As iconic as Sunday roasts and fry-ups, fish suppers are just about as British as you can get, with 167 million portions of them being devoured every year. The notion of eating deep-fried fish was introduced to the country by the Spanish and Portuguese, and we've since made them our own with thousands of shops up and down the country. Whether you're looking for a Friday night treat or have a craving for the dish that's been around since 1860, nobody can deny that the sweet taste of freshly battered cod and chunky chips really does hit the spot. Here’s our guide to the best fish and chips London has to offer, spanning classics to sustainable specials and everything in between.
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The Best Fish And Chips In London
Poppies Fish And Chips
Spitalfields, Camden, Soho and Notting Hill
There’s no denying that Poppies Fish And Chips is up there when it comes to perfecting the battered dish. Established in 1952, it’s been following traditional cooking methods set by its founder Pat ‘Pops’ Newland and blessing Londoners with their British guilty pleasure done properly. Its restaurants are scattered with retro memorabilia across Spitalfields, Camden, Soho and Portobello, and front lip-smackingly, vinegary chips on the menu alongside cod roe, haddock and lemon sole that's fresh from Billingsgate each morning, and cooked in ground nut oil. Eat in or takeaway, and hit up its North London outpost for a side helping of live music to go with your supper on the first Friday of every month.
These famous fish connoisseurs are sustainable and scrumptious.
Toff’s
38 Muswell Hill Broadway, N10 3RT
The best place in North London for deep-fried fillet of flakey cod has got to be the multi-award-winning Toff’s in Muswell Hill. In 1988, Andreas Ttoffali took over a humble chippy and turned it into an award-winning establishment that has since been passed on to Giga Georgiou and son Christopher who continue its family-run legacy. Here you'll find fresh fish caught from UK docks and a refined batter cooked in ground nut oil. On the menu? We’re talking butterfly prawns, halibut, fish cakes and Dover sole.
Expect friendly faces at this North London gem.
The Seashell Of Lisson Grove
49-51 Lisson Grove, NW1 6UH
The Seashell Of Lisson Grove is known for its famous fish and chips in London that's drawn in a celebrity crowd - everyone from Ed Sheeran to Michelin star chef Yoshihiro Murata has frequented its marbled counter. The modern and glossy-tiled eatery is family-run and renowned for its tartare sauce, and its ability to coat fish that's delivered daily on-site in matzo or panko breadcrumbs (ideal for those who wish to veer away from batter as part of their chip supper). It also sports a gorgeous private dining room that seats up to 16 guests looking to feast on prawn cocktails, popcorn cod and grilled octopus.
A fair few famous faces pop up at this haunt.
Fish Lounge
99 Brixton Hill, SW2 1AA
This South London beauty has been coined the ultimate chip shop of them all. Fish Lounge in Brixton Hill has been run by the same man, Gus Mustafa, for 45 years, who believes the key to being the crème de la crème is all in the freshness of the ingredients. It boasts a warm and welcoming atmosphere for those seeking a battered beauty for tea and even has a celebrity clientele like rapper 21 Savage who sings its praise. Head down to try its battered haddock and chips, whole tail scampi or cod roe and you'll soon see why this humble haunt has earned its acclaim.
This Brixton beauty is on a lot of people's hit lists.
The Fryer's Delight
19 Theobalds Road, WC1X 8SL
This multi-award-winning haunt in Bloomsbury can count the likes of Jamie Oliver as one of its many fans. The Fryer’s Delight serves the best fish and chips in Central London, with its catches freshly delivered to its retro-style, wooden-panelled eatery on a daily basis. It was started by a pair of Italian brothers, Giovanni and Giuseppe Ferdenzi, and has made a name for itself by being popular among London cab drivers. If you want the classics done right, make this your one-stop shop for all things battered cod as well as quality chips cooked in organic oil.
It really is a Fryer's Delight at Jamie Oliver's favourite chip shop.
Rock And Sole Plaice
47 Endell Street, WC2H 9AJ
Serving hungry Londoners since 1871, Rock And Sole Plaice is the go-to if you’re after fish and chips in Covent Garden. It's steeped in history, having a basement room that previously served as a meeting place in WWII for community volunteers to plan provision distribution. It's a family-run business, passing down traditional recipes since the Fenner sisters lived above the shop to when Mary Goody encouraged them to up their game which, in turn, made this place the best of the best. You can expect to devour the likes of cod loin here, as well as everything from calamari to lemon sole.
When it comes to fish and chips, you've come to the right plaice.
The Golden Hind
71a, 73 Marylebone Lane, W1U 2PN
In the heart of Marylebone is The Golden Hind, an authentic fish and chips spot that contains 100 years of history. It offers a dine-in space complete with navy blue walls and dark, wooden furnishings for those looking to chomp on marine classics in comfort. Pull up a thatched street-side chair and browse a menu packing fresh flavours; its fish is caught fresh on a daily basis, then cooked in its famous batter and served alongside thick, crispy fries. Plus, there are salmon fishcakes, dusted calamari rings and steamed skate with olive oil and oregano to enjoy too.
Expect a cracking menu at The Golden Hind.
The Mayfair Chippy
14 North Audley Street, W1K 6WE
Quintessentially British with a sustainable approach, The Mayfair Chippy comes out top in our guide and its 1AA Rosette and Michelin Guide recommendation means that others would agree. Interiors-wise, it features checkerboard flooring paying homage to retro chip shops, sea-themed artwork and low-hanging lights. If you’re one for oysters, crab and mussels, then you’ll be delighted to find an array of them on the menu here, plus homemade curry sauce and vegan options featuring nori seaweed, sriracha mayo and ‘Mayfair slaw’. The fish and chips are the standout though; sustainable and wrapped perfectly in hot, greasy paper, they're even available with alcohol-free and gluten-free batter.
One for those looking to tuck into fish and chips in style.
Golden Union Fish Bar
38 Poland Street, W1F 7LY
Lit up with neon signage, sporting glossy white tiles and a vintage aesthetic, Golden Union Fish Bar is an aesthetically pleasing restaurant in the heart of Soho with a menu centred around the humble fish and chips. Its passion for sustainability and a warm, welcoming eatery make the perfect partnership for a standout joint that’s served millions over the years since its opening in 2008. Tuck into something a little special like a loaded fish buttie, or tempt your tastebuds with a vegan alternative.
Nothing beats a buttie: load up on battered cod-filled buns here.
Sutton & Sons
Stoke Newington, Hackney and Islington
Not only is Sutton & Sons a fantastic chippy but it’s also a prime fishmonger for when you fancy having a go at whipping up a seafood dish at home with quality ingredients. Boasting local, family-run restaurants in Stoke Newington, Hackney and Islington, it promises flakey fish wrapped in a crispy batter alongside chunky chips, as well as homemade pickles and cakes. It's been sourcing the finest and freshest ingredients for almost 20 years and there’s a lot to get excited about on its menu, including Maldon oysters, pickled quail eggs and vegan fish and chips made using banana blossom.
Popular among residents with an East or North postcode.
Oliver's
95 Haverstock Hill, NW3 4RL
Over in Belsize Park is Oliver’s, a quaint, olive green-tiled joint with street-side seating for the warmer months and a laid-back restaurant inside, containing chalkboards detailing specials plus black and white photographs fixed to the walls. Founded by Mario Budwig (who wanted to bring a fun, fresh, yet traditional approach to the much-loved food), the eatery prides itself in offering gluten-free fish and chips on Wednesdays, as well as a selection of Mediterranean-inspired dishes whipped up by chefs with over 30 years of experience. Wolf down haddock, tuna, sea bass fillet and more here, followed by a deep-fried battered Mars bar for dessert.
Want the best cheap fish and chips in London? It has to be Oliver's.
Fish Central
149-155 Central Street, King Square, EC1V 8AP
Sandwiched between Clerkenwell and Shoreditch, this restaurant
takes you on a journey from the streets of London all the way to
the sun-kissed coasts of the Mediterranean with its menu. Seafood
is second nature at Fish Central, and as winners
of the BBC Food & Farming Awards 2023, so is great produce.
Family-run since 1968, it brings the freshest catches of the day to
the plates of hungry diners. You can be sure to find soft, flakey
plaice in coats of golden batter, roast cod and mushy peas here,
all cooked to a high standard and accompanied by a tempting wine
list.
It really is Fish Central at this sophisticated restaurant.
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