Rubicon and Sam’s Chicken to open free fruit-themed pop-up in Harlesden

Soft drinks brand Rubicon and the London takeaway chain Sam’s Chicken are running a two-day fruit-themed fast food pop-up next week at the chain’s branch in Harlesden. On 4^th and 5^th September, the team will be offering a limited-edition menu free of charge. Billed as the UK’s first Fast Fruit Shop, the takeover will be open for customers aged 16 and over from 3 to 9pm on the Friday and from 1 to 9pm on the Saturday. 

The temporary menu will serve chicken shop staples combined with fruit-led flavours to create dishes such as Cherry Jerk Mango Tostones Tacos, Tropical Pineapple Loaded Fries and Mango Fruit Churros, alongside variations on Sam’s classics such as a Rubicon Mango Fire Chicken Fillet Burger. Complimentary cans of Rubicon’s Mango, Tropical and Cherry Burst drinks will also be served.

And there’s more. Beyond the food, the pop-up will feature DJ sets, prize giveaways and an interactive fruit keyboard visitors will be able to play themselves that connects real exotic fruits to an electronic circuit so they function as musical instruments. The idea is to offer young people somewhere cool to hang out that isn’t a bar or pub. The Harlesden branch of Sam’s Chicken is also the filming location for Amelia Dimoldenberg’s Chicken Shop Date interview series, which adds an extra layer of intrigue to the day.

“Fast food just got a glow up,” says Lisa McKenna of Rubicon. “We know young people are looking for healthier choices and new ways to socialise beyond pubs and clubs. So, we’ve given their usual night out spot a fruity remix, packed with the big, bold flavours of Rubicon. We can’t wait for London to get a taste.”

Both the food and entry to the shop are free. Organisers have said advance booking is strongly recommended (link below), with a limited number of spaces reserved for walk-in visitors on the day. 

Food Desk

Rubicon’s Fast Fruit Shop opens on 4^th September 2026 at Sam’s Chicken, 84 High Street, London NW10 4SJ. For further information or to book tickets, visit here.