OXFORD burger chain Atomic Burger is opening its third premises on Oxford’s Cowley Road to keep up with demand.

Bosses bought the corner plot number 92, former home of diner Route 66, in December and have spent the last six weeks refurbishing it with the restaurant’s trademark comic-book style.

The new restaurant will eventually replace the original site two doors along at number 96 and is set to open on Thursday at 5pm.

Atomic Pizza, further down Cowley Road, will remain unchanged.

Our top stories

Owner James Reilly, 38, said: “We will keep the original site but it won’t be Atomic Burger any more. We will redevelop it into something new, but I can’t say what.

“We have just outgrown it and needed a new site, but we like Cowley Road and it’s very important for us that we stay here. It’s changed so much since we moved in in 2009 and it’s become quite a nice hub here. This is an area that’s expanded.

“Then this site came up and it’s bigger so we can fit more people. It’s got better storage and a better kitchen, so it ticks a lot of boxes for us.”

While Atomic Burger’s current site can seat 38, the new restaurant will cope with 54.

Known for its science-fiction themed decorations and quirky food combinations – including burgers topped with lasagne – Atomic Burger’s expansion is set to continue.

Wolvercote resident Mr Reilly said: “We’re just opening the main floor this week but in a couple of weeks we’ll open up downstairs as well.

“It will have its own separate bar area and loos, so it could be quite good for private hire or parties. I reckon you could fit 25 to 30 people there.

“We’re also introducing a new menu in April or May. It will have a lot of the old favourites on, as well as some of the more popular specials we’ve done over the last 18 months.”

He said: “As well as the Cowley Road branches we have a branch in Bristol and we’re hoping to open another one later this year, but we don’t know where.

“It’s really important to find the right environment. We have such a great relationship with our customers we’re like a community restaurant.

“We’re looking for the Cowley Roads of Britain to put our brand on.”


  • Do you want alerts delivered straight to your phone via our WhatsApp service? Text NEWS or SPORT or NEWS AND SPORT, depending on which services you want, and your full name to 07767 417704. Save our number into your phone’s contacts as Oxford Mail WhatsApp and ensure you have WhatsApp installed.