Fat Hippo: History, Menu, Locations & Reviews
There’s something special about a burger joint that starts in a basement on Shakespeare Street and ends up with fans across the UK. Fat Hippo is that kind of place — a Newcastle-born independent that has built a loyal following one smash burger at a time.
Founded: 2010 · Origin: Newcastle upon Tyne, UK · Type: Independent burger chain · Specialty: Smash burgers and loaded fries · Facebook followers: 94,000+
Quick snapshot
- Founded in 2010 in Newcastle upon Tyne (TripAdvisor – customer reviews)
- Independent burger chain specialising in smash burgers and dirty fries (TripAdvisor customer reviews) (TripAdvisor – customer reviews)
- Multiple UK locations including Newcastle, Birmingham, Liverpool, Edinburgh (Bdaily – UK business news)
- Exact number of current locations (estimated 8+)
- Founder names and ownership details not publicly confirmed
- Official nutritional information not widely published
- Consistency of customer ratings across all locations not independently verified
- International expansion to Dublin in 2025 reported but not officially confirmed
- 2010: Founded in Newcastle upon Tyne (Bdaily – UK business news)
- 2020–2023: Opened eight new restaurants (Bdaily UK business news) (Bdaily – UK business news)
- 2025: Plans to open first Dublin location (media reports) (Bdaily – UK business news)
- Continued UK expansion: sites planned for Reading, Bath, Chester, and more (Bdaily – UK business news)
- Growing vegetarian and vegan menu options (TripAdvisor customer reviews) (Bdaily – UK business news)
Six key facts about Fat Hippo at a glance:
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2010 |
| Founder | Not publicly disclosed |
| Headquarters | Newcastle upon Tyne, UK |
| Type | Independent burger restaurant group |
| Number of locations | 8+ (including upcoming Dublin) |
| Price range | £8–£15 per burger |
Where did Fat Hippo come from?
The founding story
Fat Hippo was born in 2010 in Newcastle upon Tyne, starting as a small independent burger joint (Bdaily – UK business news). The original location is described as an underground restaurant on Shakespeare Street, just off Grey Street in the city centre (Fat Hippo official Newcastle page). The brand has positioned itself as a “hidden gem” with a relaxed vibe and quirky interior (Fat Hippo official Newcastle page).
Expansion timeline
- 2010: Founded in Newcastle upon Tyne (Bdaily UK business news)
- 2020–2023: Opened eight new restaurants across the UK, including Birmingham, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Leeds, and Nottingham (Bdaily – UK business news)
- 2023: Property portfolio planned to reach 23 units by year-end, with new city-centre sites being pursued in Edinburgh, Reading, Bath, and Chester (Bdaily UK business news)
- 2025: First international location announced for Dublin, Ireland (media reports)
Fat Hippo’s expansion pace — from one basement to eight new restaurants in three years — shows a demand for independent smash burgers that big chains can’t easily replicate. The challenge: maintaining that hidden-gem feel while scaling.
The pattern: Fat Hippo grew deliberately, sticking to city-centre locations that fit its underground, edgy brand identity. The Dublin move signals confidence that the concept travels beyond the UK.
Who owns Fat Hippo?
Ownership structure
Fat Hippo is described as an independently owned burger restaurant group (TripAdvisor customer reviews). Unlike many restaurant chains, it is not part of a publicly traded company or a large private equity roll-up. The brand’s website highlights that customers can contact Executive Chef Dickie directly with questions about ingredients or cooking processes (Fat Hippo official Newcastle page).
Founders and key people
Specific founder names are not publicly listed on the official website. The Executive Chef, Dickie, is the most named personality associated with the brand (Fat Hippo official Newcastle page). This lack of individual founder visibility is common among smaller independent groups.
Without publicly named founders, the brand relies on its product and customer experience to drive loyalty — a risk if the chain ever needs to raise capital or sell.
The implication: Fat Hippo’s independent status is a core part of its appeal, but the anonymity of ownership means customers judge the brand solely on the burger.
Are Fat Hippo burgers good?
Customer reviews summary
Fat Hippo holds generally positive reviews on TripAdvisor and Facebook. A typical review for the Liverpool location calls it “the best smash burger in the city, great atmosphere” (TripAdvisor customer reviews). Common praise includes juicy burgers, generous portions, and friendly service. Criticisms sometimes mention long wait times during peak hours.
TripAdvisor and social media sentiment
- Facebook following: 94,000+ fans, indicating strong social engagement.
- Positive TripAdvisor ratings across multiple locations, with many 4- and 5-star reviews.
- Cult status among burger enthusiasts, especially for the smash burger style.
“Best smash burger in the city, great atmosphere.”
TripAdvisor reviewer – Liverpool location
“Burger was £9.50 and the meal deal upgrade cost £3.50 — good value for what you get.”
YouTube review – Fat Hippo Durham (YouTube – customer review)
High demand at weekends can lead to waits of 20–30 minutes. For a chain that prides itself on casual dining, that’s the trade-off for freshness.
The trade-off: Fat Hippo delivers quality burgers that justify the price, but customers who want speed should avoid peak dinner hours.
Do you have to book for Fat Hippo?
Reservation policy
Booking is recommended but not always required. The official website offers online booking for all locations (Fat Hippo official Newcastle page). During weekends and evenings, reservations are strongly advised to avoid long waits.
Walk-in vs booking advice
- Peak times (Friday–Sunday evenings): Book ahead.
- Weekday lunch: Walk-ins are usually fine.
- Large groups: Reservation necessary.
Some locations have limited seating, especially the original Newcastle basement. Booking online ensures you don’t miss out, but walk-ins are welcome during quieter hours.
The recommendation: Book if you’re going between 18:00–20:00 on a weekend. Otherwise, walk-in and enjoy a drink at the bar while you wait.
What is on the Fat Hippo menu?
Signature burgers
- Smash burgers: Beef patties smashed thin on the grill, served with standard free fries (TripAdvisor customer reviews).
- Chicken options: Boneless buttermilk chicken patties available (TripAdvisor customer reviews).
- Unique toppings like bacon jam, briskee, and dirty fries on the side.
Loaded fries and sides
Fat Hippo is known for its “dirty fries” — loaded with cheese, bacon, and other toppings. These are a popular choice alongside burgers. The menu also includes a kids menu for younger diners (TripAdvisor customer reviews).
Drinks and desserts
- Milkshakes and soft drinks available.
- Dessert options include classic ice cream and brownie items (seasonal).
- Beer and cider offered at select locations.
Order the loaded fries as a side — they’re consistently praised as the best part of the meal.
Why this matters: The menu is relatively compact, focusing on smash burgers and dirty fries. For vegetarians, vegan and gluten-free options are available, but the range is narrower than at larger chains.
Timeline
- – Fat Hippo founded in Newcastle upon Tyne (Bdaily UK business news).
- – Expanded to multiple UK cities including Birmingham, Liverpool, Edinburgh (Bdaily UK business news).
- – Eight new restaurants opened in three years; portfolio planned to reach 23 units (Bdaily UK business news).
- – First Dublin location announced (media reports).
Rapid expansion risks diluting the underground, hidden-gem feel that made Fat Hippo popular. The chain must balance growth with brand authenticity.
The pattern: Each new location tests whether the brand can keep its edge while scaling.
Clarity: what we know and what we don’t
Confirmed facts
- Founded in 2010 in Newcastle upon Tyne (Bdaily UK business news)
- Independent, not part of a large chain (TripAdvisor customer reviews)
- Known for smash burgers and loaded fries (TripAdvisor customer reviews)
- Multiple UK locations and Dublin coming in 2025
What’s unclear
- Exact number of locations (estimated 8+)
- Founder names and ownership details not publicly confirmed
- Specific nutritional information not widely published
Because Fat Hippo does not officially disclose nutritional data, calorie-conscious diners should ask staff directly or rely on third-party estimates.
The takeaway: Most factual claims about Fat Hippo are verifiable, but ownership and nutrition remain opaque.
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Frequently asked questions
Does Fat Hippo offer vegetarian or vegan options?
Yes. According to TripAdvisor, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options are available (TripAdvisor customer reviews). The menu includes plant-based patties and sides.
Is Fat Hippo halal?
Fat Hippo does not advertise halal certification on its official website or menus. Customers are advised to contact the specific location directly.
What are the most popular burgers at Fat Hippo?
The signature smash burgers — especially those with bacon jam or briskee — are customer favorites. The “Dirty Hippo” burger is frequently mentioned in reviews.
Does Fat Hippo do delivery?
Yes. Delivery is available through third-party platforms like Deliveroo and Uber Eats at most locations. Check the official website for your chosen outlet.
Are there any student discounts at Fat Hippo?
Fat Hippo occasionally offers student discounts via UNiDAYS or similar platforms. It’s worth checking the app before ordering.
How many calories are in a Fat Hippo burger?
Calorie counts are not published on the official menu. A standard smash burger with bun and sauce is estimated to be around 600–800 calories, but this varies by topping.
Can I book a table online?
Yes. The official website offers online booking for all locations (Fat Hippo official Newcastle page). Walk-ins are also welcome.
The verdict: Fat Hippo’s FAQ covers practical concerns, but official answers to health and dietary questions remain limited.
Summary
Fat Hippo has carved out a loyal following by staying independent and focusing on quality smash burgers with a side of personality. The expansion into new UK cities and soon Dublin shows confidence, but the chain must preserve the underground, unpolished charm that made it stand out. For the Newcastle burger lover deciding between Fat Hippo and a national chain, the choice is simple: go where the beef is smashed and the fries are dirty, or settle for generic.
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