Iconic London chicken chain announces game-changing new service — and it’s completely free

There’s nothing quite like a night out in London, but getting home afterwards isn’t always the easiest task.

And if you’re going home alone, it can be quite daunting in the dark. 

Thankfully, a new service is launching in the city, which is going to be a game-changer for many.

An iconic chicken chain in the capital is offering a safe space for people to go, so they don’t have to stand on the street alone, while they wait for an Uber. 

Morley’s has teamed up with Strut Safe, a volunteer-run phone line that helps people feel safer on their way home, to launch the world’s first ‘Strut Stop’. 

What is a strut stop?

New research by Strut Safe found that 94% of Brits have cancelled plans due to safety fears, while 93% of people had stayed out longer just to avoid having to walk home alone.

Nearly all responders said they would feel more comfortable waiting inside a food outlet than standing on the street, and that insight is what inspired the Strut Stop.

Two Strut Stops are opening in Morley’s branches, with one in Dalston Junction and the other in Stockwell.

These are well-lit, clearly sign-posted places where anyone can wait safely while arranging a lift or taxi home.

And the best part? It’s totally free as you can go inside the chicken shop with no expectation to buy anything. 

You also don’t have to speak to staff inside if you don’t want, as they’re not required to engage. The space is simply meant to be a non-judgemental, safe spot to pause before going home. 

Strut Safe picked these venues for the first locations due to their late-night hours, with Morley’s in Stockwell open from 11am until 4am, from Wednesday to Sunday.

They are now urging other late-night food outlets and takeaways across the UK to get involved and sign up to become Strut Stops. 

Laur Convey at Strut Safe says: ‘The Strut Stop offers a simple, well-lit space in familiar late-night venues, where anyone can pause to wait for a taxi or just take a minute before heading home without any expectation to buy anything.

‘Knowing there are spaces like this nearby can make all the difference, and we hope other venues follow suit.’

Shan Selvendran, Co-owner of Morley’s Fried Chicken added: ‘Morley’s has always been about more than the best fried chicken in London. From the after-school rush to the late-night crowd, our shops are places people know, trust and love, making them the very fabric of the city we’re in. 

‘Partnering with Strut Safe to give people a safe place to wait for a taxi or a friend, feels like an extension of  the services we hope we already bring and continues our commitment to looking after the communities we serve.’

Anyone needing support on their journey home can also call the free Strut Safe phone line on 0333 335 0026, to be connected with a volunteer who will stay on the line until they reach home safely.

The line is open Thursdays between 7 pm and 1 am, Fridays and Saturdays, 7 pm to 3 am, and Sundays, 7 pm to 1 am.

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