London's Beloved Chicken Chain Introduces Groundbreaking Safety Initiative
Navigating London's streets after dark can present significant challenges for many residents and visitors, particularly those travelling alone. A new collaborative initiative between a cherished capital institution and a volunteer safety organisation aims to transform this experience by providing secure, accessible spaces for people awaiting transport home.
The Strut Stop Concept: A Response to Widespread Safety Concerns
Recent research conducted by Strut Safe reveals startling statistics about how safety fears impact social behaviour across the United Kingdom. Their study found that an overwhelming 94% of British citizens have cancelled evening plans due to security concerns, while 93% have deliberately extended their time out to avoid walking home alone after dark.
Perhaps most significantly, nearly all respondents indicated they would feel substantially more comfortable waiting inside a food establishment rather than standing exposed on street corners while arranging transportation. This crucial insight directly inspired the development of the innovative 'Strut Stop' programme.
Morley's Pioneers World-First Safe Waiting Spaces
Morley's Fried Chicken, an iconic London dining chain with deep community roots, has partnered with Strut Safe to launch the world's inaugural Strut Stops at two of their branches. The selected locations in Dalston Junction and Stockwell have been transformed into clearly marked, well-illuminated sanctuaries where anyone can wait securely while organising a taxi, rideshare, or lift home.
The service operates on a completely free basis, with no expectation that visitors purchase food or beverages. Individuals can simply enter the designated areas without interacting with staff if they prefer, as the spaces are designed to provide non-judgemental, secure environments for brief respite during evening journeys.
Late-Night Accessibility and Expansion Ambitions
Strut Safe specifically selected these Morley's locations due to their extended operating hours, with the Stockwell branch remaining open from 11am until 4am from Wednesday through Sunday. This accessibility aligns perfectly with the initiative's goal of providing protection during peak night-time travel periods.
Laur Convey from Strut Safe emphasised the programme's significance, stating: 'The Strut Stop offers a simple, well-lit space in familiar late-night venues where anyone can pause to wait for a taxi or just take a minute before heading home without any expectation to buy anything. Knowing there are spaces like this nearby can make all the difference.'
The organisation now actively encourages other late-night food outlets and takeaways across the United Kingdom to participate in the scheme and establish their own Strut Stops, potentially creating a nationwide network of safe waiting locations.
Community-Focused Philosophy Behind the Initiative
Shan Selvendran, Co-owner of Morley's Fried Chicken, explained the company's motivation for participating in this groundbreaking safety programme: 'Morley's has always been about more than the best fried chicken in London. From the after-school rush to the late-night crowd, our shops are places people know, trust and love, making them the very fabric of the city we're in.'
Selvendran continued: 'Partnering with Strut Safe to give people a safe place to wait for a taxi or a friend feels like an extension of the services we hope we already bring and continues our commitment to looking after the communities we serve.'
Complementary Safety Services Available
Alongside the physical Strut Stops, Strut Safe continues to operate its established volunteer-run telephone support line for those requiring additional reassurance during evening travel. The free service, available on 0333 335 0026, connects callers with trained volunteers who remain on the line until they reach their destination safely.
This telephone support operates during key evening hours: Thursdays from 7pm to 1am, Fridays and Saturdays from 7pm to 3am, and Sundays from 7pm to 1am. The combination of physical safe spaces and telephone support creates a comprehensive safety net for Londoners navigating the city after dark.
This innovative partnership between a beloved commercial establishment and a community safety organisation represents a significant step forward in addressing urban safety concerns, potentially establishing a model that could be replicated in cities nationwide.
