01-05-2025
How Morley's became an 'icon' of London high streets as first sign goes on display at London Museum
For many Londonners Morley's is a staple - whether it's after school or the end of the night - the cult friend chicken brand has a loyal fanbase.
This year it's celebrating its 40th anniversary and the sign of its first restaurant is going on display at the London Museum to celebrate.
Back in 1985 the first Morley's chicken shop in Sydenham, south London was opened by Kannalingam "Indran" Selvendran - who moved to London from Sri Lanka in 1970.
For 35 years, Morley's stayed south of the River Thames and now it is run by Indran's son Shan.
'Staying rooted in south London allowed Morley's to refine its offering, build a cult following, and create something authentic before expanding more widely,' says Morley's CEO Shan Selvendran, ahead of the opening of the display at the London Museum.
'South London is where the heart is, it's home. Our head office is still based here, the family still lives in the area, and it remains the heart of our business, with the largest cluster of Morley's stores.'
Since then its spread across the capital, with 100 branches and an extremely loyal fanbase including some famous faces - earning it cult status.
Artists such as Stormzy remain devoted to the brand, with a Morley's store serving as a music video backdrop for Stormzy's 2017 hit single Big For Your Boots,
Plus South London's Krept & Konan using it for as the inspiration behind Krept's 2019 track Morley's Freestyle.
The shop has also featured as a repeat location for Amelia Dimoldenberg's popular 'Chicken Shop Date' series, playing host to celebrity interviews including Burna Boy, Rosalía, RAYE and 'Wicked' star Cynthia Erivo.
Most recently, the brand reached a global audience when it was featured in an episode of Netflix's acclaimed 'Black Mirror' series.
The sign will be exhibited as part of the museum's Hanging Out installation which celebrates the social spaces that bring London's communities together - something its founders had always hoped it would be.
Shan Selvendran, said: 'Ever since our beginnings as a small family-run shop, it was always my father's dream to make Morley's a household name.
"Although his unexpected passing meant he wasn't here to see just how far we've grown, Dad's vision lives on - and it means the world to see our story being recognised by London Museum.
"Morley's means so much to so many people – as part of their own lives and heritage – so this moment is also for everyone who has been a part of that journey.'
Dhikshana Turakhia Pering, Head of Creative Programmes at London Museum, said: 'Morley's is an icon of London's high streets – a name that instantly evokes memories of after school hangouts and late-night stories for generations of Londoners.
"It's part of the DNA and culture of London and tells a story about community spirit and entrepreneurialism that's at the heart of this city.
"Acquiring the original sign has been on our wish list since the early inception of Hanging Out. We're thrilled it'll join the museum's collection as part of London's story.'
Morley's isn't the only sign the museum is hoping to display, when it opens in 2026 - it is calling on businesses from music venues and sports clubs to corner shops, nail salons and cafes to donate signs.
