What do Helen Mirren, Monty Python and fish and chips all have in common? They’re all British national treasures. We’d love to give you all three, but Dame Helen is sort of busy these days. When it comes to food tips, however, we’ve got you covered. Traditionally seaside fare, fish and chips are now so ubiquitous, it can be tricky to find a non-touristy lunch spot. But here’s how to know that you’re at a good one: The fish should be fresh and crisp (never greasy) and the chips chunky and fluffy (not soggy). Another way to find a decent "chippy"? By checking out one of these delicious picks.
The 6 Best Spots for Fish and Chips in London
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Published May 25, 2017
Golden Union
Golden Union Fish Bar
This trendy Soho joint dishes up sustainably sourced fish and tasty chips in a retro cool milieu, complete with subway-tiled walls and neon signs. Traveling with a vegetarian? No problem—the battered halloumi is delightful and the hearty pies will set you up for a day of sightseeing.
38 Poland St.; goldenunion.co.uk
Fish House
Fish House
Serving an ethically sourced and seasonal menu, this family-friendly eatery is a great place to dine in but even better to carry out. Take your golden battered fish and twice-cooked chips to go and sit in nearby Victoria Park for an alfresco meal with a view. Afterward, burn off those calories with a few laps around the lake in a rowboat or pedalo, available for hire during the summer months.
128 Lauriston Rd.; fishhouse.co.uk
Kerbisher & Malt
Kerbisher & Malt
This casual Ealing joint does classic fish and chips beautifully, but it’s worth checking out the other menu items, too (the scampi and pickled onion rings are totally drool-worthy). Nigella Lawson is a fan of the fish finger buttys (that’s sandwiches to you and me), and it even brews its own beer, the Kerbisher Pale Ale. Cheers.
53 New Broadway; kerbisher.co.uk
Poppies
Poppies
The brainchild of Pat ‘Pop’ Newland (who’s been in the fish-and-chip biz since 1952), this old-school eatery is full of quirky touches including a jukebox, waitresses donning 1950s uniforms, (faux) newspaper-wrapped chips and jellied eels (yep, exactly what it sounds like). This is the perfect place in Spitalfields to tuck into a warm plate of fish and chips in a charming atmosphere.
6-8 Hanbury St.; poppiesfishandchips.co.uk
The Golden Hind
The Golden Hind
This century-old chippy in the heart of Marylebone offers perfectly crisp fish with nice and chunky chips. Those seeking a healthier bite can get their fish steamed, but leave room for dessert—the ultra British selection includes rhubarb crumble, spotted dick (sounds gross, tastes delicious) and bread and butter pudding. Yum.
71a–73 Marylebone Ln.; goldenhindrestaurant.com
J Sheekey
J Sheekey
Who said fish and chips can’t be gourmet? This popular (and posh) Covent Garden spot has been dishing up plates of seafood to happy customers since the 1890s. While its West End location makes it an excellent choice for a pre- or post-theater bite (the art deco-style Champagne bar next door is an elegant way to cap off an evening), it’s worth a visit no matter your plans.
28-32 St. Martin's Court; j-sheekey.co.uk
