Big Easy Chelsea - Chelsea, London

There was a time when Big Easy on King's Road was the only spot in the capital where you could go for legit barbecue. While London may now be packed to the rafters with hickory-smoking hipsters, it's worthwhile to pay a visit to the OG to kiss the ring, which is exactly what we did following an extensive renovation that has streamlined the dining room for generations to come.

Big Easy originally arrived on the scene in 1991, launched by Paul Corbett. 27 years later it still looked good, but to stay on top of such a competitive market a refresh was a necessary. The general vibe has been softened. This incarnation is replete with maroon leather, painted wood and exposed steel. The bar area, one of the most sought-after spaces in the venue, has been expanded to almost double its size and offering a lounge area, large party tables and waiting staff.

If you want a comprehensive overview of what the kitchens are capable of, we'd recommend opting for the Grand Appetizer Platter, which arrives teeming with voodoo chicken wings and blue cheese sauce, chopped rib tips slather in barbecue sauce, southern fried chicken tenders, crisp and fluffy hush puppies with a smoked chilli dip, fried calamari and deep-fried jumbo shrimp. Following this, we'd recommend that you take a nautical tack and opt for fresh seafood. A 1.5 lb Nova Scotian lobster was a dreamy sequel, arriving carmine red with a side of chips and house salad.

Big Easy has stood the test of time and looks poised to make it another 27 years.

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