An Honest Fat Hippo Leeds Review: Family Dining, Big Flavours & a Few Surprises
There’s a certain thrill to discovering a burger joint that’s not afraid to get messy, where bold flavours, stacked patties, and indulgent sides are part of the identity. So when we decided to check out Fat Hippo in Leeds, expectations were high. Known for its unapologetically loaded burgers and cult following across the North, Fat Hippo felt like a must-visit. But while the branding is strong and the menu reads like burger-lover poetry, the experience left us somewhere between full and flat.
First Impressions: Not Quite Family Friendly
Founded in 2010 and born in Newcastle upon Tyne, Fat Hippo has built a reputation for delivering “good old-fashioned, roll-up-your-sleeves-and-get-it-all-over-your-face” food. With dirty fries, bold burgers, and quirky flavour combos, it’s a place that celebrates indulgence. Their vegan, gluten-free, and kids’ menus show a real effort to cater to everyone, so we were hopeful for a great experience as a family.
The Leeds branch sits on Otley Road, a busy student stretch that doubles as the route for the infamous Otley Run pub crawl, known for its rowdy energy, fancy dress, and marathon pint stops. While this might be part of the appeal for some, it’s not the ideal setting for those with younger kids or looking for a more relaxed weekend meal. Parking is limited, and on Saturdays, the area can feel more like a rowdy pub garden than a place to enjoy a casual bite with the family.
The Food: A Case of Style Over Substance?
The menu is exciting, with creative burger names like “Born Slippy,” “Wild Bill,” and “Wild Tony” instantly grabbing your attention. Sides like loaded tater tots and dirty fries only add to the hype. But when the food arrived, things started to unravel.
The onion rings looked the part but fell flat on the first bite. The batter was too thick and hadn’t fully cooked through, leaving raw dough beneath the outer crunch. This was a classic side, let down by execution.
The fries and chips, too, were overly seasoned, particularly with pepper. A little heat can be a good thing, but here, it overwhelmed the dish. My daughter found them inedible, and my wife commented that the seasoning lingered on the palate so much that it dulled the flavour of her burger.
The burger had promise. The patty was well-cooked, and the bun was soft yet structured. However, again, it was the accompaniments that threw things off. Thickly sliced pickles and an overly sharp pickling liquor created a hit of acidity that overshadowed everything else.
Shake of the Day: A Silver Lining
That said, not everything missed the mark. One unexpected highlight? The Mars Attack shake.
Salted caramel, chocolate and vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and crushed Oreo made this shake unapologetically rich, smooth, and well-balanced. Every sip delivered the nostalgic, indulgent joy that the rest of the meal had promised but didn’t quite deliver. It’s a must-try if you go.
Credit Where It’s Due
While the meal didn’t hit the high notes we’d hoped for, I commend the Fat Hippo comms and PR team. After sending in some feedback and photos, they responded quickly, flagged the issues to their Executive Chef, and acknowledged that what we received wasn’t up to their usual standards. They even offered to arrange a complimentary return visit to show us the true Fat Hippo experience.
It was a professional and thoughtful response, the kind you don’t always get, and it made a big difference in how we viewed the brand.
Final Thoughts
Fat Hippo Leeds is part of a growing brand with ambition, energy, and a loyal following, and I can see why. The concept is fun, the branding is on point, and their efforts to cater for dietary needs and families are appreciated.
Unfortunately, our visit didn’t reflect the standards they’re known for. From the undercooked onion rings to the overpowering fries and acidic burger toppings, it was a meal that didn’t quite land. The Mars Attack shake was a standout, and the customer care we received afterwards was genuinely impressive.
While time (and diary space) means I won’t be heading back to the Leeds branch immediately, I’ll give Fat Hippo another try, perhaps at one of their London locations when I’m next in the capital. Any restaurant willing to take feedback on the chin and strive to improve deserves a second chance.
