The space
For the past few months, Paddington’s pavement wanderers have been trying to catch a glimpse inside the space that once upon a time housed Ruby Cafe. Rumours have spread like wildfire about a new fried-chicken restaurant that is making the space its own, and now Winner Winner has hatched – plating up some of the most impressive chicken dinners in town from Tuesday November 15. The brainchild of Luke Stringer (formerly of the Olé Restaurant Group) and Ashleigh Bates, Winner Winner taps into the couple’s unbridled adoration of fried chicken – specifically Nashville-style chicken complete with spices and moreish sides – and their desire to open a fun and accessible eatery for locals. The space has been given a substantial facelift, with Ashleigh adopting a classic black-and-white aesthetic throughout the space (with a few splashes of orange as well), while original features such as the rear window overlooking leafy Paddington and sliding doors at the front keep things breezy. The bar has been extended, cased over and tiled, and a new downstairs space has been converted into an area perfect for large groups as well as few intimate booths.

The food
As far as we are concerned, you can’t go wrong with a cooked chook – the versatility is simply unmatched. Luke and Ash have aimed to utilise the whole bird throughout the Winner Winner menu, which is split into individual bites and shareable dinner packs. Patrons can pick and choose their feast and heat level (mild, medium and hot) for snacks such as chicken burgers, chicken tenders, wings, dark meat (drumsticks and thighs), curly fries, onion rings, zesty slaw and something curiously titled ‘porn corn’. If it is a feast you are after, then put on your stretchy pants and your game face – Winner Winner is bringing the heat. Opt for the Fly AF meal and get ten wings, two sides and two sauces, or tuck into the Boneless Box filled with tenders, thighs and chicken bites or just order The Whole Darn Bird and bury yourself in eight wings, four tenders, four drumsticks, chicken bites and chips. Rounding out the offering is a cheeky sundae and a drinks selection including tap beers from local breweries, Australian and international wine by the glass or bottle and a neat selection of cocktails.

The details
Winner Winner will be keeping the atmosphere loose by playing exclusively RnB, hip-hop and funk. No bookings are required and all dinner boxes can be taken away with delivery available in the coming weeks. On Friday and Saturday nights the kitchen will stay open until 11:30 pm, come rain, hail or shine.

Craving a chicken dinner? We don’t blame you. You can find out more details over in the Stumble Guide.