Recently crowned as the UK’s ‘Burger Chef of the Year’ at the National Burger Awards 2025, Nick Watkins of El Perro Negro has no intention of resting on his laurels.
Instead, he is keeping up his career momentum with the launch of a brand-new fried chicken concept – Birds – which will open next month within the much-loved Phillies of Shawlands.
Promising to build on El Perro Negro’s successful ethos of ‘quality, simplicity, and bold flavour’, Birds will bring Watkins’ signature attention to detail and ingredient-driven approach to the world of fried chicken.
“Just as El Perro Negro redefined Glasgow’s burger scene, Birds is set to shake things up, offering a carefully curated menu of high-quality fried chicken dishes in a laid-back, welcoming setting,” read his announcement.
Birds involves Watkins and business partner, Peter McKenna, owner of Glasgow fine dining restaurant The Gannet, and also a shareholder in El Perro Negro, joining forces with Luke Miskimmin and Phil Kirkpatrick, the duo behind Phillies.
Their joint aim is to bring a fresh and exciting addition to Glasgow’s thriving Southside foodie scene, with Birds ‘seamlessly integrated’ into Phillies, with its general manager, Laura Hughes, overseeing all front-of-house operations for both businesses.
“Birds has been in the making for some time, and I’m absolutely buzzing to finally share what we’ve been working on,” said Watkins.
“We’ve built a reputation at El Perro Negro for keeping things simple and letting high-quality ingredients do the talking, and Birds will be no different.
“Partnering with Phillies, a place that has become a real hub for great food and drink, is the perfect fit. We can’t wait for people to see – and taste – what we’ve got in store.”
Miskimmin of Phillies added: “We’ve always been about bringing people together over great food, drinks, and atmosphere, and Birds will add another dimension to the Phillies offering.
“The opportunity to collaborate with Nick, Peter, and the whole Birds team was an absolute no-brainer – it’s going to be something really special for Shawlands.”
Birds’ full menu – and indeed opening date – remains under wraps for now, but we are told to expect ‘an uncompromising focus on top-tier produce, expertly executed fried chicken, and bold, crave-worthy flavours’.
