September 16 2024
As a comfort food and classic Friday night meal, traditional fish and chips have kept British tummies full for years. This quick and easy fast food features fresh fish coated in batter, served with fried potatoes. The best chippies in London also offer battered sausages, mushy peas and even pie dishes – great for soaking up the local culture.
Ready to eat? Discover the best fish and chips London can muster with our handy guide.
If you’re not from England, you may never have heard the term ‘chippy’ before. It’s simple slang for fish and chip shop, either a sit-in or takeaway restaurant serving battered fish like haddock and cod, as well as world-famous crispy chips.
London’s fish and chip heritage is said to be connected to East Londoner and Jewish migrant Joseph Malin. Legend has it he brought the idea of frying fish to London in 1860, using it to complement fried potatoes.
Fish and chips have long been a British staple, thanks to their cheap and accessible ingredients. Though the dish may have originated in Spain and Portugal, it soon became national cuisine – and was even exempt from rationing in both World Wars.
Fish and chips in Covent Garden don’t come any better than Rock and Sole Plaice. Featuring recipes passed down through 150 years of history, this family-run eatery offers two floors and an al fresco dining area.
Feast on fish and chips favourites including cod loin and haddock, or try something different with rock and skate. There are also internationally inspired starters including French Camembert. Don’t forget to save room for desserts like sticky toffee pudding.
Rock and Sole Plaice also has the accolade of the oldest Central London fish and chips shop. It was founded in 1971 and remains on Endell St, WC2H 9AJ, to this day. It played a rich part in London’s World War II history and has carried the Fenner family recipes through generations.
You’ll find Rock and Sole Plaice near our Piccadilly branch, and you can book your table here.
You won’t find anything conventional at Golden Union. The fish and chips Soho restaurant has more of a retro American diner style feel to it, but its flavours are no less iconic. You’ll be spoilt for choice thanks to its wide range of fried fish, featuring scampi, king prawns, plaice and cod.
If seafood restaurants aren’t your thing, there’s plenty of other British comfort food, including homemade chicken and mushroom or steak and ale pies. And don’t think that vegetarians or vegans have been missed off.
Golden Union has an extensive plant-based menu, mimicking the archetypal fish buttie and sausage tastes with their vegan alternatives. Top it all off with soft scoop ice cream or wash it down with wines, beers, spirits – or even a cup of tea.
You’ll find Golden Union on Poland Street, W1F 7LY. Be sure to stop off after a day’s shopping in Oxford Street or exploring Trafalgar Square.
If it’s not the best fish and chips in Mayfair, it may just be one of the best restaurants in London! This high-class establishment ranks at 34 for seafood restaurants on TripAdvisor. Not only does it have a Michelin star but, a 1AA Rosette and its own signature tartar and curry sauces.
Here you’ll find a vast selection of oysters, crab and mussels, alongside the ‘Mayfair Classics’ or cod and haddock. For vegan and vegetarian diners, there’s halloumi and to-fish (otherwise known as Norin seaweed). Go for full meals or fill the hole with comforting sandwiches. There’s also a smorgasbord of hearty puddings, coffees and liqueurs.
Dining with allergies or food preferences? No problem. Not only does The Mayfair Chippy have some of the best vegan fish and chips London has to offer; it also has alcohol-free and gluten-free batter.
Take your order away or book to dine in at The Mayfair Chippy on Audley Street, W1K 6WE, near our Marble Arch branch.
For fish and chips in Islington, Stoke Newington and Hackney Central, head to Sutton and Sons. This is a family affair with three locations across the capital, from the Northwest to Central London and the East End.
The Sutton family fishmonger is on hand to make sure only the freshest fillets make it to the restaurants, with locally sourced ingredients and homemade recipes. You’ll particularly enjoy Mrs Sutton’s pickled quail eggs if you’re looking for something new, or you can indulge in a full vegan menu.
Don’t forget to top it all off with a gelato or enjoy a pint of ale brewed in Hackney. You can only take away at the Islington branch on Essex Road, but be sure to stop in at Hackney Central on Graham Road or Stoke Newington on the high street.
Feast your tastebuds on the best fish and chips Marylebone can tempt you with. Head northwest towards Madame Tussauds if you’re feeling hungry. The Golden Hind has been running for more than 100 years since 2014, originally by Italian owners and today by Greeks.
That means you’ll go beyond your traditional old-school fish and chip menu. In fact, there are 13 different fish options including salmon, plaice, cod and haddock. You’ll also find Italian and Greek dishes like burrata, feta cheese fritters and affogato al caffé.
This one’s ideal if you’re looking for the best fish and chips restaurant in London with a more varied menu. Make group bookings for friends, enjoy private dining or even take your fare home. You can find The Golden Hind on Marylebone High Street, W1U 2PN.
From Michelin star restaurants near Park Lane to traditional English grub before a night at the theatre, there’s always a Thistle by your favourite chippy. Complete your culinary adventure with a stay at one of our London hotels.
