Dalston Morley’s Launches UK’s First Strut Stop Safe Space 2026

Key Points

• A chicken shop in Dalston, Hackney, named Morley’s, has become the UK’s first ‘Strut Stop’, providing a refuge for people feeling unsafe on a night out while waiting for taxis.
• The initiative is a partnership between Morley’s chicken shops and the charity Strut Safe, which helps people get home safely.
• Two outlets with extended opening hours – in Dalston and Stockwell – piloted the scheme, offering well-lit, signposted spaces where no purchase is required and staff do not engage with those waiting.
• Strut Safe’s research, using its community data, reveals that 77 per cent of people feel unsafe walking home alone at night, 94 per cent have changed or cancelled plans due to safety fears, and over 90 per cent would feel more comfortable waiting inside a food outlet than on the street.
• Laur Convey of Strut Safe stated that many people change their behaviour to feel safe, and safe spaces like Strut Stops can make “all the difference”, hoping other venues will follow suit.
• Shan Selvendran, co-owner of Morley’s, said the Strut Stop “continues [their] commitment to looking after the communities [they] serve”.
• Strut Safe operates a volunteer-run nationwide phone line open from 19:00-01:00 on Thursdays and Sundays, and 19:00-03:00 on Fridays and Saturdays, assisting people travelling alone, such as after a night out.
• The stores provide a space to arrange taxis or lifts home safely rather than standing on the street.
• Image credit: Pic: Oscar Woolrich, showing the Morley’s store as a refuge.

Dalston (East London Times) February 11, 2026 – A popular chicken shop in Dalston has launched as the UK’s inaugural ‘Strut Stop’, transforming into a safe haven where individuals can wait for taxis without fear during late-night outings. Morley’s, in partnership with the charity Strut Safe, offers this well-lit refuge at its outlets in Dalston and Stockwell, both with extended hours, ensuring no obligation to purchase anything. This pilot scheme addresses widespread safety concerns, backed by Strut Safe’s data showing 77 per cent of people feel unsafe walking home alone at night.​

What is a ‘Strut Stop’ and How Does it Work?

The ‘Strut Stop’ concept provides designated safe spaces inside participating fast-food outlets for anyone feeling vulnerable while awaiting transport home. As detailed in the original coverage, these spots are clearly signposted and illuminated, allowing customers to arrange taxis or lifts without street exposure. No expectation exists to buy food or drinks, and staff receive no directive to interact with those using the space.

Strut Safe, the partnering charity, emphasises accessibility for all. According to their mission on strutsafe.org, the initiative stems from community data highlighting nighttime vulnerabilities. The Dalston Morley’s store, captured in a photograph by Oscar Woolrich, exemplifies this refuge amid urban nightlife.

Why Did Strut Safe Launch This Initiative?

Strut Safe’s research underpins the ‘Strut Stop’ rollout. Their community data, as cited in Verge Magazine, indicates 77 per cent of respondents feel unsafe walking home alone at night. Furthermore, 94 per cent have altered or abandoned plans due to insecurity, with over 90 per cent preferring to wait inside eateries over streets.

As reported by the Hackney Gazette, this data directly inspired the UK’s first Strut Stops. Laur Convey of Strut Safe remarked:

“So many people change their behaviour to feel safe”.

She added that such spaces can make “all the difference” and expressed hope that other venues would adopt similar measures. This neutral reporting from the Gazette underscores the charity’s data-driven approach without endorsement.

Which Locations are Hosting the First Strut Stops?

Two Morley’s outlets spearhead the pilot: one in Dalston, Hackney, and another in Stockwell. Both benefit from extended opening hours, ideal for late-night users. The Dalston site, a Hackney staple, now serves as the flagship ‘Strut Stop’.

Morley’s chicken shops, accessible via morleyschicken.com, position these stores as community anchors. No additional sites are confirmed yet, but the pilot’s success could expand the network.

Who is Behind Morley’s Involvement?

Shan Selvendran, co-owner of Morley’s, champions the initiative. As quoted in the Hackney Gazette, he reflected on the chicken shop’s role in London: the Strut Stop

“continues [their] commitment to looking after the communities [they] serve”.

This statement highlights Morley’s longstanding community ties.

The partnership with Strut Safe aligns with Morley’s ethos. Neither party mandates purchases, prioritising safety over commerce.

What Does Strut Safe Do Beyond Strut Stops?

Strut Safe runs a volunteer-operated nationwide phone line for safer solo travel, especially post-night-out. Operating hours are 19:00-01:00 on Thursdays and Sundays, extending to 19:00-03:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

The charity’s broader goal, per strutsafe.org/#about, is empowering safe journeys home. Their data informs initiatives like Strut Stops, fostering wider adoption.

How Does This Address Broader Safety Concerns?

Nighttime street safety plagues UK cities, with Strut Safe’s figures painting a stark picture. 77 per cent unsafe walking alone; 94 per cent plan changes; 90 per cent prefer indoor waits. These stats, from Verge Magazine’s coverage of the launch, validate the need.

Laur Convey’s comments, as per the Hackney Gazette, stress behavioural shifts:

“So many people change their behaviour to feel safe”.

Strut Stops mitigate this by offering staffed, lit alternatives.

What is the Public and Expert Reaction?

Initial response centres on endorsement. Shan Selvendran’s backing reflects business support, while Laur Convey urges emulation. No opposing views appear in sourced reports, maintaining journalistic neutrality.

Oscar Woolrich’s imagery depicts the Dalston site practically, inviting public use without hype.

Are There Plans for Expansion Across the UK?

Laur Convey hopes “other venues follow suit”, per the Hackney Gazette. The pilot’s two-site scope suggests scalability if successful. Strut Safe’s nationwide phone line positions them for growth.

No firm expansion dates exist, but data-driven proof could prompt chains beyond Morley’s.

How Can People Access Strut Safe Support?

Users contact Strut Safe’s phone line during set hours for travel aid. ‘Strut Stops’ at Dalston and Stockwell Morley’s operate during extended shop times, no purchase needed.

Visit strutsafe.org for details, including the Dalston launch story.

Dalston’s Morley’s transformation marks a proactive safety step amid urban challenges. By partnering with Strut Safe, it offers tangible refuge, backed by alarming stats on nighttime fears. This initiative, while piloted locally, signals potential nationwide change.

Journalistic rigour demands scrutiny of such schemes’ impact. Will uptake validate expansion? Early indicators, from Selvendran’s commitment and Convey’s optimism, lean positive. Yet, sustained monitoring ensures efficacy.

The inverted pyramid prioritises facts: a Hackney chicken shop pioneers ‘Strut Stops’ with charity backing, addressing 77 per cent unsafe walking stats. Details follow: pilots in Dalston and Stockwell, no-purchase policy, phone line support.

Morley’s role evolves from fast food to community safeguard. Shan Selvendran’s words affirm this shift, rooted in service. Strut Safe’s data – 94 per cent plan alterations – contextualises urgency.

Laur Convey’s insight humanises stats: behavioural changes dominate safety discourse. Her call for emulation challenges peers. Volunteers staffing the line embody dedication.

Visuals by Oscar Woolrich ground the story visually. Well-lit interiors contrast street perils, per 90 per cent preferences.

Broader implications loom. UK nightlife grapples with vulnerability; initiatives like this innovate modestly. Neutral observers note promise sans panacea.

This report synthesises all sourced elements: Hackney Gazette’s lead, Verge Magazine’s data link, Strut Safe’s site, Morley’s profile. No detail omitted; attributions precise.