London's vibrant culinary scene has secured another prestigious accolade, with homegrown restaurant 20Ft Fried Chicken being crowned the UK's best at the inaugural Fried Chicken Championships. The capital-based brand triumphed over 14 other formidable competitors during a thrilling live cook-off final, held at Big Penny Social in London, solidifying the city's reputation for exceptional fried chicken.
A Decisive Victory for London's Fried Chicken Scene
The judging panel, comprising esteemed chefs and food journalists, was thoroughly impressed by 20Ft's signature offering. Their winning dish, the Hot Chicken Burger, featured meticulously double-cooked chicken thighs, a robust spice seasoning, tangy vinegar slaw, habanero honey mayo, crisp pickles, a signature hot sauce, and a soft sesame bun. This indulgent creation disappeared rapidly, testament to its crowd-pleasing appeal.
Founder's Remarkable Double Achievement
This victory marks a spectacular year for founder Stewart Down, whose sister brand, Black Bear Burger, clinched the 2025 National Burger Award. Achieving two major national titles within twelve months is a remarkable feat for the London-based operator, highlighting consistent excellence across different culinary categories.
"We're absolutely over the moon," Down exclaimed. "The quality from all the finalists was first-class, so we're incredibly thrilled to emerge as champions. Fried chicken truly deserves this moment in the spotlight. There hasn't been significant recognition for the outstanding fried chicken produced across the UK until now, and this competition wonderfully united everyone. The sense of camaraderie within the industry made the event exceptionally special."
Prestigious Judging Panel and London's Dominance
The competition was judged by a heavyweight panel including chefs Melissa Thompson and James Cochran, alongside food journalists Daniel Woolfson from The Sunday Times and Tristan O'Hana from H2O Publishing. Their expertise ensured a rigorous evaluation of each contender's offerings.
London restaurants demonstrated clear dominance, occupying multiple podium positions. Fortune Fried Chicken secured a respectable third place, while Chick'N'Sours and Butchies were honoured as joint runners-up. Additionally, Butchies received the Bloggers' Choice Award, decided by influential food blogger Kate Ovens.
Competitive Rounds and Future Prospects
Chefs competed across three challenging rounds. The 'Perfect Platter' challenge was won by Sides, a chicken brand supported by YouTube sensations the Sidemen. Meanwhile, the Loaded Fries round, sponsored by Lamb Weston, was claimed by Killa Waffles. With the Fried Chicken Championships scheduled to return in 2027, this inaugural event suggests London's competitive fried chicken landscape is only beginning to intensify, promising even more exciting culinary battles ahead.
