Writer Erica heads to Randy's Wing Bar in East London and gives it two saucy thumbs up.
Before you head to Randy's - go hungry – and I mean, 'i-haven't-eaten-for-a-week' hungry.
Food benders, in general, are not very good for you. But, having said that, I've recently been on a fried chicken bender, and I've never felt better! After visiting Randy's Wing Bar, located in the ever so cool Hackney Riviera, I cannot stop thinking about going back for another round.
Randy’s was formed from a mutual love of chicken wings and strong family bond. The Randy’s duo, Andy & Emma have embarked on a mission to bring the best selection of gourmet chicken wings to London and the UK.
They have two restaurants in London, their flagship in Here East, Hackney Wick and their new Tower Bridge spot on Minories.
The decor at Here East is rough-and-ready, industrial, but welcoming - as is the service. All set to a backdrop of party tunes, the atmosphere is electrifying and genuinely a fun place to spend an afternoon. There's also outdoor seating which will undoubtedly be a breezy treat on Summer days.
Anyway, to the food.
It will smack you in the face (and your stomach). We opted for the afternoon tea, yes, you heard right, a tower of endorphin-boosting chicken wings. If you manage to eat it all, then take.a.bow. Portions are very, very generous. The feast includes two burgers of your choice, two portions of chips – either sweet potato or seasoned fries, creamy slaw, 3 of every flavour chicken wings – 18 in total, your choice of brownie bites or pecan pie and two drinks which could be tap beer, Prosecco, wine or a milkshake. All for £55, which I think is an absolute bargain for the quality and the serving size.
Naturally, the proof is in the poultry. Everything arrived hot, there was a crunch to the wings, and they still managed to retain their twang. You could identify every harmonious flavour; they were bold and in-your-face, which made them incandescently addictive. The sauces tasted homemade, and the meat was tender.
I could go on and on, but in a nutshell, everything was spot on. Now, if I had a gun to my head and HAD to narrow it down to my top 3 wings, they'd be Buffalo, Gangnam and Garlic Butter and Parmesan. The burgers were super chunky, chips were some of the best fast food chips I've ever had, and the pecan pie was like a sweet slice of heaven.
If you're after a chicken experience and a rave in your mouth, then look no further. Randy's should be a model that other chicken restaurants aspire to.
RANDY’S HACKNEY WICK
28 EAST BAY LANE HERE EAST QUEEN ELIZABETH OLYMPIC PARK E15 2GW
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Chatting Food Contributor: Erica Pilavaki
Born in Cyprus but now living in London, Erica has an insatiable appetite for good food and tasty drinks!
Follow Erica @erica_eeeats