Burger Shack - Charing Cross

Smollensky's, the chain of lively grill restaurants and bars, offers diners a chance to enjoy modern American cuisine with world influences. The restaurants are known for their friendly staff and good value.

The group was established in 1986 and functioned for ten years as a bar and grill, before evolving and offering sleeker and more stylish dining. Their Strand outlet offers relaxed dining with soft lighting and leather seating. The visually appealing Canary Wharf outlet is one of the most impressive of their restaurants, set within a really light and airy space and flaunting a highly contemporary look. This plan of change also included expanding into newer areas under the names of Smollensky's Metro Bar and Grill and Burger Shack.

Reasons to visit their restaurants include a lively bar atmosphere, regular jazz sessions and children's entertainment. The ambience is modern and tasteful and offers diners a good opportunity to relax over tasty food and music. The menu is influenced by traditional western preparations, with Mediterranean and oriental flavours.

The modern American menu has long-time favourites like spicy BBQ spare ribs for starters and mains that include burgers, cajun jambalaya, Boston fishcakes or an array of steaks prepared in-house from fresh, prime beef, sourced from welfare assured producers. Families can enjoy the hugely popular "Family Affair" weekend lunches. There is live music played every night, with DJ's and dancing during weekends. Sunday evenings welcome jazz, soul and Latin bands with guest appearances in conjunction with Jazz FM every week.

The wine list recommends fruity wines to go with fish or chicken, white wine with lighter dishes and big spicy reds for chargrilled steak. The menu also offers champagne, liqueurs and a host of cocktails for every mood.

The Metro Bar and Grill as well as Burger Shack specialise in the ever-popular burgers, complemented with cocktails and beer. Decadent desserts like irresistible chocolate mud pies and grandma Smollensky's peanut butter cheesecake complete the appeal.