Double Standard

“Hot Chilli, Warm Service – A Pecking Lunch at The Standard” ⸻ Stumbled across this limited-edition pop-up via Hot-Dinners.com, and I’m glad I did — even if my taste buds left with mixed opinions. From 31st July to 14th September, Pecking House (a cult NYC fried chicken spot) is collaborating with The Double Standard Bar at The Standard Hotel, London. I visited as a walk-in for lunch on 5th August, curious to see how this fried food fusion would hold up across the pond. ⸻ 🚇 Getting There: 📍 The Standard, London 10 Argyle Street, London WC1H 8EG • Nearest Tube Station: King’s Cross St. Pancras • Use the Euston Road exit (NOT Pancras Road) • Cross over and take a short 4–5 min stroll • Bus routes nearby include: 30, 73, 205, 214, 390 • Stop: King’s Cross Station / Euston Road ⸻ 🥢 The Dishes & Drinks: 🔹 Chilli Fried Cauliflower (£9.00) Went in expecting some punch, came out with a whisper. I opted for the Fish Sauce Caramel and Spring Onion dressing — the sauce was subtle (a little too subtle), and the spring onion was more of a cameo than a feature. Shared honest feedback with the manager, who received it graciously. ⭐ Chilli Fried Chicken (£16.00) Here we go. This was the star of the meal — crisp coating, well-balanced spices, and a noticeable (but not overbearing) kiss of Sichuan peppercorn (yes, that’s the correct spelling). You currently get two drumsticks and one breast. It would be nice to allow diners a choice of cuts — I’d personally swap a drumstick for a juicy thigh any day. Management took the feedback on board. 🧂 Chicken Salt Fries (£7.00) Nostalgic but not in a “wow” way — think Knorr’s Aromat with a chicken twist. Safe, salty, but not standout. 🥒 Smashed Cucumber (£11.00) Refreshing, but lacking that zesty hit you want from a palate cleanser. Also, it felt a bit steep price-wise considering the ingredients. 🍸 Lime Slushy Michelada (£13.50) Was hoping for zing, but got zip. Surprisingly flat citrus profile. BUT — shout-out to the awesome mixologist, who let me sample the Pineapple & Ginger and Tomato Micheladas on the house. Of the three, the Pineapple & Ginger is the one to order. Tangy, balanced, and just punchy enough. 🥣 Pecking House Sauce (£2.50) This is the real MVP condiment. A perfect partner for the chicken and fries — rich, savoury, and umami-packed. ⸻ 💫 The Vibe & Service: Here’s where the experience soared. The staff were exceptional — genuinely warm, engaging, and eager to hear feedback. No ego, no defensiveness — just a team proud of their craft and ready to listen. Honestly, that sort of vibe makes you overlook a few flavour hiccups. The manager and the bar team deserve real praise. Hospitality done right. 🤌 ⸻ 🚻 Facilities: Toilets are located downstairs, right before you enter the Double Standard Bar space. Modern, sleek, and immaculately kept — with a cool, almost club-lounge chic. ⸻———————————————————— 🎯 Verdict: A pleasant lunch with standout service and a fried chicken dish that truly hits the mark. There are some growing pains in the menu execution (especially around clarity, pricing, and seasoning), but I left with a smile 😊…not just because of the food, but because of the people behind it. Hot tip: If you go, ask for the breast and thigh combo, and don’t leave without trying the Pecking House Sauce and the Pineapple & Ginger Michelada.