Bird & Tie - Review - Clapham - London - The Infatuation
"Bird & Tie has one focus and one focus only: Nashville-style hot chicken. Deep-fried pieces covered in a cayenne-heavy dry rub or hot oil, it’s the kind of tear-inducing spicy chicken that only a handful of places in London serve. And the dishes you’ll find at this small spot directly opposite Clapham Common are worth breaking a sweat over. Come here for a casual, comfortable pit stop where you can eat messily and worry about wiping your hot oil-covered hands later. It’s the kind of laid-back place that’s perfect for a lazy weekend lunch, or for an after-work dinner when you’re in the mood to get down and dirty with a fried chicken sando. And even if the exposed brick, moody dining room isn't packed with people, you'll quickly realise—when seeing Deliveroo drivers picking up order after order—that even if locals aren’t physically there, the comfort food here is the kind you’ll try once and crave again. photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch That comfort food menu is filled with fried poultry in as many forms as you can think of: hot chicken burgers, hot chicken tenders, a mountain of thick-cut chips topped with yet more hot chicken. You could pop in for a solo Nashville-inspired hot burger, but we think the best way to enjoy this spot is with a few friends. That way you can order the mammoth portion of dirty bird fries, a hot burger each, and whoever isn’t in the mood for a sandwich can opt for the sweet and spicy chicken and pancakes. Depending on your chosen heat level, i.e. when you inevitably show off by going for the ‘poultrygeist’ to prove just how much you can(not) handle your spice, get involved in the refreshing drinks. From an Arnold Palmer frozen daiquiri that’ll ice your tongue to a chocolate fudge cake milkshake that’ll ease you into dessert. A fun, reliable spot, this will soon be your go-to for fried chicken sandwiches in the area, because Bird & Tie makes hot chicken that will stay in your mind long after the stinging has left your lips. Food Rundown photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch Nashville-Style Chicken Burger Deep-fried chicken thigh, slaw, pink sauce, and tangy pickles all stuffed between two slices of a buttery potato bun. This is our favourite burger here and our go-to spice level is the Nashville hot oil—it’s spicy, smoky, and filling enough on its own. photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch Dirty Bird Fries There’s a reason this portion of chips is £15.50. And that reason is that it’s enough to feed a school bus of children after sports day. A platter of double-fried thick-cut chips, covered in slaw, pickles, melted cheese, and obviously deep-fried hot chicken bites. A forkful of this is a party in your mouth. photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch Nashville-Style Chicken Sando There aren’t enough good sandos around so when we find a new one, we get kind of excited. And this crispy, aesthetically pleasing number comes with a little tub of pickles (!) and some pink sauce for dipping. It’s a yes from us. photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch Chicken N Pancakes Spicy fried chicken, dense pancakes, and a sweet maple syrup—this is moreish and a great brunch option when it’s too early for a burger. Although, it’s never too early for a burger." - Rianne Shlebak
