I Ate at the New Chick-fil-A in London. Here’s My Honest Review

Last Saturday, Chick-fil-A officially opened its first permanent restaurant in the UK, in London’s Leicester Square. And yes, I was there. I stood in line for 45 minutes with a mix of curious Brits, expats craving a taste of home, and a few people who genuinely looked like they were about to cry from hunger. The buzz was real. But after actually eating the food, I have some thoughts. Let me walk you through the experience.

Why This Matters — and Why It’s Controversial

First, let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Chick-fil-A has been controversial in the UK for years. The company’s history of donations to anti-LGBTQ+ organizations led to protests when they opened pop-up locations in 2019 and 2023. This new permanent location in London has been met with similar backlash. Stonewall UK issued a statement last week urging customers to think twice before supporting the brand. I’m not going to ignore that. I went in with my eyes open, and I think it’s fair to say that the company’s reputation in the UK is still a mess.

That said, the restaurant itself is doing some things differently. They’ve partnered with local LGBTQ+ charities in London, and they’ve promised that a portion of profits will go to “inclusive community programs.” Is that enough? I don’t know. But I’m here to review the food, not the politics — though I can’t fully separate them.

The Queue and the Vibe

The line moved faster than I expected. Staff came out with free lemonade samples, which was smart — it kept people happy. The restaurant itself is two floors, sleek and modern, with lots of wood and warm lighting. It feels more like a premium fast-casual spot than a typical American fast-food joint. The menu is slightly different from the US version. They’ve added a “London Spice” chicken sandwich with a curry mayo, and they have a vegetarian option called the “Garden Chick’n” that’s not available in the US. Smart localization.

The Food — The Main Event

I ordered the classic chicken sandwich meal, plus the new London Spice sandwich, waffle fries, and a strawberry milkshake. Total: about £14. That’s more expensive than McDonald’s but cheaper than a sit-down restaurant. Let’s break it down.

The classic sandwich: The chicken is juicy, the bun is soft, the pickles add a nice tang. Is it the best chicken sandwich I’ve ever had? No. But it’s solid, consistent, and way better than KFC. The problem is the size — it’s small. UK portions are already smaller than US ones, but this felt almost comically tiny. I finished it in four bites. For £6.49, I expected more.

The London Spice sandwich: This was the surprise winner. The curry mayo is mildly spicy, with a hint of cumin and coriander. The chicken is the same, but the sauce elevates it. I wish they’d offer it as a permanent menu item. It’s genuinely good.

The waffle fries: Crispy on the outside, fluffy inside. Perfectly salted. I ate the whole box without thinking. The milkshake was thick and creamy — better than most UK fast-food milkshakes, which tend to be watery.

The Service — A Surprising Standout

Here’s where Chick-fil-A really shines. The staff are unnervingly polite. I’m British, so I’m used to a certain level of grumpiness in service. At Chick-fil-A, every employee says “My pleasure” when you thank them. It’s a little cultish, but I’ll take it over the usual mumbling. The manager came to our table to ask how everything was. I told him the sandwich was small. He said, “I’ll pass that along. We want you to leave full.” Fair enough.

The Verdict

So, is Chick-fil-A worth the hype? Honestly, it’s good fast food. The chicken is high-quality, the service is exceptional, and the London Spice sandwich is a genuine innovation. But the portions are small, the price is high, and the controversy isn’t going away. I’d go back if I was craving a chicken sandwich and didn’t want to stand in line again. But I’m not sure it’ll dethrone the local chicken shops that do this just as well for less money.

One more thing: the waffle fries. I could eat those every day. That’s my final takeaway.