Chick-fil-A Opens in Kingston
On March 5, 2026, Chick-fil-A opened its first restaurant in London, located at 90 Eden Street, Kingston upon Thames. The opening marked a significant moment for the fast-food chain, which has previously faced challenges in the UK due to its controversial funding practices.
Prior to the opening, Peter Tatchell, a prominent LGBT+ rights activist, led a protest against the restaurant. Tatchell expressed concerns regarding Chick-fil-A’s history of funding organizations that oppose LGBT+ rights, stating, “We have been unable to secure assurances that Chick-fil-A will not, in the future, fund homophobic organisations that campaign against LGBT+ human rights.” He urged consumers to boycott the restaurant, emphasizing that “Chick-fil-A’s funding of bigotry is out of step with British values.”
Despite the protests, the opening attracted a crowd, with some customers beginning to queue as early as 6:45 AM. The first 100 guests received free food and merchandise, generating excitement among attendees. Chelsea Lee, a representative from Chick-fil-A, remarked, “We are thrilled to be here in Kingston and see so many people queueing up for the opening.”
The Kingston restaurant will operate from 10 AM to 10 PM, Monday to Saturday, remaining closed on Sundays, in line with the company’s traditional practice. This opening follows a previous attempt by Chick-fil-A to establish a presence in the UK, which ended in controversy when a restaurant in Reading closed after just eight days due to protests from LGBT+ activists.
In a move to address community concerns, Chick-fil-A announced a donation of £25,000 to Moving on Together, an organization that supports services for individuals affected by addiction and hunger. This gesture aims to demonstrate the company’s commitment to contributing positively to the local community.
Chick-fil-A’s history in the US has been marked by significant donations to organizations opposing same-sex marriage, which has fueled ongoing debates about the company’s values and practices. As the Kingston restaurant opens, the implications of these past actions continue to resonate within the community.
As of now, the situation remains dynamic, with both supporters and opponents of Chick-fil-A actively voicing their opinions. The outcome of this opening may influence future operations of the chain in the UK and its relationship with local communities.