A NEW southern-inspired chicken restaurant has opened its doors in Festival Place, to the delight of many happy customers.
Scores of foodies flocked to the Basingstoke branch of Slim Chickens, located in the former Tapas Revolution unit, for the grand opening event on Thursday, July 18.
Some of the first customers through the door were friends Alfie Marr, Nathan Zamangwe, Joe Maitland-Smith, James Alderton, Joshua Daspan and Jaiden Cameron.
Speaking to the Gazette as they tucked into their chicken, Fraser said: "The service is quick and it's really nice."
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Alfie Marr, Nathan Zamangwe, Joe Maitland-Smith, James Alderton, Joshua Daspan and Jaiden Cameron (Image: Newsquest)
Joe was impressed with how quick the service was. He said: "I sat down and already had my food. The slim sauce is really good."
Meanwhile, Jaiden Cameron was loving the sauce. He said: "The inferno sauce is banging."
The growing chicken chain, which opened its 55th store in Basingstoke, boasts a total of 13 unique sauces on its menu including honey barbecue, sweet chilli, as well as a unique gravymayo.
With a range of chicken tenders, crafted sandwiches, wings, salads and 'Texas toast', readers are spoilt for choice, the menu caters to all your chicken-related needs.
The store has a capacity for at least 85 diners and created 50 new jobs.
Richard Pigott, Director of Operations (Image: Newsquest)
Richard Pigott, director of operations, has been involved with the company since day one, around six and a half years ago.
He told the Gazette: "It's really good, there was around 30 minutes of queuing at the door and everyone looks like they are enjoying it.
"I'm positive for the future, and the Basingstoke shop, our 55th site, is the next step along.
"We're pleased to be open and serving fresh chicken in Basingstoke."
Dhruv Banga, Allen Joshy, Sid Patel, Angel Casano (Image: Newsquest)
Dhruv Banga, Allen Joshy, Sid Patel, Angel Casano queued outside for 30 minutes to get into the store and taste the fresh food.
Allen said: "It's pretty good, I've got the buffalo sandwich which is pretty spicy."
Daisy Mae Jones, Isabella Oates and Alyssa Page (Image: Newsquest)
Also dining for the first time were Daisy Mae Jones, Isabella Oates and Alyssa Page.
Daisy Mae said: "It's wonderful," Isabella agreed, she said: "10/10 chicken here," while
Alyssa added: "We didn't have to queue, we came straight in. The chicken is nice."
Lewin Herridge and Daisy Edmondson (Image: Newsquest)
Lewin Herridge and Daisy Edmondson were enjoying a meal in the new restaurant.
Lewin said: "We queued for half an hour, it was definitely worth it."
Daisy added: "I got the five chicken tender meal, it is really nice."
Brothers Fergus and Arlo Gilligan (Image: Newsquest)
Brothers Fergus and Arlo Gilligan gave their approval.
Fergus said: "The food is delicious, it's a very nice restaurant."
Arlo added: "It's excellent, it's always really good, we've been to a few before."
The restaurant also sells a wide range of milkshakes and desserts, including a limited edition Wispa Gold shake and a Lotus Biscoff shake.
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