food prices.
5. Wendy's Pretzel Bacon Club Triple Burger - £7–£10
Wendy's triumphant return to British soil brought this beast with it. Three square patties - yes, square! - stacked between a distinctively different pretzel bun create an architectural marvel requiring jaw gymnastics to consume.
Smoky bacon and honey mustard provide contrasting flavours that actually work brilliantly together. The price might make your wallet wince, but the sheer volume of meat makes this somewhat justifiable.
6. Carl's Jr. Single Big Carl - £6–£9
A relative newcomer to British high streets, Carl's Jr. brings Californian swagger with their flame-grilled patties. The Big Carl boasts a distinctive charred flavour you simply can't microwave into existence. Their special sauce has a cult following stateside.
While the price might seem steep compared to McDonalds, the quality difference is immediately apparent. The generous portion size means you won't leave hungry.
7. McDonald's Angus Bacon & Cheese Burger - £5–£7
Maccy D's posh cousin arrives in the form of their Angus offering. The chain's attempt to enter gourmet territory features British-sourced beef that's noticeably thicker than their standard patties.
Served on an artisanal-style bun with actual leaf lettuce (not shredded!), it's worlds apart from a 99p cheeseburger. The price reflects this upgrade, though purists argue it loses the comforting mediocrity that makes McDonald's so beloved.
8. Baby Body Burger - £15–£20
Don't let the cute name fool you - there's nothing infantile about this heavyweight contender. Found at select gourmet burger joints across London, this monster features premium Aberdeen Angus beef that's aged for enhanced flavour.
The crowning glory is a generous slab of melted Stilton cheese, adding a distinctive tangy punch. Paired with truffle mayo, it's a decadent experience that food influencers queue up to photograph.
9. The Beast - £11.99
KFC threw down the gauntlet with this aptly named sandwich. Breaking from their chicken-only tradition, The Beast combines a fried chicken fillet with a beef burger patty, the fast food equivalent of surf and turf!
Topped with four rashers of bacon, cheese, and BBQ sauce, it's a carnivore's fantasy. Nutritionists may faint at the calorie count, but for sheer indulgence, it delivers bang for your considerable buck.
10. Millionaire's Milkshake - £50
This liquid dessert from London's Selfridges department store deserves mention. Each glass contains actual Dom Pérignon champagne blended with Tahitian vanilla ice cream - proper posh!
Edible 24-karat gold flakes float on top like metallic confetti. It's served with a chocolate-dipped strawberry and comes in a take-home glass. Pure Instagram bait, but the taste? Divine, if utterly unnecessary.
