When it comes to quintessential British cuisine food, absolutely nothing quite captures the essence of seaside nostalgia like a plate of golden-brown fish and chips. Originally made in the 17th century by Sephardic Jews, this essentially British street food has been refined over centuries to become the beloved iconic delight it is today,
London, with its vibrant culinary scene, offers a huge selection of choices to enjoy this beloved traditional British dish.
From classic fish and chip shops to trendy gastropubs, the city is teeming with establishments serving mouthwatering renditions of this iconic meal. While traditional fish and chips uses cod, London fryers now offer many varieties of fish and other seafood on the menus.
Join us as we embark on a gastronomic journey to discover the very best places to appreciate traditional fish and chips in the capital city. Don’t forget copious amounts of salt and vinegar!
The Golden Fryer
Address: 123 High Street, East London, E1 4RD
Nestled in the heart of East London, The Golden Fryer is a hidden gem that has been delighting locals and visitors alike since 1972. The owner, Heseyin Kanizi, is a famous east London character and their fish and chips are renowned across the globe.
This family-run establishment prides itself on using fresh, sustainably sourced fish and the finest British potatoes for their chips.
The fish is coated in a light, crispy batter and fried to perfection. Their chips are thick, fluffy, and wonderfully seasoned.
With generous portions and affordable prices, The Golden Fryer guarantees a gratifying experience.
Poppies Fish and Chips
Address: 6-8 Hanbury Street, Spitalfields, London, E1 6QR
Located in the vibrant neighbourhood of Spitalfields, Poppies Fish and Chips is a nostalgic sanctuary that takes you back to the 1950s. Other branches are now open in Soho and Camden too.
Step into their retro-themed diner and feast your eyes on vintage memorabilia while waiting for your order. Indeed, the owner, ‘Pop’ is an East-end institution having started in the business aged just 11.
Poppies serves sustainably sourced fish that is hand-cut by their in-house fishmonger and coated in their signature batter. The chips are made from locally sourced potatoes, guaranteeing freshness and quality. Their offering is simple delicious and utterly memorable: moist, fresh fish in crunchy batter.
Poppies offers a variety of fish options, including haddock, cod, and plaice, and their gluten-free batter caters to dietary preferences.
The Fryer’s Delight
Address: 19 Theobalds Road, Holborn, London, WC1X 8SL
Tucked away in the bustling neighbourhood of Holborn, The Fryer’s Delight is a traditional fish and chip shop that has been serving customers since 1962. This old-school establishment looks like a 60s cafe with formica table tops, long benches and dated tongue-and-groove decor. The Fryer’s Delight’s retro decor is authentic and utterly charming.
This unassuming establishment boasts a loyal following due to its commitment to preserving the authenticity of this British classic.
The Fryer’s Delight uses traditional beef dripping for frying, resulting in a distinct flavour that sets their fish and chips apart. The fish is delicately seasoned, while the chips are crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
For an authentic taste of old-fashioned British fish and chips, this is the place to be. Its famous for good reason: old school fish and chips at its best!
The Seashell of Lisson Grove
Address: 49-51 Lisson Grove, Marylebone, London, NW1 6UH
Nestled near Regent’s Park, The Seashell of Lisson Grove is renowned for its high-quality premium fish and chips. Don’t be surprised to see a famous celebrity here: its long been something of a celebrity magnet.
Established in 1856, this renowned London restaurant has stood the test of time, continuously delighting generations of fish and chip enthusiasts.
The Seashell offers an extensive selection of fish, including the classic cod and haddock, as well as lesser-known alternatives like skate and rock salmon. The fish is coated in a light batter and cooked to perfection, while the chips are crispy and golden.
This historic establishment guarantees an unforgettable dining experience. The Seashell of Lisson Grove is a taste of British history!
Sutton and Sons
Address: 90 Stoke Newington High Street, Stoke Newington, London, N16 7NY
For a contemporary twist on the traditional fish and chips experience, head to Sutton and Sons in Stoke Newington.
This contemporary seafood restaurant combines sustainability with exceptional taste. Their fish is sustainably sourced from British waters and the chips are made from locally grown potatoes. This is classic British food at its best.
Sutton and Sons also cater for different dietary requirements, offering gluten-free and vegan options.
Whether you prefer traditional cod or want to check out more adventurous options like sea bass or lemon sole, Sutton and Sons promises a delightful culinary journey.
Don’t forget to order home-made pickles, and to drench the chips in salt and lashings of vinegar.
London’s diverse culinary landscape offers a myriad of options for indulging in traditional fish and chips. From historic establishments to contemporary fish and chip shops, the city boasts a range of tastes and experiences.
Whether you find yourself in East London or the vibrant streets of Spitalfields, these recommended establishments will undoubtedly satisfy your cravings for this beloved British dish.
Enjoy the unparalleled delights of London’s best fish and chips joints.
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