Hunting Down the Best Fish & Chips in London

Hunting Down the Best Fish & Chips in London

Stuffing your face with a good ol’ plate of fish & chips is a right of passage as you arrive in London Town. There are few meals as authentically British as this, and though it may seem like the most simple of concepts, the Brits take each plate very, very seriously.

Finding fish and chips in London is as easy as walking out the door of your hotel or Airbnb. The city is quite literally full of little “chippies”, as the locals call them. I do have a few that I recommend, read on.

Rock and Sole Plaice in London

The Rock and Sole Plaice is one of the oldest “chippies” in London’s history. They have been here forever, and are frequented by as many locals as they are tourists which is surprising. Local Brits usually avoid tourist traps at all costs.

You’ll take your pick of fish preferences. They have sole, cod, hake, rock fish and whatever other cuts have come in for the day.

Rock and Sole Plaice in London – by Rock and Sole Plaice – Uploaded by them

Fried fish is not the only sea creature on the menu; there’s calamari and garlic shrimp too. Sides include chips, coleslaw and good old mushy peas. Coat your plate in freshly squeezed lemon and dig in!

Be prepared to wait a few minutes for a table during peak service… it will be worth it.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday TO Sunday –  11:30am to 10:30pm

ADDRESS: 45-49 Endell St, London WC2H 9AJ, UK

METRO STATION: Covent Garden

The Mayfair Chippy in London

If you want to feel like a real local then take a guided walking tour through Hyde Park and end your stroll outside the Mayfair Chippy, situated not far from the main park entrance.

This low-key eatery is one of the most authentic and indulgent dining experiences you can have in London. Not only do they do fish and chips to perfection, there are other dishes like shepherd’s pie and boiled mussels on the menu as well.

The Mayfair Chippy in London – by The Mayfair Chippy – Uploaded by them

Your plate will come with their house servings of mushy peas, tartar and curry sauces. Mashed potatoes can be ordered as an extra but with the chips it’s really not necessary.

I do recommend making a booking for tables of more than two people, otherwise the wait time can get quite tedious.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday TO Sunday –  12pm to 10pm

ADDRESS: 14 N Audley St, Mayfair, London W1K 6WE, UK

METRO STATION: Bond Street

Poppie’s Fish & Chips in London

Poppie’s is one of the most renowned chippys in London because they are one of the only ones making use of sustainably caught fish.

They have been here since the 50s, and the interior is as it was back then. Customers love exploring the different memorabilia on the walls and, on certain occasions, a live band will play in the upper seating area.

Poppie’s Fish & Chips in London – by Poppie’s Fish & Chips – Uploaded by them

You’ll pay around £14 per person, which is pricier than most fish and chips shops in London but then again it is Camden. The Camden Market is a two minute walk from Poppie’s and is another unmissable experience while you’re in the area.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday TO Sunday –  11am to 11pm

ADDRESS: 30 Hawley Cres, Camden Town, London NW1 8NP, UK

METRO STATION: Camden Town

Kerbisher & Malt in London

Kerbisher & Malt are relatively new to the fish and chips scene in London. The success of their first shop here in the west has prompted the opening of two more locations in the city; exact neighborhoods of each are still to be determined.

My advice for K&M? Come hungry. Their portions are quite remarkable and for just £7.50 both you and your wallet will be more than satisfied.

The shop will happily do gluten free battered fish for anyone who needs it. The only quirk is that you need to call a day in advance so that they can prepare the batter in time. Vegetarians can eat at K&M as well; they do a battered halloumi cheese that acts as mock fish — delicious!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday TO Sunday –  12pm to 10pm

ADDRESS: 164 Shepherds Bush Rd, Hammersmith, London W6 7PB, UK

METRO STATION: Kensington Olympia

The Golden Hind in London

Another incredibly authentically British experience in London would be a guided walking tour through Oxford Street that ends off at the institution that is The Golden Hind.

This is another chippy that has been part of this city’s food culture since the beginning. To locals, there is no better place for fish and chips in London.

The Golden Hind in London – by The Golden Hind – Uploaded by them

The portions are generous and you can have your fish either battered or steamed (they are keeping up with the health food movements). Even your mushy peas don’t need to be mushed and seasoned, you can have them straight on the plate in their freshly steamed state.

Something wonderful about The Golden Hind is that they often have fresh salmon as a steamable option; completely unusual to the cuisine but a great addition in my opinion.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday TO Saturday –  12pm to 3pm // 6pm to 10pm

ADDRESS: 71a, 73 Marylebone Ln, Marylebone, London W1U 2PN, UK

METRO STATION: Bond Street

Golden Union in London

Trust Soho to have one of the trendiest chippys in all the city. The Golden Union is a retro, diner style fish and chips eatery that does the traditional plates alongside crisp, cold beers.

Portions come in either small or large. I initially believed there had been an error with my order and that I had been served a large accidentally. That is until they put an actual large potion down in front of the woman next to me. You cannot fathom the amount of food; don’t be scared of the small!

Golden Union in London – by Golden Union – Uploaded by them

I love the addition of the free jukebox that all customers are invited to contribute too!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday TO Sunday –  11:30am to 10pm

ADDRESS: 38 Poland St, Soho, London W1F 7LY, UK

METRO STATION: Tottenham Court Road