As the name, ahem, suggests, Coqbull dishes up juicy free-range chicken in a multitude of guises, and hangover-busting burgers stacked with the works.
It attracts all sorts – while we were there we had a big birthday party doing shots to our left, and to our right, a sweet family tucking into their grub (kudos to them for being the kids and Gran to such a suggestively named establishment).
We headed to the Spitalfields branch (there’s another in Soho), on a sunny Sunday to try out its roast – which I was promised, is the capital’s juiciest coq.
Available as a half or whole bird for two to share, the free-range meat is soaked in tea brine and steamed, before being rubbed with that secret Coqbull seasoning and fire-roasted. It comes on top of flaky herb stuffy, alongside a very serious knife for carving. The Yorkshire puds are huge, and the roast potatoes are super crispy, due to being cooked in chicken fat – what else? Tenderstem broccoli makes you feel a little less gluttonous, but most importantly of all – there’s unlimited chicken gravy. And replenish it we did.
You are not going to leave this place hungry. We probably didn’t need a round of popcorn chicken to start but hell, when then habanero mayo is that good, how can you resist? Dessert-wise you’re looking at waffles loaded with pretzels, Kinder Bueno, ice cream, sauces, strawbs and more. If you manage to finish one by yourself, you’re a better person than me. Mega, but good lord are they big.
The cocktail list is just as cheeky as the rest of the place. Take the Dennis Rodman, a fruity concoction of marmalade vodka, lime, Cointreau and pineapple, rimmed with a mysterious white powder – which we’re told is named after the former professional basketball player, who was known for his extracurricular activities containing similar substances.
A very solid choice for a cheeky Sunday roast, next time the mood strikes.