Sides, the fastest-growing UK hot-chicken brand, has announced bold growth plans for 2026, setting out its ambitions to significantly grow its footprint across the UK and key international markets.
Building on a period of strong performance and rising global demand, the brand is doubling down on growth as it targets its next phase of expansion.
In 2026, Sides plans to open 15 new restaurants globally, taking its total portfolio to 20 Sides locations worldwide by the end of the year.
The UK will remain a core focus for Sides, following strong performance across its existing outlets. The hot chicken brand will continue to expand nationally, with new locations planned for Glasgow, Edinburgh and Livingston, alongside further plans in Liverpool and Cardiff as it reaches more fans throughout local regions and communities.
Sides already has five UK restaurants, including Lakeside in Essex, Bluewater in Kent, Boxpark Wembley, Merry Hill in the Midlands and the Arndale in Manchester.
Alongside its UK plans, Sides has announced a major phase of strategic international expansion into Asia and the Middle East, marking a significant milestone in its global growth journey.
The brand will open four new international locations across India, Malaysia, Singapore and the UAE, with locations already identified in Kuala Lumpur, Sentosa Island and Dubai.
This marks Sides’s second major step into international markets, following the successful opening of its first overseas restaurant in Singapore in June 2025.
Aaron Moore-Saxton, Managing Director at Sides, said: “This is all about doubling down on growth for Sides during 2026. We’re seeing incredible momentum in the UK and rising demand internationally, and that gives us real confidence in the next phase of our journey as we open new sites in Glasgow, Wales and Liverpool.
“Our expansion into India, Malaysia and the UAE is a further evolution for the brand, while our continued investment in the UK remains central to our strategy. As we grow, our priority is to deliver the same quality, consistency and energy everywhere we open, while moving closer to our ambition of becoming the best-tasting and largest UK hot-chicken brand worldwide.”
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As well as that, the Sidemen added: “We are seriously hyped to take this next step and bring even more people into our Sides journey. For us, it’s always been about bold flavours and great food, good energy and sharing moments that go way beyond and this is honestly just the start. We can’t wait to take you all along for what’s next.”
Sides was founded by the Sidemen in 2021, the UK’s biggest YouTube collective, in collaboration with Scottish-headquartered Hero Brands.
Sides aims to establish itself on the international hot-chicken scene through an uncompromising focus on quality, flavour and an authentic dining experience. As it expands into new markets, the brand seeks to reach more fans worldwide while staying true to its modern culture vision that has driven its success to date. With a strong pipeline of openings planned for 2026 and beyond, Sides is firmly positioning itself for sustained long-term growth.
