Chef Judy Joo to open Korean chicken restaurant in Westfield Shepherd's Bush

Chef Judy Joo is to open a restaurant specialising in crispy, double fried, Korean-style chicken in Westfield Shepherd’s Bush.

The Korean-American chef who left Jinjuu, the restaurant brand she founded in 2015, earlier this year, will open Seoul Bird at the end of November.

Joo said: “The Korean way of cooking is so generous and hospitable – Seoul Bird is my interpretation of true Korean comfort food, from shatteringly crunchy fried chicken to warming, spicy gochujang sauces. I can’t wait to bring my favourite flavours and a big taste of Korea to Westfield!”

The opening has seen Joo work with long-term collaborator chef Andrew Hales. Chicken will be brined for 24 hours before being double fried for extra crunch, and served with an Asian slaw of red cabbage, daikon, onion and carrot, tossed in a citrus soy dressing.

Diners will be able to pick from whole thighs, whole wings or tenders alongside sauces including Korean BBQ, ranch, honey mustard, and sweet soy ginger.

A signature Seoul burger will also be on offer comprising a toasted bun, Korean fried chicken drizzled with signature soy and gochujang glaze, and topped with kewpie mayo, red onion, and iceberg lettuce.

Seoul Bird will also offer bibimbap bowls, of steamed or cauliflower rice, fresh vegetables, pickled daikon, edamame beans, crispy onions and a poached egg – to which a variety of toppings and sauces can be added.

Interiors have been designed by west London-based design studio Run For The Hills, taking cues from Seoul’s architectural motifs.