A new fried chicken contender has entered the UK’s competitive fast-food scene. Mary Brown’s Chicken, a beloved Canadian chain, officially opened its first English store in London on November 6, marking the brand’s expansion into the UK market.
Since its founding in 1969, Mary Brown’s has become a staple in Canada, with over 200 locations across North America. The UK store in Hounslow is the brand’s third international location, following successful openings in Northern Ireland (Belfast and Lisburn). The company has ambitious plans for further global growth, with new stores slated to open in the UK, Pakistan, and Mexico in 2024, and a goal of 150 international locations within the next five years.
Mary Brown’s entry into the UK has already generated excitement, especially among fried chicken lovers who are looking for a fresh alternative to established chains like KFC and Popeyes. Early reviews on social media and Reddit have been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the brand’s quality and taste. On X (formerly Twitter), user @CourtneyShim shared, “If you’ve tasted Mary Brown’s, you wouldn’t eat KFC. People wait up to 30 minutes for the chicken to be ready.”
Others echoed this sentiment, with @mkinney427 saying, “I always enjoyed Mary Brown’s Chicken way more than KFC!” On Reddit, a fan from Northern Ireland called the food “far tastier and fresher than KFC” and described the experience as “pleasantly surprising.”
The UK menu offers a mix of Mary Brown’s Canadian favourites along with several new items exclusive to the British market. The star dish is the Big Mary, a fried chicken sandwich that has become Canada’s favourite. The sandwich features a breaded chicken breast, served on a sesame seed bun with mayo, lettuce, and pickles. Other highlights include Taters (potato wedges), Chicken Pop-Ins, Chicken Tenders, and a spicy version of the Big Mary.
One unique offering on the UK menu is Tater Poutine, a twist on the classic Canadian dish, made with Mary Brown’s signature Taters topped with cheese curds and house-made gravy. Additionally, the UK-exclusive menu includes MB Soft-Serve Ice Cream, Shakes, and Halloumi Fries.
The London location’s opening comes as fried chicken continues to dominate the UK high street. Along with Mary Brown’s, other American and Canadian chains like Popeyes, Wingstop, and Slim Chickens have expanded in recent years. Meanwhile, other popular fried chicken brands, such as Chick-fil-A and Dave’s Hot Chicken, are also set to open new locations in the UK in the coming years.
In related news, Popeyes has just launched its first-ever Christmas menu in the UK, introducing six festive items that blend New Orleans flavours with British holiday favourites. The star of the seasonal menu is the Festive Superstack Sandwich, featuring a crunchy chicken breast, Emmental cheese, lettuce, and a sage and onion hash brown, all topped with a cranberry habanero sauce and mayo, nestled in a soft brioche bun. For just £1.50, customers can try a range of new festive offerings that combine Southern comfort with a Christmas twist.
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