The anticipation was huge. For those of us across the pond who have been counting the days since the announcement of Chick-fil-A’s first English location, the opening in Leeds City Centre was a momentous occasion. We made the 150-mile round trip from America-UK HQ, fueled by years of nostalgia for the chain we had grown to love during visits to Florida.
And let me say: it did not disappoint.
The ultimate test for any international branch is consistency, and the Leeds team has nailed it. The quality is every bit as high as what we remember from the States. To ensure an accurate comparison, I ordered the exact meal I’d enjoyed at Tampa Airport just a couple of months prior: the Chick-fil-A Deluxe Sandwich, some classic Chicken Nuggets, and the essential Sweet Tea. All three items compared perfectly—the chicken was succulent, the breading was crisp, and the tea was just the right shade of Southern sweet.
If you are a UK newbie, you must heed this advice: try the Chick-fil-A Sauce. It’s a true gamechanger that elevates every bite of those beautiful nuggets.
We capped off our feast with dessert, opting for a creamy, classic Strawberry Milkshake. It was the perfect finale, enjoyed with a genuine smile of satisfaction all the way back down the M1 motorway. While the price point is slightly higher than your average fast-food stop, the superior quality and the nostalgic experience make it absolutely worth it as a special treat.
We sincerely hope this is just the beginning. Bring on more locations across the UK!
