Chick-fil-A’s London Debut
On March 5, 2026, Chick-fil-A opened its first restaurant in London, located at 90 Eden Street in Kingston upon Thames. This opening marked a significant moment for the fast-food chain, which previously faced backlash in the UK.
Prior to the opening, LGBT+ activists, led by Peter Tatchell, organized a protest against the restaurant. The demonstration was fueled by concerns over Chick-fil-A’s past funding of organizations that oppose LGBT+ equality. Tatchell stated, “We have been unable to secure assurances that Chick-fil-A will not, in the future, fund homophobic organisations that campaign against LGBT+ human rights.”
The protest highlighted ongoing tensions surrounding Chick-fil-A’s corporate practices, particularly its charitable donations in the United States, which have reportedly supported anti-LGBT+ initiatives. Tatchell further emphasized that “Chick-fil-A’s funding of bigotry is out of step with British values. We urge consumers to boycott their restaurants.”
Despite the protests, the restaurant opened its doors, welcoming its first customers at 10 AM. Some patrons began queuing as early as 6:45 AM, eager to be among the first 100 guests who received free food and merchandise.
Chick-fil-A’s Kingston restaurant features two floors and a large seating area, with decor that includes seating embroidered with waffle fries. The restaurant operates from 10 AM to 10 PM, Monday to Saturday, and remains closed on Sundays.
In a statement, Connor Ashford, a local staff member, expressed enthusiasm about the opening, saying, “I’m so blessed to be in the restaurant and so excited to serve the people of Kingston.”
In a move to address some community concerns, Chick-fil-A has donated £25,000 to Moving on Together, an organization that supports services for individuals affected by addiction and hunger.
This opening comes after Chick-fil-A’s previous attempt to establish a presence in the UK, which ended abruptly when a restaurant in Reading closed after just eight days due to protests from LGBT+ activists.
The current situation reflects a complex relationship between Chick-fil-A and the local community, with ongoing debates about corporate responsibility and social values. As the restaurant begins its operations in Kingston, the reactions from both supporters and opponents will likely shape its future in the UK.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the long-term impact of this opening on Chick-fil-A’s reputation and business in the UK.
