Spotlight: Fat Hippo Jesmond
Newcastle's original independent burger restaurant, where it all started in 2010 — 100% Northumbria beef patties, creative toppings, and a 4.9 customer rating.
Before burger restaurants became ubiquitous across the UK, there was a small venue on St George's Terrace in Jesmond doing something different. Fat Hippo Jesmond opened in 2010 and kicked off what has since become a multi-site empire — but the original remains the spiritual home.
The burgers
Every patty is made fresh daily using 100% Northumbria beef, served in a crispy brioche bun with an ever-changing roster of creative toppings. The menu ranges from the straightforward American burger to more adventurous combinations that change seasonally. Vegan options, including the Five Lies burger, are genuinely good rather than an afterthought.
Family and dog friendly
Fat Hippo Jesmond is properly child-friendly, with a varied kids' menu for under-12s that includes vegan options. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor dining area and at selected indoor tables — a practical touch for Jesmond's considerable dog-walking population.
The experience
The atmosphere is relaxed and fun, with free WiFi and a customer rating of 4.9 that reflects consistent quality over more than a decade. The restaurant is just a four-minute walk from West Jesmond Metro, with on-street parking available on St George's Terrace until 5pm.
Why it matters
Fat Hippo proved that an independent burger restaurant could thrive in the North East. Fifteen years later, the Jesmond original still sets the standard.