You might have heard of In-N-Out, the cult American burger joint, but what about In-N-Oot Burger? Eilidh Tuckett writes.
Probably not, because it’s a brand-new pop-up from Auld Hag, North London’s much-loved Scottish café.
This April, they’re bringing a tongue-in-cheek alternative to their Shoap in honour of James McAvoy’s directorial debut, California Schemin.’
The film tells the true story of Silibil N’ Brains, two aspiring rappers from Dundee who famously duped the music industry by posing as a Californian hip-hop duo.
As a nod to their wideness – as the Scots would say – Auld Hag is bringing some West-Coast (of Scotland) flair to Islington, moonlighting as a burger joint for two consecutive weekends.
Expect doubler burgers stacked with glistening Angus beef patties, dripping in Scottish gouda, topped with caramelised onions and smoked garlic pickles. Fries get the full LA treatment too, in reference to secret menu culture, though the pièce de résistance might just be the Irn-Bru Shakes.
Objectively, it’s a questionable creation, but being a Scot in England has a way of making you fiercely loyal to anything from the motherland.
This exact sentiment goes a long way in explaining Auld Hag’s roaring success since opening in 2024.
Yes, they sling a brilliant morning roll, but what they’re really offering is a taste of home. ‘Like many new business ventures, it all started in lockdown’, says Gregg Boyd, owner and chief roll maker.
Unlike many, however, Auld Hag has gone from strength to strength, despite its humble origins.
‘It was 2020, I was cycling around the empty city, bringing haggis to people, and I thought I could probably do something more with it,’ Gregg said.
As a former economist, Gregg had always wanted to do something more creative.
Pedalling haggis suppers around the city proved there was an eager market for Scottish scran in the big smoke – and Gregg has never looked back.
What started as a homespun operation soon grew into a regular fixture at London markets, where his morning rolls and pies earned a loyal following.
Today, The Shoap provides a community hub for Scots in London and proudly spotlights Scottish produce.
Its deli counter champions everything from cheese to smoked salmon to whisky, and there’s more in the pipeline.
Yes, the In-N-Oot popup is a celebration of James McAvoy, but it also marks the debut of Auld Hag’s forthcoming evening menu. Morning rolls were just the beginning.
Read more Reviews here.
Subscribe to read the latest issue of Scottish Field.
TAGS