A burger restaurant has returned to a high street after a devastating fire – but it is not who you expect.

Drip’d Burgers is bringing a “taste of London” to Southampton and hopes to fill a gap in the market.

Opening at the former 7Bone site in Portswood, Drip’d is the brainchild of brothers Dr Naveed Ali and Omar Ali.

(Image: Newsquest)

The former restaurant was devastated by a fire in 2022, but the Ali brothers were keen to give the space a new lease of life.

Omar said: “It’s like a phoenix resurrected. This location already has the reputation of being a burger joint, and we thought it was meant to be when it became available.

“It has taken us 12 weeks to do all of this. As the building burnt down, we had to do everything from scratch.

“I have worked at other burger establishments in the city so I know all the local suppliers, while Naveed, though a doctor by trade, has a passion for food.”

But in a busy burger market, what makes Drip’d different from similar restaurants?

“We offer Wagyu smash burgers which are all made in house”, Omar said.

Tacos, beef brisket burgers and even an all-day breakfast are on the menu.

“We want to make sure we cater to a wide palette”, Naveed added.

(Image: Newsquest)

READ MORE: The head chef tantalising taste buds at the University of Southampton

Naveed attended the University of Southampton to study medicine and is pleased to return to his roots.

He said: “I have been a doctor for 10 years but it is not something I can do for the rest of my life.

“I was keen for Omar and I to do something together, and we came up with Drip’d.

"I have a real passion for food and good, quality meat, especially as I have lived in London.

“We want to bring the London food scene to Southampton.

“We designed the restaurant ourselves and we have used all local supplies and contractors.

“It has been a stressful few weeks but we have all done pretty well.”

(Image: Newsquest)

Vegetarian and vegan options are also available, but the pair are keen to expand this offering in the future.

A wide range of desserts and drinks is also available.

Drip’d, in 110 Portswood Road, is open from midday to 11pm Sunday to Thursday and midday to midnight Friday and Saturday.