7 Towers Burgers named one to watch as Ballymena smash burger spot scoops major NI food awards

Ballymena’s 7 Towers Burgers is rapidly becoming one of Northern Ireland’s most talked-about emerging food brands after securing two major accolades at the NI Food To Go Awards 2025 and continuing to build impressive momentum both online and in the local community.

The smash-burger specialist, based in Ballee Community Square, was crowned Newcomer of the Year and received Highly Commended in the Best Burger To Go category.

The wins follow their earlier success at the Ballymena Business Excellence Awards 2024, where the business was named Best Takeaway 2024, cementing its reputation as one of the region’s fastest-growing independent food ventures.

Viral Success and National Praise

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough, Councillor Jackson Minford, alongside the Cameron and Andy from 7 Towers Burgers. (Image: Brian Thompson)

7 Towers Burgers has become known for its bold flavours, inventive combinations and generous portions, but much of its meteoric rise has been powered by social media.

Their standout “Peppered Pig” burger went viral on TikTok, racking up more than 380,000 views and attracting customers from far beyond Ballymena.

The buzz also captured the attention of The Food Review Club, one of the UK’s largest independent food review platforms, who visited the business and described the food as “Hefty with big flavour”.

This combination of online reach, authentic word-of-mouth, and consistent quality has propelled the young brand firmly into the national spotlight.

Premium Local Ingredients at the Heart of the Brand

Cameron & Andy, owners of 7 Towers Burgers, along with Matt from Food Review Club

Central to 7 Towers’ growing reputation is its commitment to sourcing high-quality local ingredients.

Their smash burgers are made using 100% Irish beef supplied by Apperley’s Butchers, who bone their own beef at their DAERA-approved facility outside Coleraine. Each batch of beef is hand-selected by owner John and matured for 28 days to deliver maximum flavour and tenderness.

The business also uses 100% Irish cheddar cheese, handmade toppings – including their well-known crispy tobacco onions – and fresh, locally sourced ingredients wherever possible.

This quality-first approach has not only shaped their menu but has played a vital role in their awards success and the loyalty they receive from customers across Northern Ireland.

“We’re just getting started”

Owner and Chef Andy expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support:

“We’re overwhelmed by the support, not just in Ballymena, but from right across Northern Ireland.

“We’ve had people travel from all over the country just to try our burgers and loaded fries, and that means everything to us. Our goal has always been simple: serve great food, support local suppliers, and back our community.”

With a growing following, a viral menu, and a string of award wins under their belt, 7 Towers Burgers is widely regarded as a food business set for even bigger things in the year ahead.

About 7 Towers Burgers

Based in Ballee Community Square, Ballymena, 7 Towers Burgers serves smash burgers, loaded fries, desserts and milkshakes. With viral online success, community support and a commitment to local sourcing, the business is firmly establishing itself as a rising star in Northern Ireland’s food scene.