The group, which operates a flagship site in Mayfair and a second restaurant in Knightsbridge, has partnered with property developer Alidara Real Estate to launch within the Tuwaiq Gate development on King Fahad Road. The 70-cover restaurant is expected to open early this summer.
The design will blend “classic British character with subtle Middle Eastern influences”, pairing checkerboard floors and leather banquettes with warm brass finishes, textured tiles, soft arches and layered greenery.
The menu will largely mirror the London sites but will be “thoughtfully adapted” for the local market.
Speaking to Restaurant, co-founder Pete Taylor says the most challenging aspect of the project - which has been more than three years in the making - has been sourcing ingredients.
“We’ve spent the past year working it all out. There are very strict rules on what can and can’t be imported into the country. The most complicated thing has, surprisingly, been the potatoes. Potatoes are grown in Saudi Arabia but, because of the climate, the sugar content is too high, which makes them unsuitable for deep-fat frying. We’ll be importing our potatoes from Ireland.”
The need to import a number of core ingredients will push food costs higher than in London, though this will be offset by lower wage costs.
Taylor says he has received multiple approaches from Middle Eastern investors due to the locations of his group’s restaurants but has waited for the right partner.
“It’s not a typical high street franchise - our brand is very important to us. We’re going above and beyond in terms of support. We’ll be sending people out there regularly, potentially even a full-time chef and manager for the first six months. The majority of our customers will be Saudis, but there will be expats too - and before too long, tourists. Riyadh will soon be like Dubai. Every time I go to Saudi Arabia, it changes.”
Taylor, who runs the business with fellow co-founders Jamie Jones and George Hammer, says The Mayfair Chippy is also exploring a takeaway- and delivery-focused format.
The group is also seeking further London sites and is open to additional international expansion.
The Mayfair Chippy was founded in 2015 and opened its Knightsbridge site in 2024.