It’s official — Morley’s is now museum-worthy. The legendary south London chicken shop, famous for fuelling everything from after-school hangouts to grime freestyles, has handed over its original Sydenham sign to the new London Museum, set to open in Smithfield in 2026. As Morley’s celebrates its 40th birthday, its OG red signage is about to take its rightful place in the Hanging Out display, honouring the social spaces that have defined generations of Londoners.
Let’s be clear — this isn’t just about a chicken shop. It’s about culture, community, and one very crispy legacy.
From Family Shop to Cult Status: Morley’s Turns 40
Back in 1985, Kannalingam “Indran” Selvendran opened the first Morley’s in Sydenham. A Sri Lankan immigrant with big dreams and bigger flavour, Indran laid the foundation for what would become a south London institution. With its signature Bossman burger and ultra-affordable wings, Morley’s captured the stomachs — and hearts — of an entire city.
Fast forward four decades, and Morley’s has grown from one family-run shop into a beloved high street hero with over 100 locations across London, Brighton, and even Milton Keynes. But through it all, it’s stayed true to its roots: bold branding, bigger flavour, and a fierce love for the local community.
Hanging Out at the Museum: More Than Just a Sign
So what makes a takeaway sign worthy of a museum? According to Dhikshana Turakhia Pering, Head of Creative Programmes at London Museum, it’s everything Morley’s represents.
“It’s part of the DNA and culture of London,” she says. “Morley’s tells a story about community spirit and entrepreneurialism that’s at the heart of this city.”
The sign will be featured in Our Time, a new social space at the heart of the London Museum that will explore living memory and community culture. Alongside other signs from clubs, cafés and corner shops, Morley’s will sit among the landmarks that shaped London life — with Krept & Konan personally handing over the sign, naturally.
Chicken, Culture, and a Loyal Fanbase
Morley’s has always done more than serve chicken. It’s provided a backdrop for music videos, interviews, and youth culture. It’s been shouted out by the likes of Stormzy, Burna Boy, Rosalía, and even featured in Netflix’s Black Mirror. Its Sydenham location became the setting for Stormzy’s “Big For Your Boots”, while Amelia Dimoldenberg’s Chicken Shop Date helped cement its place in pop culture.
Mayor Sadiq Khan is reportedly a fan. But Morley’s real loyalty comes from London’s everyday people — the kids grabbing a box after school, the night owls needing wings at midnight, and the creatives who grew up with it as a fixture of the high street.
A London Story With Flavour and Heart
When Indran passed away unexpectedly, the reins were passed to his son Shan Selvendran, now CEO. Today, Shan continues to grow the brand while keeping his father’s legacy alive.
“Dad’s vision lives on – and it means the world to see our story being recognised by London Museum,” Shan said. “Morley’s means so much to so many people – this moment is for everyone who’s been a part of that journey.”
With its inclusion in the museum, Morley’s isn’t just being commemorated — it’s being canonised. The capital is finally putting some respect on the chicken shop’s name.
London’s Museum of the People
Opening in 2026, the new London Museum will reinvent what a city museum can be. With permanent galleries, late-night hours, a cultural hub in the Smithfield Market buildings, and exhibitions shaped by real Londoners, it’s aiming for 2 million visitors annually.
More than 70,000 people have already helped shape the museum’s vision. That number’s expected to hit 100,000 before opening. It’s not just about artefacts — it’s about lived experiences, neighbourhoods, and the spaces that make London London.
And the search continues: the museum is still calling for signs from music venues, sports clubs, nail salons, and local favourites from across Greater London. So if you’ve got a classic sign stashed away (and it’s at least 50x50cm), email: ourtime@londonmuseum.org.uk.
A Fried Chicken Legacy That Belongs to All of London
As Morley’s marks 40 years, it’s not just a business success story — it’s a London love story. One built on resilience, flavour, and community. One that started in Sydenham and is now headed to Smithfield, where it will continue to represent everything that makes this city bold, brilliant, and deliciously down-to-earth.
Here’s to 40 more years of boss burgers, red signs, and fried chicken done the London way.
