Now that H.en has opened in Islington, the next time you’re schlepping down Upper Street hankering for some chicken, you won’t need to fly the coop.
Brighton based ethical source chicken shop, H.en (which I guess you pronounce as “hen” – but no actually said the name to me or explained why there’s a full stop after the H), has launched an outlet on Upper Street in collaboration with Masterchef finalists Billy Wright and Jack Layer.
I dropped by H.en’s press launch last week. The highlight of my visit was the fried chicken burger (a crispy fried buttermilk chicken thigh on a toasted brioche bun with crispy chicken skin mayo, charred little gem, tomato, and pickled cucumbers served with fries, £9). Herb seasoned fries and no mayo coleslaw (£4) were tasty sides.
The ethical aspect of the concept is a commitment to use high welfare chicken sourced only from Caldecott Farm in Worcestershire, where all birds have clean bedding, fresh water, and access to daylight and food at all times. There are no growth promoters or additives used, but there is full traceability of meat.
Staff worked hard and moved fast trying to please a full house of journos, bloggers and assorted media folk during the launch – and seemed largely to do so with success. H.en has a full service bar (cocktails cost around £6 and £7). There are some vegetarian options on the menu.
H.en is located at 154-155 Upper Street, N1 1RA. Find out more henrestaurant.com.
