Peterborough's new peri peri chicken restaurant Five Lads is hot stuff

I have eaten in a couple, out of curiosity and convenience, but that is as far as it has gone; the whole peri peri grilled chicken fad appeared to have passed me by until the weekend when I paid a visit to the new Five Lads restaurant in Cowgate, Peterborough city centre.

The premium grill-style restaurant specialising in flamed peri peri grilled chicken (and burgers) 0nly opened a month ago but the long and expensive refurbishment of a former estate agency was worth it on the back of this visit.

It is a smart looking place inside - a little rustic but still quite modern with a super open kitchen.

The greeting could have been chirpier (not that it is a deal breaker) but the service was polite, helpful and very professional.

The menu is limited (of course it is, it’s a grilled chicken restaurant), is straightforward and easy to follow but I was impressed with the variety of side dishes on offer - plus a kids’ menu.

It was quite busy when we arrived - and at capacity by the time we started tucking into our lunch - but there were no unnecessary delays.

I had the half chicken - and chose the lemon and herb flavouring. It tasted fabulous and the meat was cooked a treat. A knife and fork can only do so much and I unashamedly picked up what was left and finished it off. Delicious.

I paired it with a lovely mixed leaf salad with tomatoes, sweetcorn, olives and cucumber, which had a super dressing. With a canned drink (there is no alcohol) it was, for me, a steal at £7.99.

Donna had her half chicken with a hot sauce - perfectly cooked but too hot for my tastebuds - and two sweet and juicy corn on the cobs (also £7.99), while the girls had plain but tasty strips of chicken with a side and a drink for £4.99.

Grilled chicken? I get it now. The Lads have shown me the way.

Brad Barnes dines at Five Lads in Cowgate, Peterborough 
www.fivelads.co.uk

Brad’s rating: 8