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Dave’s Hot Chicken has had a spectacular first year in the UK. The Drake-backed brand launched its first chicken shop this side of the Atlantic in December 2024, with people lining up around the block just to get a bite of its fried delights. Within 12 months, Dave’s expanded to Birmingham, Manchester, Stevenage and Leicester, opened a second London outpost in Westfield White City and revealed plans to introduce almost 60 more locations across the UK. Now a third Dave’s is coming to the capital.
The viral chain’s newest chicken shop will open at 7-11 High Street in Croydon on December 16. It’ll be open from 11am until 10pm Monday to Thursday and Sundays, but 11am until 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Jim Attwood, managing director of Dave’s Hot Chicken UK, told the Metro: ‘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.
‘We’re looking forward to opening our doors to welcome both new and returning fans to experience our unique spicy chicken. This launch isn’t just an expansion, it’s us bringing big flavour to one of London’s most iconic communities.’
Time Out’s food editor Leonie Cooper paid Dave’s a visit earlier this year to see what all the fuss was about. She reported that the chicken ‘is actually really very good, with a crunchy, quality batter and soft, well-cooked meat’ and ‘a lot juicier than other high street chicken joints’. You can read her whole review of Dave’s Hot Chicken here.
Dave’s Hot Chicken Croydon information
Location: 7-11 High Street, Croydon, CR0 1QB
Opening date: December 16 2025
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