Azzurri to open Dave's Hot Chicken in Croydon

Following the opening of its London stores on Shaftesbury Avenue and Westfield White City, Dave’s Hot Chicken will add to its portfolio by launching in Croydon later this month.

The Nashville-style chicken brand, which is being rolled out in the UK and Europe by the Azzurri group, is opening on Croydon's main high street on 16 December. 

As part of the marketing efforts to help launch the new site, customers who film a 'mukbang' of their first-ever Dave’s Hot Chicken meal at the Croydon store and tag the business on social media will be entered into a competition to win free chicken for a year.

The prize includes two meals per week at Dave's Hot Chicken Croydon for 52 weeks, with the winner announced on Dave’s social channels.

"We can’t wait to close out the year with our sixth new opening and bring our signature heat to Croydon," says Jim Attwood, managing director of Dave’s Hot Chicken UK. "This dynamic borough, known for its fried chicken shops, has a vibrant food culture and an energy that fits Dave’s attitude like a glove. 

"We’re looking forward to opening our doors to welcome both new and returning fans to experience our unique spicy chicken. This launch isn’t just an expansion, it’s us bringing big flavour to one of London’s most iconic communities."

Fried Chicken boom

As more fried chicken sites open across the country, 16 operators were recently selected to take part in the very first Fried Chicken Championships.

The cooking competition, which comes from the organisers of the National Burger Awards, is bringing together the likes of Butchies, Wingmans, Chick’N’Sours, Sides and many more to celebrate the booming activity going on within this part of the hospitality industry. 

Finalists also include independent brands such as Fortune Fried Chicken and Glasgow’s Birds Fried Chicken, who will be up against national outfits like Slim Chickens, Bill’s and The Restaurant Group. The full list of finalists can be found below. 

The new cook-off will bring together some of the finest dishes in market, welcoming the 16 chefs and their teams to a live final in London on Tuesday 20 January 2026. 

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