Around the Cluck is a fried chicken concept created by chef James Cochran, focusing on modern interpretations of fried chicken, combining Cochran’s fine dining background with influences from Caribbean and Scottish heritage. Cochran is best known as the chef behind now-closed Islington restaurant 12:51, but his career includes the likes of the Ledbury and Hibiscus. He also won Great British Menu in 2018, being named Champion of Champions at the final banquet.
This is Cochran’s third outpost of his fried chicken concept, taking up residence in the kitchen of the Old Fountain - a long-standing, independently run pub near Old Street.
Around the Cluck serves a menu built around signature chicken burgers, wings and tenders. Dishes typically pair crispy fried chicken with bold sauces, house-made pickles and textural garnishes, reflecting Cochran’s background in Michelin-starred restaurants.
The menu features several core burgers, each built around a specific sauce or flavour profile. For example, there’s the OG Chicken Burger, with whipped blue cheese mousse, Buffalo sauce, bacon crumb, and bread and butter pickles, or the Katsu Chicken Burger with katsu sauce, pickles, sesame, apple and coriander.
Wings and tenders are served with a rotating selection of sauces that draw on global influences, such as spicy, citrus-forward or satay-style preparations. Sides and snacks round out the offering, designed to complement the pub setting.
Around the Cluck operates within the Old Fountain’s existing layout, with the pub providing the drinks offering. The Old Fountain is known for its large range of beers on tap and includes a roof-terrace space, making it a casual setting for Cochran’s fried-chicken menu.