1885 Burgers opens

1885 Burgers, the popular gourmet smash-burger vendor in Oxfordshire, has officially opened at Signal Yard, the new social and retail destination, bringing its handcrafted British burgers, loaded fries, sandos and breakfast menu to Milton Park.

Visitors can enjoy freshly prepared food in 1885’s new restaurant which totals 826 sq ft (76.7 sq m) that provides a welcoming, air-conditioned dining space or order takeaway throughout the day.

The origins of 1885

Founded in 2021 by local butcher and entrepreneur Harry Hadland, 1885 Burgers has built its reputation on quality ingredients, freshly prepared food and exceptional customer service.

The opening at Signal Yard marks an exciting new chapter for the independent business, which first came to Milton Park in 2025 with its food truck, to today providing its first permanent restaurant and further strengthening Signal Yard’s growing food and beverage offerings.

Named after the year widely cited as the birth year of the modern hamburger sandwich, Harry’s background as a trained butcher is fundamental to the business. All meat is butchered in-house, giving the team complete control over quality, flavour and consistency before it reaches the grill. Combined with locally sourced ingredients and freshly prepared dishes, this commitment to quality is at the heart of the 1885 Burgers’ experience.

The move to Signal Yard has enabled the business to employ four people, expand its menu, introduce seasonal specials and welcome more customers in a comfortable indoor setting. Whether stopping by for breakfast before work, meeting colleagues over lunch or enjoying an evening meal, customers can expect freshly prepared food served with a warm welcome.

Coming to Signal Yard

Choosing Signal Yard was a natural next step for the business. As someone who lives locally, Harry recognised the opportunity to become part of a destination bringing together independent businesses, essential services and welcoming public spaces for people working at Milton Park and the surrounding community.

Harry Hadland, owner of 1885 Burgers, said: “Signal Yard felt like the perfect place to grow the business because it’s creating a real destination where people want to spend time.

Quality has always been at the heart of what we do, from sourcing great local produce to preparing every burger with care. Having a permanent restaurant allows us to expand our menu, welcome more customers and continue building the reputation we’ve worked hard to establish. We’re excited to become a permanent member of Milton Park’s community and serve those people who work here and those from further afield.”

Clare Fleet, asset manager of Milton Park at Federated Hermes Real Estate, said: “1885 Burgers is a fantastic addition to Signal Yard and reflects our ambition to create a destination, home to passionate independent retailers that supports both our occupiers and the wider community. Harry’s commitment to high quality, local sourcing and outstanding customer service complements the other independent businesses already here, giving people even more reasons to visit Signal Yard and enjoy everything it has to offer. Having recently been myself, I can personally recommend The Charlies Chicken Burger to anyone visiting for the first time, it was a great example of the high quality and delicious food available.”

Visiting 1885

1885 Burgers serves breakfast, lunch and takeaway options, with seasonal specials and new menu items planned throughout the year.

1885 Burgers is open Monday to Thursday, 8am-6pm; Friday, 8am-8pm; and Saturday, 10am-4pm. The venue is closed on Sundays.

1885 Burgers has joined Apollo Pharmacy, Bros Barbers, Damira Dental Studios, Flex Health Hub, Milton Post Office, Planted Plates at Signal Yard and Day Release by Tap Social is due to fully open its doors on Friday 7 August 2026.