At first glance, The
Piping Hot Chicken Shop in Ocean Grove looks just like your average takeaway/café. But it's not until you push through the plastic strips on the door and step inside that you realise that this is all an illusion.
Piping Hot Chicken Shop
Located in the main street of Ocean Grove, The Piping Hot Chicken Shop is more than just a chicken shop. I mean, sure, they do sell hot roast chickens, souvlaki and burgers, but it's the nostalgic interior of the shop that sets them apart from all others.
There aren't many takeaway joints around where the décor is infinitely more interesting than the menu.
On entering the store, the first thing you notice is the mismatched furniture; battered-looking Formica tables, anchored to the floor by old tyres, and surrounded by a variety of vinyl chairs that wouldn't look out of place at a garage sale. On the 'feature wall', there is a huge shelving unit that houses a collection of records, music speakers, and electric guitars. It is quite an impressive display. This is, in turn, surrounded by wallpaper made up of old gig posters and what could only be described as graffiti street art (of an indoor nature).
Some of the decor in the shop
However, the bric-a-brac furnishing of the shop is not just relegated to the walls, as the ceiling provides just as much interest. Not only do surfboards and old surf-lifesaving equipment hang from the roof, but there is one section devoted entirely to random everyday objects. These items are firmly attached to the ceiling and include thongs, Frisbees, plates, classic board games such as Monopoly, Scrabble and Chess (all set up as though they are mid-game, although upside down), as well as a line of Babushka dolls. It's as though someone has decided to stick a piece of used chewing gum to each item and toss it onto the ceiling to see what sticks and what doesn't.
A fascinating view of the ceiling
I realise that my descriptions of the trash-and-treasure-style of this shop may be off-putting for some people, but this really is an awe-inspiring place to see, and the food- especially their famous chips and gravy- is pretty great too.
There's a wide range of chicken items on the menu, including burgers, souvlaki, sandwiches and rolls. They also serve organic fair trade coffee and an assortment of cold drinks. This ever-busy establishment provides affordable, yet tasty meals in a relaxed and vibrant atmosphere.
The Piping Hot Chicken Shop is a popular venue for live music gigs on Friday and Saturday nights, but during the day, visitors can enjoy a soundtrack of folksy rock, blues and jazz, which flow from the speakers within the shop.
If you're in Ocean Grove and after something to eat, then you can't beat The Piping Hot Chicken Shop for something a little out of the ordinary.
