Latino fried chicken spot, El Pollote, to open first bricks and mortar site on Carnaby Street
26 May 2023
This Summer, street food spot El Pollote, known for its mouthwateringly more-ish Latino Fried Chicken, is set to open its first bricks and mortar site on Carnaby Street, off the success of their popular site at Seven Dials Market with KERB.
After experiencing such an enthusiastic reaction across London’s street food scene, the new opening is part of El Pollote’s plans for wider expansion across London, to bring their much-loved, feel-good offering to the masses.
The intimate 40-seater site promises to deliver an explosion of tastes and a vibrant dining experience for locals and visitors alike. El Pollote is known for championing the best of British produce and Latino flavours - with a harmonious fusion of spices and ingredients. The site also features a terrace with 20 seats, ideal for the approaching summer months.
The main event at El Pollote Carnaby will naturally be the signature Latino Fried Chicken - with a choice of either wings or a boneless fried option, alongside a carefully curated choice of flavourful sauces to get the tastebuds singing: Guava Glaze and Habanero Mayo, Buffanero and Queso Fresco, and Papelon con Limon. There will also be a selection of sandwiches and burgers available.
Guests can head downstairs to the bespoke cocktail bar, which will serve a carefully curated selection of Latino-inspired cocktails and local craft beers. Cocktail connoisseurs can get their hands on creations such as La Palmita - Gin, Chamomile, Lemon and Guava; Lindura - Rum, Campari, Mango, Pineapple, Lemon and Vanilla; or the Pollote Sour - Pisco, Tamarindo, Lime, Sugar Syrup, Egg White and Bitters.
Founders Katherine and Rotsen say of the opening: "El Pollote is more than just a restaurant, it's a celebration of Latino culture. We are thrilled to extend our flavour-filled journey to Carnaby, in the form of our first ever bricks and mortar site, where we can introduce more foodie fans to the vibrant and bold cuisine offered at El Pollote.”
After moving from Venezuela to the UK and falling in love with the London food scene, Katherine and Rotsen launched Venezuelan Arepa Bar, Petare in 2014, as they noticed a gap in the market for their beloved Latino flavours. After storming the street food scene and amassing a huge cult following, the couple decided to launch a separate concept, El Pollote, with support from KERB’s inKERBator programme. The pair traded with the concept across multiple KERB markets from 2016, including The Gherkin and West India Quay, before being granted a permanent spot with KERB at Seven Dials Market in 2019.
Simon Mitchell, CEO of KERB says: “We’re extremely proud of El Pollote and their journey. When we first met Rotsen and his food stall Petare slinging Venezuelan arepas, we knew we were onto something good. A chance entry into KERB’s Bucket List competition saw them crowned king of the fried chicken two years in a row. It was a no brainer to have them as one of Seven Dials Market’s first traders when we opened the doors in 2019, and so El Pollote was born! We’ll be the first to order a platter of buffanero wings at their new bricks and mortar site, and raise a cold one to their incredible success.”
