Belles Is Giving Away Spicy Chicken Sandwiches to Open Its Flagship Sydney Restaurant

Belles Hot Chicken is opening its third and most impressive Sydney outpost on Friday, March 3, bringing its cult-favourite fried chicken to Circular Quay. The Belles team has built a passionate fanbase — and landed on our favourite Sydney fried chicken spots — through its Glebe and Barangaroo eateries in Sydney, alongside multiple Melbourne outposts. Now, it's bringing its fun and flavoursome approach to takeaway to a 130-seat restaurant-style opening.

To celebrate the opening, the Belles team is giving everyone the chance to come in, check out the venue and get their hands around a Belles spicy chicken sandwich on the house. That's right — the expansive inner-city opening will be kicking things off by giving away its signature Nashville-style sandwiches.

The promotion will run for two periods during the opening day: 12–3pm and 5–9pm. Head down to Young Street during either of those two slots and you'll nab your complimentary burger. Leave your packed lunch at home, or head in for a cheap and cheerful Friday dinner — as well as a few after-work drinks.

The fried chicken sandwich comes with chicken thigh tossed in Belles' traveller spice, then topped with lettuce, onion, cheese and specialty sauce on a fluffy milk bun.

While you're there, the rest of the menu will be for sale on the day, so feel free to settle in, soak in the restaurant's harbour views, and order something and a couple of bevs.

Arriving in the Quay Quarter Tower, Belles Hot Chicken Circular Quay will bring the expected hallmarks of the chain to an exciting new space. The other location's vintage Americana style is here in spades. Fresh from working with Lune, Ewert Leaf has collaborated with Belles' Design Director Vicki Punch to create a warm, welcoming space fitted out with neon signs, vintage tiles and vending machines, plus an entirely chrome ceiling and cork detailing.

On the menu, things stick close to Belles' more takeaway-driven spots in Tramsheds and Barangaroo. Pair tenders, drumsticks, wings and buffalo cauliflower — all available in heat levels ranging from chicken salt to Really F**king Hot — with Belles Original Draught, orange wines and house cocktails like spiked iced tea.

The aforementioned chicken sandwiches and loaded fries also feature, with a highlight-reel set menu available for $40 per person if you want the decisions taken out of your hands. Some of the more extravagant or unique drinks you'll find at the Circular Quay spot include Pappy Van Winkle 15-year-old Kentucky bourbon available for $85 a pop, Louis Roederer Cristal Brut — because who doesn't want to pair champagne and fried chicken? — and rakija and tonic RTDs from Baba's Place and DNA Distillery.

Rounding out the vibrant energy of this new outpost is a set of vinyl turntables ready for a DJ to take hold and spark a party at any point in time. With enough champagne and spiked iced tea, it could just happen.

Bookings are open if you want to reserve a spot at the new flagship Belles in Circular Quay. Half the venue will also be available for walk-ins if you want to make an impromptu trip.

Belles Hot Chicken Circular Quay will open on Friday, March 3 at Quay Quarter Towers, 50 Bridge Street, Sydney (entry on Young Street). It will be giving away fried chicken sandwiches on opening day between 12–3pm and 5–9pm.

Top image: Parker Blain