Pity the humble hot dog if you will, an American export that ranks at the bottom of the belly-stuffing, chin-dribbling, cheese-coated foods that have seduced our British shores. Competing with bigger-than-bricks burgers and sugar-drenched freakshakes, the hot dog never really stood a chance. But one day is bravely pioneering to put the meaty snack into the annals of history and firmly on our dinner plates. World Hot Dog Day takes place on 19th July and as well as the planned national holiday (we wish), restaurants around London will be showcasing just how great a sausage and bap really can be. We’ve tried the best and the wurst (so, so sorry), and brought you five of our favourite hot dogs in London.
Diner Dog at The Diner
Another spot finally giving the hot dog its day in the sun is The Diner, an American-style restaurant and bar that has outlets across London, including in Soho, The Strand and Covent Garden. Shut your eyes and chow down on a classic mix of ketchup and mustard to experience a mouthful of American patriotism with the Corn Dog (£4.95), or, if you’re feeling truly dedicated, try The Diner’s namesake. With bacon, swiss cheese, sour cream and pickles, Diner Dog (£7.50) may not be a groundbreaking mix, but why mess with the best?
The Diner brings 1950s diner-style to various locations throughout London.
Dirty Dog at Meat and Shake
An insult usually reserved for handsy Uncle Brian after his fourth Christmas sherry, Dirty Dog (£8.90) is Meat and Shake’s crowning sausage glory. Located in Tooting and Ealing, the restaurant is a rootin tootin American BBQ spot whose hot dog recipe has been 'handed down generations'. And those pilgrims sure knew what they were doing when it came to the mighty hot dog, Dirty Dog is a smoked beef frankfurter sandwiched between a soft brioche and topped with beef chilli con carne, cheese, jalapenos and sour cream.
Meat and Shake is all about BBQ cooked meats and old family recipes for a taste of the Deep South.
Naughty Miss Piggy at Roadhouse
Found in the land of jugglers, uni-cyclists and exchange students, Roadhouse is about as subtle as Donald Trump’s perma-tan, but boy, is it a lot of fun. The rock ‘n’ roll bar puts on nightly rockaoke with a full live band and chance to win a £100 bar tab. When you’re not singing your heart out, attempt their eye-wateringly large 9 inch weiner more fondly known as Naughty Miss Piggy (£11) which is made all the more meaty with pulled pork and crispy bacon.
Open wide at Roadhouse for their nightly rockaoke and nine inch hot dogs.
Sad No Ham Hussein at Four Quarters
With a name that would certainly result in a dragging exit from American Airlines, Sad No Ham Hussein (£4.95 - £6.95) is Four Quarters’ veggie hot dog. The Peckham pub keeps things simple when it comes to meat-free, with a veggie sausage, onions, ketchup and mayo. When you’re done eating, the pub has a huge range of arcade games to battle it out on, from Pacman through to shooting baddies.
As well as London's best hot dog names, The Four Quarters is also a brilliant games pub.
Dog Deluxe at Galvin HOP
The Galvin brothers might be better known for super fancy pants French dining and Fred from first dates, but their pub, Galvin HOP, is a much more casual affair. Part of Spitalfields, the glass-fronted, Czech style spot serves frothy pints of Pilsner Urquell alongside their Dog Deluxe (£12.50), a meaty mix of choucroute (the Alsatian version of sauerkraut), sausage, bacon trim, sliced carrots and onion.
Galvin HOP are keeping their fancy credentials when it comes to their hotdog with a french twist.
