A special £1 chicken and chips deal at Hajees Original Fish & Chips in Birmingham created a scene of chaos on March 15, 2024, as eager customers queued for over an hour for the popular offer. The takeaway, which holds a one-star food hygiene rating, attracted significant attention on social media, amassing over 76,000 views on TikTok.
As customers lined up outside the establishment at around 3pm, just an hour before the deal was set to expire, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. Many were lured by the nostalgic promise of affordable comfort food, reminiscent of better times. Despite its hygiene rating, the takeaway was bustling, with staff working tirelessly to keep up with the overwhelming demand.
Inside, the cramped space buzzed with activity as patrons shuffled forward, their excitement palpable. A father ahead in the queue shared his perspective, stating, “I’m just here for the kids,” highlighting the family-friendly appeal of the offer.
However, just as the clock ticked towards the end of the promotional period, a worker announced, “We’re out of chicken,” at 3:50pm. This news triggered a wave of frustration among those waiting, particularly from a mother who had been in line for nearly an hour. Her impassioned rebuttal to the staff encapsulated the growing tension: “No, there’s still five minutes left. We’ve been here for 50 minutes.”
Despite the mounting chaos, the scene was a testament to the public’s determination to claim their meal. After enduring the lengthy wait and overcoming the urge to leave, I reached the counter and placed an order for chips, a grilled chicken wrap, and an ‘Ice Cola’ for £8.
Upon returning to my car, I unwrapped my meal with eager anticipation. I had requested a touch of mayonnaise on my chips, but what I received was an overwhelming amount, rendering a large portion of them nearly inedible. Nevertheless, the remaining golden chips offered a delightful crunch and a warm, fluffy interior, delivering the comfort food experience I had hoped for.
The chicken wrap, while not extraordinary, held its own and could be likened to the quality of meals at KFC, a comparison I do not make lightly given my fondness for their offerings.
Reflecting on the experience, the question lingered: would I make the journey across Birmingham again for another taste of Hajees? The answer is a definitive no. However, I walked away with a valuable lesson: a one-star hygiene rating does not inherently equate to poor food quality. Additionally, it is advisable to be cautious when requesting extra condiments.
