Chick ‘n’ Sours launches residency at Big Chill King’s Cross as part of ‘strategic shift to low-capex growth’

Known for its fried chicken and sour cocktails, Chick'n'Sours was launched in Haggerston in East London in 2015
Known for its fried chicken and sour cocktails, Chick'n'Sours was launched in 2015 (©Chick'n'Sours)

Chick ‘n’ Sours will launch a residency at King’s Cross bar and music venue Big Chill later this month as part of what the fried chicken brand describes as a ‘strategic shift to low-capex growth’.

The move follows the closure of the group’s two London restaurants earlier this summer.

At the time, David Wolanski – who founded the group with Carl Clarke in 2015 – said that the UK’s casual dining restaurant model was broken, but that the brand would live on through live events, festivals, pop-ups, residencies, and delivery platforms.

“The launch of our residency at Big Chill is a key example of how we’re evolving our growth strategy to focus on opportunities that require less capital investment and overhead,” he says. “It’s a great venue that allows us to reconnect with our loyal community and reach new audiences in a sustainable, flexible way.”

According to Wolanski, Big Chill’s evolution from a 1990s festival brand into a bricks-and-mortar venue in the heart of King’s Cross makes it the ideal platform.

The venue has three floors, four bars and a roof terrace and is described as a “lively destination that aligns with Chick ‘n’ Sours’ energetic, community-driven ethos”.

The residency will feature the full Chick ‘n’ Sours menu, including Kung Pao Disco Wings; K-Pop Fried Chicken Sandwich; Szechuan Aubergine; and Bang Bang Cucumbers.

A selection of the brand’s signature Sours cocktails will also be available, including the Chick N Club #4, Mexinese, and a special Big Chill Sour created exclusively for the venue.

“The residency model enables us to be lean and flexible in a market that’s tough to predict right now,” Wolanski continues. “Big Chill’s space and vibe really resonate with our brand, making it an ideal place to build a sustainable presence without the burden of traditional restaurant overheads.”

Big Chill co-founder Richard Biggs adds: “We’re super excited to work alongside this fantastic, energetic brand Chick ‘n’ Sours with its huge following – great times ahead!”