There is a new fried chicken spot in Cardiff, but you will not find it on a busy high street. Instead, it is tucked away down a quiet lane just off Crwys Road, and it might be one of the most unusual takeaway setups in the city.
Called Three Flames, the new spot specialises in Nashville-style hot chicken and smashed burgers, and it works entirely as a drive-through collection kitchen.
The idea comes from three brothers who spent months researching the famous American style of hot chicken before launching their own take here in Cardiff. They travelled, tried some of the best versions they could find and then developed their own spice blends and recipes from scratch.
Customers place their order online through the website, choose a collection time, then simply drive down the lane to pick it up when it is ready.
The name Three Flames represents the three brothers behind the business, but it also reflects the fiery nature of the food. Their Nashville chicken comes in four different heat levels.
There is Spark, which is the mild option, followed by Blaze for medium heat, Inferno for those who like it hot, and finally 3rd Degree, which is exactly as intense as it sounds.
Even the mild option packs a punch, with the team warning that it can still make you break a sweat.
Everything on the menu is made fresh in-house each day. The chicken is known for its extreme crunch and deep flavour, thanks to their own spice blends which are produced to their recipe.
Alongside the Nashville chicken, the menu also includes smashed burgers, thick shakes and a lava cake served with custard, adding a bit of comfort food sweetness to balance out the heat.
The brothers intentionally chose a smaller location behind Crwys Road to keep things simple while they build the business. By keeping overheads low, they can focus on quality and let word spread naturally.
Three Flames opens daily from 4pm and serves until it sells out, which, judging by the early reaction, could happen pretty quickly.
To order, head to www.threeflames.uk, where you can choose your heat level and collection time. You can also follow them on social media at threeflames.uk to keep up with updates.
