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. The opening comes after a controversial history in the UK, particularly following the chain’s brief stint in Reading in 2019, which ended after just eight days due to protests from LGBT+ activists.
As the Kingston location opened its doors, Peter Tatchell, a prominent LGBT+ rights activist, led a protest against the restaurant. The demonstration was fueled by concerns over Chick-fil-A’s past funding of organizations that oppose LGBT+ equality. Tatchell stated, “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.”
The protest highlighted ongoing tensions surrounding the restaurant’s reputation, as Tatchell urged consumers to boycott the establishment, declaring, “Chick-fil-A’s funding of bigotry is out of step with British values. We urge consumers to boycott their restaurants.”
Despite the protests, the restaurant opened to a line of eager customers, with some arriving as early as 6:45 AM to secure their place in line. The first 100 guests received free food and merchandise as part of the opening celebration. Connor Ashford, the local Owner-Operator, expressed his excitement, stating, “I’m so blessed to be in the restaurant and so excited to serve the people of Kingston.”
Chick-fil-A’s Kingston restaurant features two floors with a large seating area, and its decor includes seating embroidered with waffle fries. The restaurant operates from 10 AM to 10 PM, Monday to Saturday, and remains closed on Sundays.
In a move aimed at improving its public image, Chick-fil-A has also donated £25,000 to Moving on Together, an organization that supports services for those affected by addiction and hunger. This donation is part of an effort to distance itself from its controversial past.
As the opening day concluded, the juxtaposition of enthusiastic customers and vocal protesters underscored the complex relationship between Chick-fil-A and the communities it serves. The ongoing discourse surrounding the restaurant’s funding practices and its implications for LGBT+ rights in the UK remains a significant issue.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the long-term impact of this opening on the local community and the potential for further protests as Chick-fil-A continues to navigate its presence in the UK market.