From Popeyes to Denny’s, Chick-fil-A to Carl’s Jr – over the last few years, American fast food chains have been taking over the UK faster than you can say ‘Big Mac’ . Now, there’s another one making the leap across the pond.
Captain D’s, which first launched in Tennessee in 1969, is known for its fried fish. Fittingly, then, its debut UK restaurant will be by the sea. Britain’s first Captain D’s will arrive in Kent coastal town Broadstairs later this month.
It’ll open on October 20 in the former site of Debenhams in the town’s Westwood Cross shopping centre. Two more Captain D’s will launch in Sussex and Hampshire in the following months.
Popcorn shrimp, breaded clam strips, battered fish fillets and stuffed crab shells are all on the menu, with an enormous ‘ultimate’ seafood platter on offer if you simply can’t decide between them. And if seafood isn’t your thing, you’ve got options too. There are a few fried chicken dishes as well as loaded jacket potatoes, mac and cheese and a bunch of salad-y sides. For desert, there’s cheesecake or funnel cake sticks to choose from.
Daryl Stutchbury, UK chairman of Captain D’s, added: ‘Captain D’s isn’t just another fast-food outlet – it’s a premium experience rooted in quality, community and innovation.
‘We’re proud to be setting the stage here in Kent and can’t wait to welcome our first guests.’
Fran Donovan, centre director at Westwood Cross, added: ‘Captain D’s is a much-loved American brand, and it brings something truly unique not just to Broadstairs, but to the country. We’re excited for our guests to enjoy its signature seafood and chicken dishes and experience its Southern-inspired hospitality for themselves, and we look forward to sharing more details soon.’
Confirmed UK locations of Captain D’s
- Broadstairs, Westwood Cross Shopping Centre
- Sussex (specific location yet to be revealed)
- Hampshire (specific location yet to be revealed)
ICYMI: The 20 best fish and chip shops for takeaway in Britain.
Plus: This is officially the best restaurant in the UK in 2025, according to Time Out critics.
Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out UK newsletter for the latest UK news and the best stuff happening across the country.