Trick or heat? Houston Hot Chicken opens first UK restaurant this Halloween

Forget the sweets. This Halloween, Stevenage is getting a different kind of treat as Houston Hot Chicken opens its first-ever UK restaurant, bringing a whole lot of flavour, a passion for fast cars and a heat scale with some serious horsepower. Doors open at 11am on Saturday 31 October. Consider your Halloween plans upgraded.

At Houston Hot Chicken, the heat starts on your plate but that’s just the beginning. Think larger-than-life energy, an unapologetic attitude and food that demands your full attention. Towering appetites are welcome. Timid orders? Also welcome. Expect mouth-watering sandwiches, tenders, loaded fries, waffles and house-made lemonades from across the Atlantic.

What’s more, the first 100 customers through the doors won’t only be among the first to try the brand in the UK, but they’ll get their hands on a free HHC Chicken Sandwich! If that’s not enough, the same first 100 people will also be entered into a raffle for the chance to win a PlayStation 5.

Fiery spice levels and a two-million Scoville challenge

At the heart of the menu is HHC’s sensational buttermilk-marinated chicken, served with as much fire as you fancy. Pick your order, personalise your heat and make it yours. Keep things comfortable with ‘Mild’, turn things up a notch with ‘Spicy’ or head straight for ‘Houston, We Have A Problem’ – a fiery 2 million on the Scoville Scale (yes, you read that correctly) that even requires a waiver.

For those curious about the hottest end of the menu, HHC’s ‘Houston, We Have A Problem’, famous ‘spice challenge’ will also be making its UK debut at the launch. Those brave enough to try it will be challenged to eat three tenders coated in the spiciest level of heat. Who will be bold enough to try it?

Paula MacKenzie, CEO of HHC, said: ‘We’re beyond thrilled to be opening our first UK HHC location. The UK hasn’t seen anything like HHC before and from their cult Instagram following to sensationally delicious food, HHC Stevenage is set to turn up the heat.’

The opening-day action goes beyond the menu, too. HHC giveaways and launch-day surprises will help welcome the brand’s first UK customers as Stevenage gets its moment in the hot chicken spotlight.

Next on the menu is a second UK opening in Russell Square, London, in winter, with a third location still under wraps.

But first, all eyes, and appetites, are on Stevenage.

Houston, we have lift-off. Stevenage, lunch is on us, if you’re in the first 100.

Houston Hot Chicken opens on Saturday 31 October 2026 at Unit 1AA, Stevenage Leisure Park, Kings Way, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2UA. Doors open at 11am.