Nugs chicken restaurant opens in South Street, Romford

The owner of a chicken shop has revealed his joy at opening in Romford, three years after starting in his parents’ back garden.

Nugs, which specialises in gluten free nuggets, welcomed customers last Sunday (28 May) in South Street.

Reis Esiroglu, Nugs director and former record label manager, said he started his business with no money.

He said he funded basic ingredients and equipment, such as two Asda-bought fryers, using money from online pre-order sales.

“In 2020 we were going to provide food for major festivals but then Covid happened, I lost my job and our business model collapsed,” he said.

“I was splashing around for a job but with no luck, so we started cooking at home and selling food on Instagram.”

The two fryers Reis used in his parents’ back garden when his business started out. (Image: Nugs)

Reis said it was a time of insecurity, but sales from his makeshift back garden business had soared and delivery slots often sold out within 10 minutes.

READ MORE: Havering Council axes plan to replace Romford shops with homes

“I had a lot of help from my family and my girlfriend, I’m Hornchurch-born and bred so it’s great to be opening in the centre of Romford, where I used to go out as a teenager,” he said.

Nugs had a residency at Hornchurch’s The Rising Sun pub for almost three years, Reis said, but now was the time to set up his own shop.

The chicken shop lies in the small hatch on South Street, ideal for Reis who said it was well placed and a lot cheaper than larger spaces.

JukeBox, the Romford nightclub at the same address, used to sell burgers in the hatch before Nugs opened.

The chicken restaurant, which has British and halal meat, serves distinct recipes such as Korean Tings, Sweet Baby Cheezus Burger and The Nugfather Wrap.

Nugs also serves vegan options, such as Cauli-Power Nugs, a Vegan Chick Wrap and a Vegan Oreo Shake.