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London's Best Fried Chicken

8 of London's Best Fried Chicken Joints, Because You Deserve That Finger-Licking Fix

Aug 26 2018

After KFC stores across the country ran out of chicken earlier in the year, I don't blame you if your faith in the Colonel and his secret mix of herbs and spices has dwindled of late. The good news there is whole bunch of delicious fried chicken to be had elsewhere. From classic American recipes to crispy Korean-inspired dishes, fried chicken has been taken to new heights in recent years. If you fancy getting down and dirty with the most delicious birds the capital has to offer, here's a look at the seven best spots to get your finger-licking fix in and around London.

Image Source: Stocksnap user Brian Chan

Chick 'n' Sours

Chick 'n' Sours calls itself "a great restaurant masquerading as a chicken shop," which captures this spot pretty nicely.

Behind its nondescript storefronts in London's Seven Dials and Haggerston, Chick 'n' Sours has got a booming playlist, an array of neon signs with phrases like "Fry 'Til You Die" (excuse me while I tattoo that across my chest), and a menu that's bursting with deep-fried flavour. Or, to quote one fried chicken connoisseur's review, "THE.BEST.FRIED.CHICKEN.IN.THE.WORLD.EVER."


Oh, and let's not forget the sours — a tasty (and well-priced!) collection of cocktails. I'd recommend the Pisco Punch.

Bird

Bird first brought chicken and waffles to London in 2014 (something KFC has yet to offer, by the way), and this fried chicken joint has spent the the past four years expanding its menu and skyrocketing in popularity.

With four locations in and around London, Bird serves up classic dishes, like its sweet and savoury chicken and waffles (of course), as well as more innovative culinary creations, like the Katsu Curry burger (a fried chicken burger smothered in curry sauce, sesame lime slaw, and hot chilli jam). Bird has also got a pretty extensive cocktail menu, which I'd suggest sampling during their two-for-one Happy Hour.

Bill or Beak

With both grilled and fried chicken sandwiches on offer seven days a week, Bill or Beak has earned a place in the hearts — and stomachs — of fried chicken-lovers throughout London.

The Szechuan fried chicken burger (the "Beak," topped with miso mayo, chilli sauce, pickled slaw, and peanut crumbs) is the stuff of legends, though the slow-braised duck and pork sandwich (the "Bill," smothered in Vietnamese dressing, spring onions, and tempura shallots) is tough competition. Try both at Camden Market and Brockley Market.

JinJuu Soho

Head to this cool street food restaurant and pick up Korean fried chicken every way you can think of. Signature crispy thighs, sliders, and even a whole chicken can be found on the menu (though for that you'll need to stop by for weekend brunch). Bonus: you can get truffle seaweed fries on the side, and they also have a killer cocktail menu.

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Mother Clucker

In its own words, Mother Clucker "serves tea brined, buttermilk soaked, twice-battered fried chicken from our converted US Army ambulance," which really is as tasty and whimsical as it sounds.

You can ~Get Your Cluck On~ and indulge in these fried chicken dishes and Cajun fries, covered in Mother Clucker's signature sauces (definitely spend that 50p for extra lime mayo) at any one of their four food trucks or outposts in London — the most popular of which is parked outside of The Truman Brewery.

Other Side Fried

Available seven days a week at POP Brixton (a community centre of sorts that aims to turn unused land into "a creative space for local, independent businesses"), Other Side Fried takes fried chicken burgers to the next level. The various sandwiches are dripping with buffalo sauce, bacon, cheese, and even smoked honey butter — which the people of TripAdvisor have dubbed "out of this world," "absolutely perfect," and "literally one of the most delicious things I've ever eaten."

Head over to Brixton to try for yourself (or order in from Deliveroo or Uber Eats).

Nando's

I know, I know — Nando's doesn't technically serve *fried* chicken. But if we're talking about the best spots to grab chicken in the UK, I think it certainly deserves a spot on the list.

Known for its Portuguese-inspired dishes and delectably spicy Peri-Peri sauces and seasoning, Nando's should be a staple in any chicken-lover's diet. And if you go often enough, you might even land yourself a coveted "High Five" card (just. . . don't ask for one).

Chicken George

Saving the best for last (which, believe it or not, is not even served in the English capital). That's right, rumour has it the absolute best fried chicken in the UK can actually be found at a tiny spot in Luton, of all places: Chicken George.

Founded by a former KFC employee nearly three decades ago, Chicken George has rapidly climbed the ranks of the fried chicken world, even earning the title of "Best Takeaway in Britain" at the 2016 British Takeaway Awards (which are, indeed, a real thing). Pop on a train to try the celebrated boneless wings, chicken buns, and atomic fries.

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