Where to Enjoy England’s Favorite Dish
More than 255 million portions of chips are sold in fish and chip shops each year in the UK, so it’s little wonder that this traditional English dish is one of the nation’s favorite meals. We’ve searched high and low to track down London’s finest fish and chip shops and restaurants so you can tuck straight in.
01 of 11: Poppies, Spitalfields
Poppies has a branch in Spitalfields and in Camden, selling some of the most delicious chips in town. This is the nearest you’ll get to chips wrapped in newspaper to take away (this popular serving method was banned for health and safety reasons in the 1980s). Poppies in Spitalfields is the original restaurant and has a 1950s diner feel with super nice staff. The Camden spot also offers live music. The chips are cut good and thick, boasting a fabulous crunch as you bite into the fluffy center. Alongside traditional portions of cod, haddock, and scampi, you can also savor classic East End dishes like jellied eels.
02 of 11: The Golden Hind, Marylebone
The Golden Hind serves good quality fish and chips in an unassuming restaurant in Marylebone. It’s a small place always bustling with customers. While there, check out the decommissioned art deco fryer by F Ford of Halifax and the celebrity photos adorning the walls. Be warned: This spot is an institution that takes no reservations, so expect to wait in line. A bonus is that it’s BYOB without a corkage fee, and there are plenty of wine and liquor shops nearby.
03 of 11: Sea Shell of Lisson Grove, Marylebone
Sea Shell of Lisson Grove has been serving customers for over 40 years as both a restaurant and takeaway joint. It has a sterling reputation among locals and visitors alike, so be prepared for a wait. The establishment has attracted A-list fish and chip fans such as Denzel Washington, Lady Gaga, and Michael Jackson over the years. Your best bet? Grab a takeaway and enjoy it in nearby Regent’s Park, which is merely a 5-minute walk away.
04 of 11: Masters Superfish, Waterloo
Masters Superfish is renowned among Tripadvisor users and ranks among the top five percent of restaurants in London, despite its somewhat dingy exterior. The food, however, is of excellent quality, with massive portion sizes. The fish is delivered daily from London’s Billingsgate Fish Market. Dining in the restaurant includes complimentary prawns and pickles. A top tip: Arrive as early as 4:30 p.m. to avoid the dinner rush.
05 of 11: Seafresh, Victoria
Established in 1965, Seafresh sources its fish daily from Billingsgate Fish Market alongside deliveries from Aberdeen and Peterhead in Scotland. Located near Victoria Station on Wilton Street, Seafresh offers both eat-in and takeaway options.
06 of 11: The Rock & Sole Plaice, Covent Garden
London’s oldest fish and chip shop was established in 1871, maintaining a charming spot in Covent Garden. Enjoy sitting outdoors beneath twinkling trees on a lovely summer evening while relishing freshly fried fish, plaice, sole, and rockfish.
07 of 11: Fish House, Hackney
This independent family-run chippie in Hackney emphasizes sustainable dining. Its daily fish menu adheres to the Marine Conservation Society’s good fish guide. The chefs select eco-friendly, seasonal catches, and the chips come from farms approved by the British Potato Council. This community-oriented approach has paid off, as the owners opened their second shop in March 2016, just 5 miles away in London’s East Village near the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
08 of 11: Fryer’s Delight, Holborn
Fryer’s Delight is the go-to fish and chip shop for London cabbies, a testament to its quality. This establishment serves traditional fare: thick-cut chips and fish encased in a chunky batter, both fried in beef dripping.
09 of 11: North Sea Fish Restaurant, Bloomsbury
This long-established chip shop in Bloomsbury serves chunky, affordable chips. The restaurant is such a landmark that London cabbies are required to know its location when perfecting “The Knowledge.” Choose from typical fish options (haddock, cod, sole, and plaice), all battered and fried in vegetable oil.
10 of 11: Fish Bone, Fitzrovia
At this shop near Regent’s Park, you can enjoy fresh, cooked-to-order fish fried in groundnut oil, served with hand-cut, fat, and crispy chips. There are two tables outside, but ordering takeaway is recommended for a pleasant picnic in the park.
11 of 11: Laughing Halibut, Westminster
The Laughing Halibut is a friendly, old-fashioned fish and chip restaurant that remains bustling throughout the day. It should be noted that it closes at 8 p.m.—its main trade is from nearby office workers.
