The US fast food sensation Dave's Hot Chicken is set to open its very first South London location, bringing its fiery Nashville-style chicken to Croydon. The new restaurant will welcome customers from December 16, marking the brand's sixth UK opening this year.
A Spicy Expansion into South London
Since its flagship London debut on Shaftesbury Avenue a year ago, Dave's Hot Chicken has drawn consistent queues, buoyed by celebrity endorsements from the likes of Drake and Samuel L. Jackson. Now, the chain is targeting fans south of the river with its Croydon outlet.
Jim Attwood, Managing Director of Dave's Hot Chicken UK, expressed his enthusiasm: ‘We can’t wait to close out the year with our sixth new opening and bring our signature heat to Croydon. This dynamic borough, known for its fried chicken shops, has a vibrant food culture and an energy that fits Dave’s attitude like a glove.’
The Croydon site will operate from 11am until 10pm Monday to Thursday and Sundays, extending to 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays. This launch is a key step in an ambitious national rollout, with plans for 30 to 60 new UK sites over the next five years.
What's on the Menu at Dave's Hot Chicken?
The menu focuses on two core items: chicken tenders and sliders (sandwiches), made with halal-certified British chicken. Patrons can customise their heat with six spice levels, from 'No Spice' to 'Extra Hot'. For the truly daring, a seventh option called ‘The Reaper’ requires a signed waiver before eating.
Meals are complemented by a selection of sides, including:
- Fries and loaded fries
- Mac & cheese
- Pickles and slaw
These can be bundled into combo meals, with drinks ranging from soft beverages to top-loaded shakes and fruity slushers.
The UK's Fried Chicken Boom
Dave's expansion coincides with a significant surge in the UK's competitive fried chicken market. Brands like KFC, Slim Chickens, Chick-fil-A, and Raising Cane's are all growing their presence, joined by international players such as Dubai's BonBird and Canada's MB Chicken.
Vhari Russell, a food industry specialist, explains this trend is partly driven by economic factors. ‘During turbulent times, such as a cost of living crisis, chicken is seen as an affordable, familiar and versatile product,’ she notes, adding it's perceived as a slightly healthier protein option that appeals broadly.
Social media reviews for the existing London store have been glowing, with customers describing the food as ‘unreal’, ‘elite’, and ‘the best chicken ever’. One Tripadvisor reviewer, Richard H, praised the ‘tender and succulent’ chicken that is ‘never dry’.
Beyond Croydon, Dave's Hot Chicken has opened or announced locations in Birmingham, Stevenage, Manchester, Westfield White City, and Leicester in 2025, solidifying its status as a major new player in the UK's fast food scene.
