The team behind 12:51 have opened a brand-new bar on Upper Street, providing a permanent home for the lockdown success story, Around the Cluck by James Cochran.
Valderrama’s has officially opened its doors to the public. A bar that shows sport, but not a sports bar as we know it, serving Beavertown beers on tap, quirky cocktails, frozen margaritas and accompanied by James Cochran’s Around the Cluck fried chicken concept, which gained a cult following over lockdown summer 2020.
Named after Carlos Valderrama, the iconic playmaker captain of the famous Colombian 90’s football team, the bar takes inspiration from the player’s much-loved style, fun filled flare and sporting grace. The retro interior is filled with specially commissioned murals, paintings, including one made from vintage goalie shirts, and pictures by renowned, local artists, evoking classic 90’s nostalgia alongside Cochran’s menu and a selection of drinks curated by the 12:51 team.
The menu includes James’ crispy buttermilk fried chicken favourites: The Original – whipped blue cheese mousse, bacon scratchings and Sauce Shop x 12:51 Scotch Bonnet Jam, Spice Up Your Life – mango chutney, pickled cucumber, curry sauce, Bombay mix, smoked yogurt, poppadom, and coriander, Hear Me Now – cheese ‘n’ truffle fondue, smoked mushroom relish, slaw and The Veganator – crispy vegan patty, Gochujang, Asian slaw, peanuts, and coriander.
Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Thighs with chip-shop curry sauce or chicken gravy mayo, spring onions and seaweed buckets will also be on offer, and sides include Hash Browns or French Fries topped with jerk spice, gravy and crispy shallots or blue cheese and bacon.
Sports adds to the winning formula of this 12:51 team effort, with high spec screens and projectors strategically placed on site so no matter where guests are, they have a clear view to catch upcoming sporting events from the World Cup, Women’s Euros, the Grand Prix or some summer tennis, frozen margherita in hand.
The 48-cover venue includes an outdoor terrace and of course, welcomes the neighbourhood pooches, for a new community hub with team spirit and great food and drinks. DJs are in residence every Friday evening playing classic hip hop and RnB while on Saturdays there will be 80s,90s, and early 2000s bangers.
James Cochran said: “There’s a new player in town. Valderrama’s is exactly the type of bar I’ve been searching for my whole life. I’m so happy to have found a permanent home for Around the Cluck, and where better than a bar I’ve created with some of the best in the business. This is a game changer. It’s a sports bar, but we’re inclusive – there’s no discrimination here, just good drinks, great food and an amazing atmosphere. I can’t wait to open the doors and show everyone what we’ve made for them. We’re all on the same team – come join the Valderrama’s community.
We’re on the same team – join the Valderrama’s community – now open!
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