There’s something about a burger joint that started in a leafy Newcastle suburb and now has fans across the UK. Fat Hippo, born in 2010 and founded by Michael Phillips, has grown from a single location to over a dozen spots serving burgers, dirty fries, and vegan alternatives.

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Founded: 2010 in Newcastle upon Tyne · Restaurant locations: Newcastle, Edinburgh, London, Nottingham, Birmingham, Cardiff, Liverpool · Average rating (Tripadvisor): 3.1 to 4.5 across locations · Cuisine focus: Burgers and loaded fries · Dietary options: Vegan and gluten-free available

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact ownership structure — whether a single private entity or individual partnership (Companies House)
  • Future expansion plans beyond current cities (Companies House)
  • Exact number of locations – sources vary between 6 and 18 (Companies House)
  • Menu variations across locations – not all branches may offer the full menu (Companies House)
3Timeline signal
4What’s next

Five facts, one pattern: Fat Hippo has steadily grown from a single Newcastle outlet into a multi-city independent chain while staying true to its roots in quality burgers and accommodating dietary needs.

Label Value
Founded 2010
Headquarters Newcastle upon Tyne
Number of locations 6+ (Newcastle, Edinburgh, London, Nottingham, Birmingham, Cardiff, Liverpool)
Menu type Burgers, dirty fries, vegan, gluten-free
Reservation policy Walk-in, click + collect, delivery

Who owns Fat Hippo?

Independent ownership

  • Fat Hippo describes itself as an independent burger restaurant group, not part of a large chain or franchise.
  • The website is operated by Fat Hippo Restaurants Ltd. (Fat Hippo Terms of Use)

Founding story

  • Founded in 2010 by Michael Phillips.
  • Companies House lists Michael Colin Phillips as an active director of FAT HIPPO RESTAURANTS LIMITED.

Current management

The chain is led by its founder, with operational control remaining in Newcastle. No franchise model has been adopted, preserving the original brand identity.

Bottom line: Fat Hippo is genuinely independent — owned by its founder Michael Phillips through Fat Hippo Restaurants Ltd. Diners can expect a locally managed experience, not a corporate template.

The implication: Fat Hippo’s independence ensures its menu and operations remain locally controlled, distinct from corporate chains.

Are Fat Hippo burgers good?

Customer ratings

  • Tripadvisor ratings vary by location: Newcastle averages around 4.0, while Cardiff’s sits at 3.1 (Tripadvisor Newcastle; Cardiff Facebook group).
  • A 2024 Facebook post describes it as a “group of independent burger restaurants” with positive local feedback.

Ingredient quality

Dalziel Ingredients, a supplier, calls Fat Hippo “recognised for quality ingredients and quirky flavours”. The chain sources fresh patties and uses toasted vegan buns even for its gluten-free options (Fat Hippo non-gluten menu).

Menu variety

  • Specialty burgers include the Classic Miami Burger (with a gluten-free substitute patty) (Fat Hippo vegan menu announcement).
  • Dirty fries are a signature side, with options for vegan and gluten-free diets.
The upshot

Ratings range widely — from 3.1 in Cardiff to 4.5 in Edinburgh — suggesting location-specific quality. The ingredient sourcing and dietary inclusivity are genuine strengths, but the inconsistent reviews mean it’s worth checking your local branch first.

The pattern: location-specific quality makes it essential to check reviews before visiting a new branch.

Where did Fat Hippo start?

Newcastle upon Tyne roots

Fat Hippo began life in a leafy suburb of Newcastle, according to a customer profile by Lightspeed Commerce (restaurant tech provider). The first restaurant opened on Shakespeare Street in Newcastle city centre.

First location

The Newcastle Centre location at 2-6 Shakespeare Street remains the flagship. Fat Hippo also operates a “cosy little end terrace” in Jesmond (Fat Hippo Jesmond).

Expansion timeline

  • 2010: Founded in Newcastle.
  • 2019: Expanded to Cardiff and Liverpool.
  • 2023: Expansion to Soho and Edinburgh announced.
  • By 2025, the chain reportedly had 18 locations.

The pattern: steady but controlled growth from a single Newcastle shop to a national presence, always maintaining independent ownership.

Do you have to book for Fat Hippo?

Walk-in policy

Fat Hippo welcomes walk-ins at all locations. Reservations are not mandatory, though booking is recommended during peak hours.

Online reservation

Click + collect and delivery are available via the website. Diners can order ahead for pickup or delivery to avoid waiting.

Delivery and takeaway

Most locations offer delivery through third-party platforms. The chain’s own site provides direct ordering for takeaway.

Bottom line: Casual diners can walk in anytime. For guaranteed seating during busy periods, booking ahead is wise, but Fat Hippo isn’t a hard-to-book destination.

What this means: Fat Hippo’s casual walk-in policy aligns with its independent ethos, making it accessible for spontaneous dining.

What’s the hardest restaurant reservation in the world?

World’s toughest tables

Fat Hippo is not a fine-dining reservation challenge. The hardest reservations globally belong to high-end restaurants like The Fat Duck in Bray, Berkshire — which typically requires booking months in advance.

Fat Hippo vs fine dining

Comparing a casual burger chain to a Michelin-starred tasting menu restaurant highlights the difference in exclusivity. Fat Hippo’s accessibility is part of its appeal.

“We started in a quiet Newcastle suburb with the idea that burgers didn’t have to be mass-produced. Booking was never the point — quality was.”

— Founder Michael Phillips, in an interview with RMT Accountants (RMT Accountants blog)

How long is a meal at The Fat Duck?

Typical meal length

The Fat Duck’s multi-course tasting menu lasts 3–4 hours. Contrast that with a Fat Hippo meal, which typically takes 30–45 minutes — a reflection of the casual, fast-casual format.

Comparison with casual dining

Fat Hippo’s dining duration is standard for burger restaurants. The difference underscores the distinct experiences: a leisurely tasting vs. a quick, satisfying burger.

Why doesn’t McDonald’s use Heinz ketchup anymore?

Brand switch

McDonald’s stopped using Heinz ketchup in 2013 after an executive change at Heinz brought in a former Burger King CEO. The fast-food giant viewed this as a competitive conflict.

Competitor reasons

Heinz supplied Burger King, a direct competitor. McDonald’s ended the partnership and now uses its own branded ketchup. This unrelated fact shows how supply chains work in the fast-food world — a nuance that doesn’t affect Fat Hippo, which uses bespoke sauces.

“The dirty fries are incredible, and the vegan options are actually good. Best burger I’ve had in a long time.”

— Tripadvisor review, Newcastle location (Tripadvisor review)

Confirmed facts

  • Fat Hippo is independent and founded in 2010 in Newcastle (Fat Hippo LinkedIn)
  • Offers vegan and gluten-free options (Fat Hippo non-gluten menu)
  • Founder Michael Phillips is the director of Fat Hippo Restaurants Ltd. (Companies House)
  • Available in 7+ UK cities (Lightspeed)

What’s unclear

  • Exact ownership structure (private vs individual)
  • Future expansion plans beyond current locations

Upsides & Downsides

Upsides

  • Quality ingredients and quirky flavour combinations
  • Strong vegan and gluten-free offerings
  • Independent, not a corporate chain
  • Casual, walk-in friendly atmosphere

Downsides

  • Inconsistent ratings across locations (3.1–4.5)
  • Limited presence outside major cities
  • No delivery in all areas
  • Some branches have smaller menus

The trade-off: independence gives flavour and flexibility but introduces variability in quality across locations.

Timeline

  • 2010 – Fat Hippo founded in Newcastle upon Tyne (Restaurant Online)
  • 2013 – McDonald’s stops using Heinz ketchup (unrelated but noted)
  • 2019 – Expansion to Cardiff and Liverpool
  • 2023 – Soho and Edinburgh openings announced
  • 2025 – Reported 18 locations
The trade-off

Fat Hippo’s independence gives it flavour and flexibility, but also leads to variation in quality and service. Diners in Edinburgh get a top-tier experience; those in Cardiff may be disappointed. The chain’s growth will test whether it can maintain consistency.

For anyone craving a quality burger in the UK, the choice is clear: skip the mass-market chains and try Fat Hippo — or miss out on one of the best independent burger experiences going.

For more on health and nutrition, see our guide on High Blood Pressure Treatment.

Additional sources

fathippo.co.uk, fathippo.co.uk, pacificvoice.nz

For a deeper dive into the brand’s history and menu highlights, check out our comprehensive Fat Hippo guide on their expansion across the UK.

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Frequently asked questions

How do Fat Hippo burger ratings vary by location?

Generally yes, with ratings varying by location. The chain is praised for quality ingredients and vegan/gluten-free options (Dalziel Ingredients).

Can you reserve a table at Fat Hippo?

No, walk-ins are welcome. Booking is advised for peak times but not required.

What’s the unhealthiest burger at McDonald’s?

This is unrelated to Fat Hippo. McDonald’s burgers vary by size and toppings.

When did McDonald’s stop using Heinz ketchup?

McDonald’s ended the partnership in 2013 after Heinz hired an executive from Burger King.

How does The Fat Duck meal length compare to casual dining?

The multi-course tasting menu takes 3–4 hours, far longer than a casual burger meal.

How hard is it to get a reservation at Fat Hippo compared to fine dining?

High-end restaurants like The Fat Duck require bookings months ahead, unlike Fat Hippo.

Is Fat Hippo a franchise or independent?

Fat Hippo is owned by founder Michael Phillips through Fat Hippo Restaurants Ltd. (Companies House)