Over a few drinks on a rainy night in a far flung bar, Josh, Steve and few pals realised their mutual love of BBQ chicken.

They decided to embark on an emotional and exciting journey, researching Southern American cooking styles, before landing on their own unique and secret recipes.

In September 2013, they opened Chicken Shack, in Boscombe, UK.

Lines formed at the door – and the boys ran out of chicken multiple times in the first week. They soon realised that Mama’s Home Cookin’ had arrived, and it was time to take things to another level!

After many franchise enquiries, the boys decided to trademark their brand. They visited a lawyer in the city of London and were informed that they would need to change the name from Chicken Shack in order to trademark, as there were many Chicken Shacks around the world (obviously)!

They racked their brains. ‘We serve chicken, we play blues music. We serve chicken, we play blues music…..’ mnnnnn. How about Chicken & Blues? Yes, it was available, and so our new, trademarked brand, was born!

Shop no.2 opened its doors in the trendy neighbourhood of Ashley Cross in Poole, swiftly followed by a store in Winton, Bournemouth – a fabulous community of fans is forming across both towns, with over 25,000 C&B Patrons App members!

Chicken & Blues was crowned ‘Best Takeaway’ at The British Takeaway Awards, followed by ‘Best Family Restaurant’ at the Deliveroo UK Restaurant Awards, with both ceremonies held in London – proud moments for Josh, Steve and the teams.

Chicken & Blues partners with Deliveroo to launch a 6-month residency which enables Mama’s Home Cookin’ to be enjoyed by just under 500,000 residents of Bristol from July to December 2022. We hope to be back in the future!

In February 2023 we took delivery of our awesome food truck, which is a 7 metre Hymer Motorhome that has undergone a full conversion, with a restaurant-quality kitchen. The truck is now being booked out for both private and public events, of all sizes!

We’re excited to announce that our 3rd location, in the heart of beautiful Christchurch, is now open to locals and visitors from 11am-10pm each day. Situated on the corner of Church Street, the restaurant is just a stone’s throw from The Priory.

The team have big ambitions to take C&B to different towns and cities across the UK. Born in the southern states, and raised on the south coast, we’ll stay true to our roots. Mama’s Home Cookin’ is Made With Love, using premium quality ingredients, and served with a smile by our ever-growing team.