A London fried chicken restaurant has soared to the top of the pecking order, clinching the title of the best in the country at the inaugural Fried Chicken Championships. 20ft Fried Chicken emerged victorious in a heated live final, outshining 14 other contenders in a sizzling showdown that celebrated the UK's vibrant fried chicken scene.
A Triumphant Victory for London's Culinary Scene
Founded by Stewart Down in 2023, 20ft Fried Chicken operates from two bustling sites at Market Halls in Paddington and Oxford Street. The restaurant's win marks a significant achievement, highlighting London's dominance in the competitive food industry. In a statement brimming with excitement, Mr. Down expressed his elation, noting the high quality of the competition and the camaraderie among participants.
The Winning Dish That Captivated Judges
The key to 20ft Fried Chicken's success was its standout hot chicken burger, which wowed judges at the cook-off held at London's Big Penny Social. This mouth-watering creation features double-cooked chicken thighs, expertly seasoned with spices, and is complemented by a tangy vinegar slaw, spicy habanero honey mayo, crisp pickles, a signature hot sauce, and all nestled in a soft sesame bun. The dish exemplifies the innovation and flavour that define modern British fried chicken.
Judges and Competitors in the Spotlight
The judging panel comprised esteemed chefs Melissa Thompson and James Cochran, alongside journalists Daniel Woolfson from The Sunday Times and Tristan O'Hana from H2O Publishing. London's culinary prowess was further underscored as other local restaurants received accolades: Fortune Fried Chicken in Spitalfields Market secured third place, while Chick'N'Sours and Butchies tied for second. Butchies also earned the Bloggers Choice Award, as chosen by influencer Kate Ovens.
A Year of Success for Stewart Down
This victory caps off a remarkable 12 months for Stewart Down, who is also the founder of Black Bear Burger. With nine locations across London, including three restaurants and six market stalls, Black Bear Burger previously won the 2025 National Burger Awards and is renowned for its premium beef sourced from grass-fed cattle in Devonshire. Down's ventures continue to set high standards in London's fast-casual dining sector.
Competition Rounds and Additional Winners
The Fried Chicken Championships featured three challenging rounds, testing the skills of participating chefs. In the 'Perfect Platter' round, contestants assembled a tray of classic fried chicken items and sides using sponsor products, with Sides, the chicken brand from YouTube stars Sidemen, taking the win. The Loaded Fries round, sponsored by Lamb Weston, was claimed by Killa Waffles, adding to the event's diverse showcase of culinary talent.
This competition not only celebrates excellence but also fosters a sense of community among UK fried chicken vendors, shining a much-deserved spotlight on an often-overlooked segment of the food industry.
