13 Apr 2026
There are just a few weeks to go until the opening of the new Chicken George restaurant at The Maltings Shopping Centre, and the St Albans Times has been back inside to check out the progress.
The now-legendary fried chicken brand is taking over the corner of the centre recently occupied by Locked Rooms – opposite flagship SADC development Jubilee Square – but an unexpected requirement to replace the old sprinkler system delayed its planned opening from the end of March to April 25.
Owner Chris Cheah, aka Chicken George Jr, has created a fusion of entertainment zone, American sports bar and fast food takeaway, with the site split across two levels. The interior design includes plenty of neon and bold street art, with slogans such as ‘Chicken for the People’, ‘With Great Power Comes Great Flavour’, ‘Built on Flavour Powered by Chicken’ and ‘Chicken Mode Activated’ emblazoned on the walls.
The restaurant has been designed by architect Jo Hone, of Hone Edwards Associates, interior designers for restaurants and the leisure industry.
The open kitchen is located to the rear of the ground floor, near three PlayStation zones providing customers with the chance to have a game while they eat. Upstairs is a long bar which will have three TV screens fitted on the back wall, and a snug complete with interactive darts and TV.
Check out our photos of the work in progress as we creep ever closer towards the big opening…
