The CRATE family continues to grow with the addition of Bare Bones – the home of buttermilk chicken wings and dreamy desserts. Bare Bones opened its doors on 3 February and is already proving popular with visitors to the busy food hall.

“We’re excited to bring Bare Bones to Walthamstow and introduce a new crowd to the best wings they’ve ever had,” says Bare Bones founder, David Luck. “Whether you’re a wing purist, a sauce fanatic, or just after a proper comfort food experience, we’ve got something for you. We’re all about stripping things back to the bare essentials – great food, done right.

“CRATE’s concept of bringing together high-quality, independent food brands makes it a great fit for us. Walthamstow has an energetic, diverse food scene, and CRATE brings together a fantastic mix of independent businesses in a way that feels fresh, welcoming, and community driven. It’s the kind of place where people come together to eat, drink, and socialize – exactly the kind of environment where Bare Bones thrives.”

Bare Bones specialises in twice-fried buttermilk chicken wings and tenders, which are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with bold flavours. Its extensive menu features nine signature in-house flavours, ranging from classics like Buffalo with Blue Cheese Ranch to bolder options like Hot Honey, Teriyaki, and Chinese Salt & Pepper.

“We keep it simple, but do it exceptionally well,” explains David. “Alongside wings and tenders, we serve loaded sides like Cajun Fries, Buffalo Fries, and our signature Loaded Hash Brown Stacks – crispy hash browns topped with Cajun seasoning, BBQ sauce, or Buffalo sauce. We also offer Chicken & Waffles, which has quickly become a fan favourite. There’s a kids’ menu and our chicken is halal, ensuring more people can enjoy the wings and tenders without compromising on quality or flavour.”

And because no meal is complete without something sweet, Bare Bones offers desserts too: “Our soft-serve ice cream machine is a game changer,” adds David. “We serve up homemade brownies, freshly made waffles, and thick, creamy soft-serve ice cream. Whether you’re in the mood for a warm, gooey brownie with ice cream on top or a classic waffle drizzled with syrup, we’ve got the perfect sweet finish. Our desserts complement the other amazing food offerings at CRATE, making it an ideal spot to grab great food and an indulgent treat all in one place.”

Bare Bones officially launched in January 2025, with its first venue in Rochester before quickly expanding to Walthamstow. The ambitious eatery also plans to open in Canterbury, as well as adding ghost kitchen locations in Ramsgate, Eastbourne, and Maidenhead to expand its delivery reach. A West London restaurant is also in the works as part of the company’s next phase of expansion.

Commenting on CRATE’s new arrival, 17 & Central’s Centre Manager, Gavin Cockayne, said: “We couldn’t be more excited that Bare Bones has joined CRATE. They have a unique offering – one that fits really well with our vibe – and the chicken wings are divine. Come and try them for yourself if you don’t believe me! We’re looking forward to working with Bare Bones and watching them become part of our thriving CRATE community.”