Hard Rock
Considering it opened in 1971 and is thus a senior citizen of the burger world, the Hard Rock does a pretty good job of  appealing to each new generation. The burgers have always been good. Try the patriot's favourite — the “Red, White & Blue burger, laced and grilled with our spicy buffalo sauce and cajun seasoning then topped with crumbled blue cheese and a crisp fried onion ring”.
150 Old Park Lane, W1 (020 7514 1700, www.hardrock.com)

The Diner
This is a mini chain that started in Shoreditch. The Ganton Street branch is busy and buzzy. The burgers are very sound, ranging from a bacon double-cheeseburger to the rather more obscure fish burger made with smoked haddock.
16-18 Ganton Street, W1 (020 7287 8962, www.thedinersoho.com)

Automat
This place is a good deal plusher than its name implies. I t describes itself (and largely succeeds) as a “New York-style eatery”. The 10oz burger is made “using only USDA premium non-hormone-treated Nebraskan corn-fed beef”. Chicken burgers and veggie burgers are also on offer.
33 Dover Street, W1 (020 7499 3033, www.automat-london.com)

GBK
Gourmet Burger Kitchen was started by a trio of New Zealanders irritated by the generally shoddy quality of high-street burger joints. GBK is now a fully fledged chain but still offers a better than average burger at a better than average price. Try the “Buffalo burger” made with meat from Jody Scheckter's Laverstoke Park herd.
15 Frith Street, Soho, W1 (020 7494 9533 www.gbkinfo.com) 

The Parlour at Sketch
Fans of the very grown-up burger at Sketch (a splendid creation made with Simmental beef minced steak, roasted foie gras, “Sketchup” sauce,  béarnaise sauce and served with Pont-Neuf potatoes) will be pleased to hear that it is due
to make a comeback on the Parlour menu at the end of the month.
9 Conduit Street, W1 (020 7659 4500, www.sketch.uk.com).