Popular UK fast food chain opening Plymouth restaurant

Plans for a Plymouth venue could see a new tasty global chicken shop move in to a much-loved premises
-Credit:Getty Images


A popular UK chicken fast-food chain is set to open in a much-loved Plymouth spot on Royal Parade - and it’s expected to look very different.

Chicking wants to open on the site, which has seen several revamps over the years. It is known for its unique cave look and now, it’s set for another huge transformation with plans to open late through the night.

A licensing application for the premises licence has been submitted to Plymouth City Council requesting permission to turn the former Gorge Cafe, known for its cave-like interior, into the latest Chicking restaurant.

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The new brand prides itself on being the “king of spice” - as well as being the “first fully Halal international quick service restaurant” in the UK.

The Chicking website describes the food experience: “Chicking not only focuses on the sourcing and supply chain of food but on the entire end-to-end experience; one that includes overall hygiene and safety. Chicking is proud to be one of the first fully Halal international quick-service restaurant brands.”

Chicking - which has over 230 restaurants in over 30 countries across the globe - has put in a new application to Plymouth City Council for a premises licence, including a provison of late night refreshments to be served Monday to Sunday from 11pm to 5am.

The application reads: “We are in the prime location of the city where there is high chance of crimes and our hour of operations are also in the maximum risky timings. Hence we will be following all the conditions of a premise license.

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“Proper orientation and training to staff will be given regarding the control measures are maintained as per the policies and protocols given to us. We will also see that we will be not a reason for a public nuisance to anyone as it is a restricted timing in terms of light, sound etc.”

Despite the proposed late night and early morning opening hours the company has said “no alcohol” will be served at the venue. Their application states that the venue “won’t be promoting anything which can affect the normal state of mind or thinking capacity - like drugs selling or alcohol selling in the premises”.

They added: “We assure about reporting any such issues or unusual events happening near our premises to the local police authority."

Chicking has also highlighted their safety measures around the prevention of crime and disorder. The restaurant states it will be under “full time camera surveillance”.

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The planning application read: “Crime reduction initiatives like improved communication with the customer and notifying the legal officials (Designing out crime officers (DOCOs) Police Crime Prevention Initiatives (Police CPI) Secured by Design . Property Marking) if we find anything unusual outside or inside the premises.

“Problem solving if it is in our limits by talking and mediating in between which is not risky for ourselves. Offender disruption by diverting them from the reason leading to the crimes.”

Regarding the “prevention of public nuisance” Chicking has detailed that they will be “dimming our light and switching off all music systems and exhaust fans whenever the kitchen is not in use”.

They also stated that they would: “Encourage customers litter refusals in the designated areas only and a proper waste disposal and collection method already in the place arranged with Plymouth City Council, Chelson Meadow.

Another point highlighted in the licence application is “the protection of children from harm”.

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Chicking’s application reads: “We will report as per safeguarding policies and procedures if anything observed against children.Proper training will be given to the staff and volunteers how to recognise and respond to abuse. We will be following strict recruitment processes.”

The venue, which has had several names over the years, was most recently Cave’s Delight Dining, but that business closed down last year. Chicking now plans to take up residence at the venue located at 72 Royal Parade.

The Chicking website describes the food: “We serve fresh, great-tasting food, using only the finest quality herbs and spices, carefully selected from around the world, to deliver exciting flavors in a modern setting. It is this dedication to quality and world-class best practices that has quickly catapulted Chicking into the hearts and taste buds of its ever-growing fan base.

“What is it that makes Chicking such a popular choice for families across Asia and the Middle East? A wide variety of flavourful tastes inspired by several parts of the world packed in a bright, modern, inviting ambience with friendly, efficient staff is what makes dining at Chicking® the perfect choice for families and friends everywhere.”

No date has yet been set for when the venture could open. People have until February 7 to comment on the premises licence application.