Wales' best burgers are in a tiny chic courtyard you didn't know existed

This popular burger pop-up has just been named one of the best burger joints in the UK. Portia Jones reports

- Portia Jones reports

ONE of Cardiff's popular burger popups has just been named one of the best burger joints in the UK.

The Times has listed the best places to eat burgers in the UK this summer, and Tom's Smashed Burgers, which has a residency in uber-cool Dalton Yard, bagged a spot on the coveted list.

Known for their photogenic smashed beef patties smothered with American cheese, burger sauce and pickles in a seeded brioche bun and finger-licking good dirty fries, Tom's American-style smashed burgers have garnered a cult following among hungry Cardiffians.

But what exactly is a smash burger? The term refers to the cooking technique: a ball of minced beef, usually high-fat for maximum flavour, is pressed or "smashed" on to a ripping-hot griddle, creating a thin, caramelised crust known as the Maillard reaction.

The result? Crispy edges, juicy centres and a deeply beefy flavour in every bite. Typically served in soft buns with classic toppings like cheese, pickles, onions and house-made sauces, smash burgers are the antithesis of thick pub-style patties and are wildly addictive.