Thursday 1 February 2018

Happy Bird Bristol

Last week I was kindly invited to attend the pre opening launch of Happy Bird, Clifton Down’s newest offering. This chicken restaurant prides itself on using only the finest and freshest of ingredients, whilst being incredibly healthy, it still feels a little naughty! The restaurant itself has that on trend urban/faux industrial feel but with the addition of clean stark walls and neon lighting. Very American diner circa ‘86


I started the evening with a much needed cocktail. Punchy, summer flavours from this rum punch was just what  I needed after a day at work. 





We took our seats to ready ourselves for the first round of dishes for tasting. Two beautiful crunchy salads, topped with grilled chicken and halloumi. These were definitely the more healthy option, full of kale, baby leaves and cherry tomatoes. And a portion of honey and chilli glazed chicken wings that were super sticky and tasty although in my personal preference, I do prefer my wings to be a little more cooked and crispy. 



Feeling a bit too healthy and ‘veggie’, I was craving a decent bit of chicken. Afterall, this is what I came for. Then I spotted the trays of food and I couldn’t be happier! 





With individual trays loaded with the best part of the entire menu, we chomped our way through chicken tenders, a portion of skin on dirty fries (light cheese sauce and fresh chillis), a small bowl of spicy rice, a super plump and crunchy drumstick, housemade dipping sauces and a buttermilk fried chicken thigh burger. Nice!! So let’s talk about this chicken. It’s clear from first bite that this isn’t your usual cheap, low quality chicken you’d find in your local fast food chains. The chickens used are free roaming, fed on corn and herbs and are grown for longer, resulting in the most superb meat, both moist and flavoursome. And Happy Bird have really mastered that herb/spice/crunch combo that we know and love. I’d say that the menu was a little out of my price range for what you get (around £10 for a chicken burger and fries) but if quality is what you’re after, then look no further. Burgers- both fried or grilled, could also be pimped up with added extras such as bacon, cheese or avocado etc...and with 10 homemade sauces to choose from, you can really create your own unique burger. Prices around £1-£1.50 for added extras.
We finished our meal with an off menu exclusive- the chicken salt-ed caramel milkshake. Yep, you read that right. Flavoured with ground, salted chicken skin, this was a milkshake like no other! Very rich and a little ‘meaty’ with vanilla notes. 




You can find Happy Bird on Whiteladies Road, right by the Clifton Down Shopping Center entrance, offering both dine in and take away options. 

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