Liverpool-born fried chicken business Pattersons is expanding further with the opening of its seventh site nationally, this time in Blackpool's Abingdon Street Market. Founded in 2015, the chain has grown from its original location on Gradwell Street to include sites in Liverpool, Manchester, Warrington, Newcastle, Glossop, and Bebington. The new Blackpool site is set to open on Monday, July 6.
Founder's Vision for Blackpool
Founder Darren James expressed enthusiasm about the new location: “Blackpool has always been a town we’ve admired. The investment that has gone into Abingdon Street Market has created one of the most exciting food destinations in the north west and we’re delighted to be joining it.” He added that the hospitality industry faces significant challenges, making it crucial to support locations investing in their future, and Blackpool is doing exactly that.
Menu and Concept
Pattersons offers chicken tenders, wings, and burgers, alongside bespoke cocktails such as those made with Sheep Dog's peanut butter whisky, and a bottomless brunch. Operations director Dec Carr previously told the Liverpool Echo that the restaurant's commitment to quality sets it apart: “The owners found a gap in the market for a premium chicken brand where you could mesh really good quality fried chicken with the bar side of things. Like everything that we do, we try to do it to the highest possible quality.” He emphasized the care and consistency in preparation, noting that the fried chicken takes a day and a half to be ready to sell.
Original Location's Appeal
The original Pattersons site on Gradwell Street is part of Wolstenholme Square, once home to the famous Cream nightclub and now surrounded by unique venues like Sister Ray and ZAAD. Carr described the area as “very bohemian, very independent focused,” and noted that Pattersons has been part of the community for nearly a decade, watching the area transform from a building site after Cream closed to its current vibrant state.
