There’s something special about a fried chicken shop. Whether you’re grabbing dinner after a long day or celebrating a big occasion, there’s nothing better than perfectly crispy fried chicken. We couldn’t say which is the very best in the UK, there are some fantastic chicken restaurants out there with chefs working hard to create the perfectly crispy crumb and the most flavourful buttermilk sauce. To give them their recognition, and to discover where to get your next fried chicken dinner, join CrossCountry as we delve into the best chicken shops in the UK.
Yard & Coop, Manchester
Yard & Coop in Manchester's buzzing Northern Quarter is nothing less than a fried chicken emporium. Choose the cut of meat and sauce, and the experts will fry you up some buttermilk chicken - perfect for your personal taste. Fried in their secret recipe crumb, Yard & Coop delight their diners with succulent, mouth-watering chicken every time.
And there's more. Once you’ve decided whether you want your chicken in a burger, wrap, or salad, it’s time to go to town on the sides. Brisket mac ‘n’ cheese, crispy onion rings, waffle fries, and cheesy mash are among our favourites.
From Manchester Piccadilly, you can walk to Yard & Coop in under fifteen minutes.
Bonehead, Birmingham
Bonehead in Birmingham is all about chicken and craft beer. Whether you prefer chicken wings, thighs, or in a burger bun - Bonehead’s got your back. Some of our favourites on the menu include the Dragon wings with sriracha honey glaze and the original Bonehead burger loaded with a perfectly fried chicken breast, cheese, lettuce, and gherkins. Order alongside some loaded waffle fries or house slaw and wash everything down with a cold craft beer.
Bonehead is a popular joint and operates on a walk-in-only basis. But don’t be put off if there is a queue, this succulent fried chicken is worth the wait. Fried chicken champs will be pleased to hear that from Birmingham New Street, Bonehead is a speedy three minute walk away.
Chick, Nottingham
Chick is the spot to be on both Mansfield Road and the entirety of Nottingham. The restaurant is known for its tender, free-range fried chicken that’s lovingly marinated in a secret sauce overnight. Choose from signature crispy wings or spicy hot Nashville tenders and pair it with some chick cheesy fries, dirty tater tots, or some messy fries with secret sauce and crispy onions.
Take it to the next level with a chick shake. Choose from mouthwatering flavours like strawberry and white chocolate, Lotus Biscoff, and Kinder Bueno. Chick is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and you'll get delicious chicken at any hour of the day.
Chick can be accessed by bus from Nottingham station in under twenty five minutes, and there’s plenty to see along the route. Why not hop off and explore one of Nottingham’s many parks for a levelled-up picnic?
Buck’s Bar, Glasgow
At Bucks Bar in Glasgow, you won’t just get great fried chicken, you’ll get ‘guilt-free’ fried chicken. Fried in rapeseed oil, the chicken here is lower in saturated fat but just as tasty. Their classic buttermilk fried chicken is marinated for 24 hours in buttermilk before it's coated in crust. Hot sauce fans will enjoy the complimentary hot rack offering a choice of over fifty sauces.
Buck's Bar has three locations in Glasgow, with the closest location to Glasgow Central found on West Regent Street, a ten minute walk away.
Dirty Bones, Oxford
At Dirty Bones, fried chicken gets a sophisticated edge. Located on Queen Street, this trendy spot is famous for its comfort food inspired by New York City. Their koji marinated chicken is the star of the menu, served with salad, in a bun, or alongside waffles with cool ranch sauce.
Dirty Bones also dazzles when it comes to cocktails, with quirky creations like the ‘Red Method’ and ‘Deputy Dog’. It’s a short walk from Oxford station, making it a great pit stop after exploring the city.
Fowl & Fury, Cardiff
For spice lovers, Fowl & Fury in Cardiff delivers unmatched and fiery hot fried chicken. Starting from 'Good ol' Southern fried' and working their way up to the red-hot 'Fury' spice, there's a bite to suit everyone's taste. Enjoy a juicy and succulent burger, pickle-loaded sando, cauliflower mac & cheese, and still have room for some fury fries.
Conveniently located near Cardiff Central, it’s the perfect spot to refuel after a day in the Welsh capital.
Down The Hatch, Edinburgh
Down The Hatch is Canada's answer to fried chicken, in Edinburgh. Known for their poutine - a classic Canadian dish of fries, cheese curds, and gravy - they’ve taken it up a notch with fried chicken-loaded poutine that’s simply irresistible. Their fried chicken sandos feature crispy chicken, maple aioli, and spicy pickles for a sweet and savoury punch.
This cosy basement is ideal for a laid-back meal or catching up with friends over comfort food. Located just a short walk from Edinburgh Waverley, Down The Hatch is a must-visit for fried chicken fans exploring the city.
At the time of publishing, all information given is correct. Details of events, businesses, and locations included may be subject to change by third parties. Please make sure to check any details with organisers before you travel.
If you’re planning to get some good fried chicken, don’t forget to book Advance rail tickets via our website or the CrossCountry app. Before you travel, make sure to check scheduled train times to find the best journey for you. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
Written by Seb