Ch Ch Ch Ch Chicken (And More Besides)

Annemarie Flanagan reviews Chooks on Haven Green

It's been open over a year and I've been very remiss not to give it a try so far, but, leaning on the veggie side, I really didn't think Chooks would have much to offer me.

However, after recently accepting an invite to try them out I have been persuaded otherwise.

Chooks (Aussie slang for Chicken apparently) took over from the very popular PoG (Pizza on the Green) and is certainly building up its own loyal following.

First thing to point out - which makes this place different from other restaurants - is the Chooks Invader, a retro games consul which has a steady stream of youngsters keen to try their hand.

This is a fab idea to keep the small ones occupied whilst waiting to be fed. I imagine it can get a bit too popular at times though - so be prepared to witness a few toddler tantrums.

But once the food arrives the kids will be distracted and won't be disappointed - nor will the adults. We tried a selection of starters and each were delicious. Mac 'N' Cheese Pops (£5.70) had a crunchy exterior and oozed with a yummy cheesey filling.

The Popcorn Shrimp (£6.70) was my favourite. Tiny little fishy bites that were so moreish when dipped in the lime and chilli dip. Very light and very easy to eat.

For mains, the carnivores simply had to go for the chicken. Chooks say they aim to ''express the perfect union of marinating & grilling the best chicken''.

The special children's menu at £5.95 is good value and includes a main, desert and soft drink. It was polished off in no time with my son declaring it was ' the nicest chicken I have ever had' - a big compliment indeed.

The adult dish of Buttermilk fried chicken which should have come with mash and gravy but was substituted (on request) for chips was described as, filling and really tasty. (£11.95)

I was pleased to see an interesting selection of salads on offer - but wanting something a bit more substantial picked the interesting Quinoa & Beetroot ‘Inside Out’ Burger (£9.95).

It contained a variety of ingredients; crumbled feta, hummus, tomatoes, avocado, herby yoghurt dressing, grated carrot, raw beetroot. It was certainly different from other veggie burgers I have had in the past, but reckon it would have benefitted from a more zingy sauce, as, although still satisfying, I felt it veered a little too much on the 'safe' side. I guess maybe I just like a bit more of a surprise or challenge.

Amazingly we still had room for dessert and top marks go to these. Whilst very tempted I didn't try the deep fried mars bar (although can imagine it's rather popular!) but instead sampled the cheesecake with berry compote (£4.95) and the toffee pudding ice-cream. Both had me smiling.

Chooks has a great menu (pdf) - lots of choice and I'm happy to say it's not just for chicken lovers. It's got a relaxed atmosphere and is very child friendly.

Just a hop and skip from Ealing Broadway station with a helpful and friendly bunch of staff I'd certainly recommend it - and will be back soon.

Annemarie Flanagan

2nd June 2016