Tell us about Bird, what did inspire you to open up a restaurant?
Growing up in North America, fried chicken was always a special treat and something our mothers made on a Sunday or during summer. When we moved to the UK 10 years ago, we realised fried chicken is perceived differently here. We wanted to create something that brought great quality fried chicken into a comfortable restaurant setting – giving another option than what’s out there on the high street.
What is unique about the restaurant?
We’re not re-inventing the wheel here, its fried chicken. But we think the way we’re doing things makes it a little nicer, a bit more approachable and fun, and hopefully puts fried chicken back onto the menu for lots of people.
How do you select the menu for the restaurant? and What is your signature dish that everyone has to try?
The menu is deliberately small, for now – we’re aiming to get one thing right. We wanted just great fried chicken, with flavours that range from the traditional like barbecue or buttermilk, to the lighter more Asian inspired like the Korean gochujang. The sides are similarly designed, from fresh cut fries and corn pudding to a light vinegar slaw or pickled vegetables.
Instagram probably says this is the fried chicken & waffle burger. But for us, the chicken & waffles with maple syrup and hot sauce is the standalone dish. It hits everything we love – crunchy, salty, sweet and hot.
Why did you choose Shoreditch/East London for the new restaurant?
We believed people in Shoreditch/East London would be responsive to fried chicken done differently, not themed or gimmicky, just straight to the point good fried chicken. We had to fight hard to get what is a beautiful old Shoreditch building with great character, which we thought would bring our idea to life.
What would you say has been the most memorable experience while developing this business?
Where to begin? We’d love to give you a cute story about the day the sign went up, or then the first customer came in, but having done this all with four small kids, we are still far too shellshocked! After all the teething issues and opening challenges, watching people genuinely start to enjoy what we’re doing has to be the most memorable experience so far.
What are your future plans?
We would love to see BIRD grow into a fried chicken institution, but for now it is all about having fun and getting things right in Shoreditch.
Social links:
Website: birdrestaurants.com
Twitter: @birdrestaurant
Instagram: bird_restaurant
Facebook: birdrestaurants
