Starting out as a lockdown passion project, Hot 4 U delivered innovative meal kits that — ironically — only required heating up.
A resounding success, they’ve been popping up all over London to critical acclaim ever since (most recently at The Prince Arthur in London Fields). For their next trick? Beak: a brand new concept focussed on chicken.
You’ll find them in residence at Hackney institution The Haggerston, which has made a barnstorming comeback after its license was suspended earlier this year. Besides the new residency, it’s worth heading down to enjoy the return of weekend DJs till late, live jazz on Sunday evenings and their sun-trap garden.
Koji fried chicken – Caitlin Isola
Hot 4 U’s last residency was notable for its eclectic and ingenious combinations of ingredients, and while they’re focussing on chicken here you’ll also find oysters served in several configurations (yuzu margarita and BBQ chilli schmaltz to name just two); deep-fried mussel skewers; and hushpuppies for good measure. As for the chicken, well, it’s getting a largely Japanese treatment here, with tsukune (chicken meatball sticks); koji fried chicken and a doorstopper sando all appearing on the menu.
To top it all off, there’s also a weekly-changing ice cream available on Sundays, which started out with a blowtorched take on s’mores.
Further down the line, Hot 4 U’s eyeing up a permanent site at the end of 2022, but for now, as the beautiful weather sets in…
…it would be a shame to stay cooped up and miss Beak.
Words by Sam Wilson
NOTE: Beak at The Haggerston is serving Thursday and Friday 6pm – 10pm; Saturday and Sunday 2pm – 10pm. It’s walk-ins only — you can find out more HERE.
Beak at The Haggerston | 438 Kingsland Road, London E8 4AA
Want to stay on top of the best residencies? Check out the best pop up restaurants in London this month.