Wingstop opens in Romford after planning approval
The chicken restaurant chain has taken over a former TGI Fridays unit at The Brewery shopping centre.
News London evidence indexOpen analysis ▾
Includes named executives and council approval document, but lacks multiple independent sources.
Higher is stronger
Quotes from Wingstop chief and centre manager, but reads like a press release.
Higher is stronger
Headline overstates urgency; article is largely promotional with limited depth.
Lower is better
Wingstop opened its doors at Unit 11, The Brewery, Romford on 7 October 2026, marking its first establishment in the town. The new restaurant occupies the space formerly held by TGI Fridays, which ceased trading in September 2024 after the chain entered administration.
Planning and Licensing
Former Romford youth centre becomes nine family homes
Redevelopment of historic Century Youth House site on Albert Road is underway.
Havering Council granted approval for the planning application, titled 'Wingstop Romford', in April 2026. The restaurant chain had also sought a licence to operate until 12:30am from Sunday to Thursday, and until 2:30am on Fridays and Saturdays. This licensing application was scheduled for review by Havering Council's licensing sub-committee on 2 October, following objections from the licensing authority and environmental health teams. However, the application was subsequently withdrawn, as indicated on Havering Council's meeting calendar.
Restaurant Features
The new Wingstop restaurant accommodates 77 diners and offers the brand's full menu, including wings, tenders, boneless options, burgers, and sides. Two limited-edition flavours, Hot Honey and Hot Honey Sriracha, are also available at the Romford location. To celebrate its opening, the first 100 customers were offered a choice of eight free chicken wings or boneless pieces.
Havering Council refuses 10-person HMO in Romford
Retrospective application for 290 North Street, a former pub, was denied due to inadequate living conditions for residents.
Chris Sherriff, chief executive at Wingstop UKI, stated his excitement about the Romford opening, saying, "We’re genuinely excited to be opening in Romford. The Brewery feels like a great home for Wingstop, and we can’t wait to welcome people through the doors, serve up our bold flavours and become part of the local community." Stuart Wilson, centre manager of The Brewery, also welcomed the brand, describing it as "a hugely adored brand" that had chosen The Brewery for its next opening.
Questions this report answers
+When did Wingstop open in Romford?
Wingstop opened its new restaurant at Unit 11, The Brewery, Romford on 7 October 2026. This date followed the approval of its planning application by Havering Council in April 2026.
+What was at the unit before Wingstop opened?
The unit at Unit 11, The Brewery, was previously occupied by TGI Fridays. That restaurant closed down in September 2024 after the chain entered administration.
+How many seats does the new Wingstop have?
The new Wingstop restaurant in Romford has 77 seats. To celebrate its launch, the first 100 customers received a choice of eight free chicken wings or boneless pieces.
News London Desk
This article was written at the News London news desk from the reporting of the outlets listed below it. Drafting is done by a language model under human editorial supervision — there is no reporter behind this byline, and we would rather say so than invent one.
How stories are produced and scoredWho runs News LondonCorrections
The London Ledger
A considered capital-wide edit delivered each morning.
More Coverage in Business
Former Romford youth centre becomes nine family homes
Havering Council refuses 10-person HMO in Romford
Super-rich worth £121bn loosen UK ties since 2024
