Ever done a double take at the sight of a super-slim person wolfing down a burger the size of a chihuahua? Chances are they’re a cyclist. Bikes run on calories, after all, which means it’s important to refuel, and the best way to get the job done is with one of these appetite-slaying monsters.
There were hour-long queues when this purveyor of quirky desserts opened earlier in the year, with hundreds of hungry Londoners eager to get their hands on its Hong-Kong-style waffles stuffed with all manner of sickly treats. This combo of chocolate biscuits, strawberry cheesecake, and salted caramel will put the energy back in your legs – and then some.
Nearest Santander Cycles docking station: Wardour Street, near Old Compton Street
This American-style diner has carved a bit of a niche in outrageous dishes – it also does a burger with donuts for buns and something called the ‘cheesebomb’. It was also one of the first places in town to do freakshakes – thick ice-cream milkshakes topped with utterly outrageous toppings, half of which are destined to end up in your lap. Just go with it.
Nearest Santander Cycles docking station: Tavistock Street
Homeslice’s 20-inch, American-style pizzas are technically designed to be shared, but we won’t tell if you don’t. There are more adventurous toppings on offer (pig’s cheek with collard greens and crackling is another winner) but this simple combo of cheese, meat and leaves is a bit of a classic, and that crispy base is full of pedal-pushing carbs.
Nearest Santander Cycles docking station: Wells Street
Forget Justin Bieber – poutine is by far the best thing to have ever come out of Canada. Essentially, it’s cheesy chips with a drizzle of gravy, pimped up at this Camden newbie with beef short rib and bacon. Fanatical about fromage? Pair it with some fried mozzarella sticks and follow with blue cheese ice-cream. Then prepare for some seriously freaky dreams.
Nearest Santander Cycles docking station: Castlehaven Road
Red Dog is a barbecue restaurant featuring pulled pork, brisket and ribs. There are also sandwiches and a large selection of burgers, and a few 'whole joints' for sharing by groups of 6-9. a
Okay, you’ll probably need more than a gentle bike ride through town to work this one off. This beastly burger packs in three massive beef patties, a mound of pulled pork, six – count ‘em, six – rashers of bacon and comes with a big old bowl of fries. It’s so colossal, in fact, that if you polish it off in less than 10 minutes, they’ll give it to you for free. You’ll need to bring your own Rennies, though.
Nearest Santander Cycles docking station: Hoxton Street
