[title]
What’s the most London-y thing you can think of? No, it’s not red double-deckers, or Big Ben. And it’s not Perello olives or Lime bikes either. We’re thinking of fried chicken, specifically, Morley’s.
Now, Morley’s is going to be officially inducted into the London hall of fame, as the sign from the original chicken shop will go in display at the new London Museum (FKA the Museum of London) when it reopens at its new site in 2026.
As Morley’s turns 40, the London Museum has acquired the sign from the first Morley’s that opened in Sydenham in the ‘80s. It will become part of the new museum’s Hanging Out display, celebrating the places London’s communities come together.
Founded in 1985 by Sri Lankan-born Kannalingam ‘Indran’ Selvendran – who moved to London from his native Colombo in the 1970s – Morley’s has grown from a single south London shop into a full chain, now with outposts all over the city and elsewhere, including Brighton and Milton Keynes. It has remained a family business, with Selvendran’s son Shan taking over as managing director in 2009.
Shan Selvendran, chief executive of Morley’s said: ‘Ever since our beginnings as a small family-run shop, it was always my father’s dream to make Morley’s a household name. Through his passion for community and flavour, he built a loyal presence in south London - laying the foundation for where we are today.
‘Although his unexpected passing meant he wasn't here to see just how far we've grown, Dad’s vision lives on – and it means the world to see our story being recognised by London Museum. Morley’s means so much to so many people – as part of their own lives and heritage, so this moment is also for everyone who has been a part of that journey.’
The V&A East Storehouse has just revealed details of its first events and exhibits.
Plus: Iconic New York jazz club Blue Note wants to open a venue in London.
Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out London newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox.
Get the latest and greatest from the Big Smoke – from news and reviews to events and trends. Just follow our Time Out London WhatsApp channel.