Thunderbird Fried Chicken, the brainchild of racing car driver turned ‘Wing King’ Matt Harris, has opened its first permanent restaurant in Market Row, Brixton, South London.
Having gained a cult following at London’s Dinerama and Giant Robot with its ‘Wings’, ‘Buns’ and ‘Pieces’, Thunderbird Fried Chicken has chosen this South London location to serve up its legendary ‘fried gold’ chicken, seven days a week.
The menu will feature firm favourites, including the Thunderbun and Chipuffalo Wings, in addition to some revamped dishes. The Chipuffalo Wings were awarded ’Best Buffalo Wings’ in London at Wingfest just three months after Thunderbird’s conception – and you can see why – the sticky, sweet, savoury and spicy sauce sees buffalo, chipotle, coriander and pickled celery with blue cheese dip come together to make the ultimate umami flavour combination.
The Thunderbun, Thunderbird’s cult classic favourite, is back and better than before - featuring the revamped secret recipe Awesome sauce, iceberg lettuce and pickles. Diners can also enjoy The Meltdown, a fried chicken bun with molten jalapeno and miso cheese, charred pepper aioli, lettuce and pickles.
Other highlights include the Habanero Wings, slathered in roasted red pepper cream, habanero, tamarind and coriander, as well as the Buttermilk Caraway Slaw. A selection of Veggie Buns are also available so diners can try Thunderbird’s iconic sauces, with halloumi instead of chicken. All chicken can be purchased as part of a box or bucket deal – making it the perfect sharer for friends.
The Thunderbird Fried Chicken journey started with Harris behind the wheel of a racing car. In 2008, he chased his dreams all the way to the Deep South to take part in NASCAR, one of the US’ most iconic race events. But soon after, his sponsorship opportunities started slipping away. Undeterred by his shattered dreams of racing cars, Harris then discovered his second love – fried chicken. He then embarked on a trip across the South to sample barbecued food he’d never tried, or seen, back home.
With the elusive funding never coming through, Harris then found himself back in the UK with a degree and a ‘crap job’. Something had to fill the gap that racing left off, and that was cooking. Inspired by the taste of the South and his experience behind the wheel - ‘trying to improve every possible element to its maximum potential’ - Harris swapped racing for recipes and his own fried chicken was born.
Harris then took to the road with his scientific approach to fried chicken, and his first food truck, the BBQ Lab. It was then, his chicken gained attention from some of London’s most prolific street food platforms. Thunderbird Fried Chicken was subsequently created in 2017 and it made Dinerama and Giant Robot in London its temporary homes.
Thunderbird Fried Chicken’s first permanent site in Brixton will see be split over two floors - offering take away or seated dining to 42 diners. The stripped back, electric blue interiors, framed by Thunderbird’s iconic gold thunderbolts, are an ode to Harris' racing days, and designed by Phillip Watts.
Drinks include a selection of authentic American milkshakes, Brixton beers and soft drinks, including the Caribbean favourite, Ting.
Harris said, “I’m eternally grateful to everyone who has tasted my chicken and taken a chance on me. To open my first permanent site in one of London’s most exiting food destinations is an amazing opportunity and follows an incredible 10-year journey. I can’t wait for people to step through the doors”.