Sydenham’s first Morley’s sign preserved by London Museum

This announcement marks the beginning of celebrations for the family-run chicken shop’s 40th anniversary in 2025.

The red sign will be part of the museum’s Hanging Out display, which celebrates places where London’s communities come together.

Musicians Krept and Konan hand over the original Morley’s sign with Sydenham store owner Kannalingam Mahendran (brother of founder Indran Selvendran) and his daughter Janani Nageswaran (Image: John Chase/ London Museum) The sign was officially handed over at the London Museum’s stores by members of the Morley’s team, alongside south London musicians and entrepreneurs Krept and Konan.

Morley’s, founded in 1985 by Sri Lankan-born Kannalingam “Indran” Selvendran, has grown from a single shop into a high street staple, with more than 100 locations across London and beyond.

The brand has a loyal fan base, including the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.

Opening day of the first Morley’s store in Sydenham in 1985, picturing members of the Selvendran family (image: Morley’s)Shan Selvendran, chief executive officer of Morley’s, said: “Ever since our beginnings as a small family-run shop, it was always my father’s dream to make Morley’s a household name.

“Through his passion for community and flavour, he built a loyal presence in south London – laying the foundation for where we are today.

“Although his unexpected passing meant he wasn’t here to see just how far we’ve grown, Dad’s vision lives on – and it means the world to see our story being recognised by London Museum.”

Iconic Sydenham chicken shop sign to feature in Hanging Out exhibition (Image: Morleys)

Morley’s has become a community hub and cultural touchstone, featuring in music videos and TV shows, and serving as a backdrop for celebrity interviews.

The brand was recently spotlighted in an episode of Netflix’s Black Mirror series.

Dhikshana Turakhia Pering, head of creative programmes at London Museum, said: “Morley’s is an icon of London’s high streets – a name that instantly evokes memories of after school hangouts and late-night stories for generations of Londoners.

“It’s part of the DNA and culture of London and tells a story about community spirit and entrepreneurialism that’s at the heart of this city.

“Acquiring the original sign has been on our wish list since the early inception of Hanging Out.

“We’re thrilled it’ll join the museum’s collection as part of London’s story.”

The sign will be available to visit from 2026 as part of Our Time, a social space at the heart of the new London Museum.

Anyone with a suggestion or an item to donate can contact the museum at ourtime@londonmuseum.org.uk with as much detail as possible.

The museum, set within the historic Smithfield market buildings, will become a major new cultural landmark, welcoming more than two million visitors each year.

The search continues for signs from across Greater London to be featured in the Hanging Out display, from music venues and sports clubs to corner shops, nail salons, and cafes.

Signs should be relevant to the last 80 years and measure a minimum of around 50x50cm to be considered.