Oxfordshire’s independent burger brand 1885 Burgers has opened its first permanent restaurant at Signal Yard, Milton Park’s new £14 million social and retail destination.
Founded in 2021 by local butcher and entrepreneur Harry Hadland, 1885 Burgers has built a loyal following for its handcrafted British burgers, freshly prepared ingredients and gourmet smash-burger style menu. The new 826 sq ft restaurant marks a significant step forward for the independent business, which first arrived at Milton Park in 2025 with a food truck.
The new venue provides a permanent indoor dining space, alongside takeaway options, allowing the team to expand its menu and welcome customers throughout the day — from breakfast commuters and lunchtime visitors to evening diners.
Named after the year widely associated with the birth of the modern hamburger sandwich, 1885 Burgers draws heavily on Harry’s background as a trained butcher. All meat is butchered in-house, giving the team control over quality, flavour and consistency from preparation through to the grill.
The menu includes the brand’s signature burgers, loaded fries, sandos, breakfast dishes and seasonal specials, with locally sourced ingredients at the heart of the offering.
Harry Hadland, founder of 1885 Burgers, said the move represented an exciting new chapter for the business.
“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.”
The opening has also created four new jobs, with the permanent restaurant enabling the team to broaden its offering and build on the reputation established through its original food truck operation.
For Harry, who lives locally, Signal Yard was a natural fit for the next stage of the business, bringing together independent operators, essential services and community spaces for people working at Milton Park and visitors from across the surrounding area.
Clare Fleet, asset manager of Milton Park at Federated Hermes Real Estate, said 1885 Burgers was a welcome addition to the destination’s growing food and retail offer.
“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.”
Signal Yard has been created as part of Milton Park’s ongoing investment in placemaking and occupier experience, bringing together independent food, drink, health, wellbeing, retail and everyday services across 17 retail units.
Other businesses already operating at Signal Yard include Apollo Pharmacy, Bros Barbers, Damira Dental Studio, Flex Health Hub, Milton Post Office and Planted Plates, while Day Release by Tap Social is due to fully open on Friday 7 August 2026.
1885 Burgers is open Monday to Thursday from 8am to 6pm, Friday from 8am to 8pm, and Saturday from 10am to 4pm. The restaurant is closed on Sundays.
