For the last few weeks, I have been dreaming of a chicken burger. Don’t ask me why.. not something I normally crave, but it was there, lodged in my mind like a life-goal, a big fat juicy chicken burger.

So a chance to review The Rebel Chicken last week, was like the planets had aligned, and I found myself trundling up to Pitsford Street in the Jewellery Quarter, on the tram which you can now catch from Grand Central – so easy.

I was first in the door and had chance to take a few snaps of the interior. The inside is light and airy, clean with a brick and wood theme which provides a bright warming effect. It’s an old building and no doubt hides an interesting history being in this location.

The main bar downstairs serves a great array of spirits and a few beers on tap. This is a funky little bar in itself and I would feel comfortable just nipping in for a few cocktails or pints one eve.

There is a large courtyard which has ample seating for summer months, I am told there will be a newly covered area for the winter with heaters and occasional live music.

The flower for the batter is spiced with paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt and pepper.

Downstairs is very contemporary with a small seating area, ideal for anyone with young children – a couple with child in pushchair came in as I was ordering. Upstairs reminded me of a diner the way the seating is laid out. You are greeted with a huge buffalo head upon reaching the top of the stairs. This restaurant area is really cosy, and relaxing. It was raining outside and you have some views out towards Hockley, which ads to the interest. Thought has obviously gone into the aesthetics, and it works for me.

Buttermilk marinated fried Chicken Breast

So to the food. I had a look over the menu which includes options of quarter, half or whole chicken, Rebel Wraps (crispy buttermilk chicken goujons with cheese, slaw, crispy red onions, Cos lettuce & aioli, served in a wholemeal wrap with chips), Rebel Wings (mountain of buffalo wings coated in homemade signature sauces), Dirt Bird (melt in the mouth buttermilk chicken served with chips), Yard Burger (buttermilk chicken stacked in a burger served with chips), Not For Me (freshly made falafel served in a charcoal grilled pitta with spicy salsa and salad).

I opted for my long awaited Chicken Burger with a pint of Open Gate lager which was refreshing and well looked after.

Sian soon delivered my Buttermilk Chicken burger and it looked awesome. This is Buttermilk marinated fried Chicken Breast served with Swiss Cheese, Siracha Mayo, Baby Gem Lettuce and Beef Tomato. With a side of chips – you can also design your own burgers so I added smoked bacon to this beast.

Something I enjoyed was the chilled out Jazz vibes, it complimented the decor and added a nice touch to the ambiance.

The bun was crispy and the first bit into the chicken was the same sense of satisfaction you get when panging for a balti, it just immediately hits the spot!

I was interested to find out that the meat is from a butchers in the Bullring Indoor food hall and is red tractor assured (Traceable, safe and farmed with care).

To my delight, the chicken tore apart easily with a lightly crispy outer crunch, and soft succulent meat beneath did literally melt in my mouth. I was interested to find out that the meat is from a butchers in the Bullring Indoor food hall and is red tractor assured (Traceable, safe and farmed with care).

Great attention has gone into the details of the food at Rebel Chicken. The flower for the batter is spiced with paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt and pepper. I only know this because I asked the chef what the slightly spicy taste was, expecting it to be a garnish but nope, the batter was utterly delicious.

Even the chips were a crispy tasty 10/10, my only gripe if I had one, I would prefer the chips to arrive unsalted so that I can add my own.

The salad was fresh, the cheese just added to this explosion of taste and I would absolutely say this was the best chicken burger I have ever tried. I’m not just saying that, it really was and has encouraged me to return and try other options of the >>menu<<.

The Rebel Chicken is well worth the short trip up to the Jewellery Quarter and it was filling up as I left. Great place to chill out with friends or an informal hearty meaty meal.

As I was leaving local DJ Deano Ferrino was about to tuck into some chicken wings so I took the opportunity for a snap.

Review by Nick Byng for Grapevine Birmingham.