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Nothing says British meals like fish and chips, it’s one pairing that each Brit holds near their coronary heart. It might be a easy mixture, but it surely’s a hearty meal that locals and plenty of vacationers who be a part of my London meals experiences can’t get sufficient of. Traditionally, the recipe contains fried cod or haddock, accompanied by tasty sides resembling mushy peas or pickled onions.

What began as a primary dish for the working class has now turn into a foodie favourite, too, the place a crunchy coating and fluffy chips come collectively for a satisfying chunk. On this article, I’ll take you to seek out essentially the most scrumptious fish and chips in London so you possibly can savor this iconic quick meals in my favourite haunts.

Why Fish and Chips is Britain’s Most Beloved Dish

What may seem to be simply one other dish in London, fish and chips is rather more than your typical plate. Courting again to the nineteenth century, it’s stated that the idea was delivered to the UK by Jewish immigrants, and it shortly grew to become a success. 

What began with a single fish and chip store opened by Joseph Malin progressively grew into hundreds, and finally the mixture grew to become a nationwide staple.

As we speak, fish and chips maintain a agency place within the London meals scene. You’ll discover it served throughout town, whether or not in conventional chippies or pubs. Right here’s learn how to take pleasure in fish and chips if you’re in London.

The place to Eat Fish and Chips in London

Our Guides’ Favourite Chippies

We all know that discovering the right crunch is the final word objective for any fish and chips lover. These retailers have been chosen for his or her constant high quality and dedication to the normal frying strategies. We love these spots as a result of they serve the group with satisfaction and a pleasant smile. E book a meals tour with us to study extra.

Hobson’s Fish & Chips Soho

Photograph credit score: Hobson’s Fish & Chips Soho

Hobson’s Fish & Chips in Soho serves up a top-notch conventional fish and chips, with all their seafood sustainably sourced. It’s a family-run chippy that’s doing issues the fashionable method, as a substitute of utilizing outdated strategies. I went for a portion of cod in crisp batter with chips and creamy mushy peas on the facet. The velvety peas had been the right match for that crunch. They provide takeaway, which I availed myself of, however in addition they have a comfy restaurant for individuals who want to dine in.

Hobson’s Fish & Chips Soho (£11-£17) – London W1F 0BN – Open on daily basis from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

The Golden Hind | Fish & Chips Restaurant

Photograph credit score: The Golden Hind | Fish & Chips Restaurant

Tucked away on Marylebone Lane, the Golden Hind is extra of an eatery with an aesthetic vibe, identified for its seafood, but it surely nonetheless does fish and chips very well. You are able to do click-and-collect, however I went for a correct sit-down meal with my buddy who was on the town. We each ordered the haddock, which was a beneficiant portion, bursting with briny notes, wrapped in a golden crust, and paired with a zesty tartar sauce.

The Golden Hind | Fish & Chips Restaurant – (£20–£30) London W1U 2PN – Open each Monday to Saturday from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm and each Sunday from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Go-To Spots for Conventional Batter

The key to an excellent plate lies within the mild, golden batter that protects the contemporary fish inside. We have now recognized the fryers who’ve mastered this delicate stability over a few years of apply. These places symbolize the gold customary of what a London chippy needs to be. E book a meals tour with us to study extra.

Oli’s Fish & Chips

Photograph credit score: Oli’s Fish & Chips

Oli’s Fish and Chips on Caledonian Street is like all fish and chip retailers in London, however with an informal, cafe really feel. The menu gives a wide range of choices, together with cod, haddock, and scampi. I opted for the scampi, because it had been some time since I had some, which struck the right sweet-and-salty stability and was accompanied by a backyard salad, including a delicate, earthy freshness.

Oli’s Fish & Chips – (£10–20) – London N7 9DQ – Open each Monday to Saturday from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm and each Sunday from 3:00 pm to eight:00 pm.

Shoreditch Fish and Chips

Shoreditch is a vintage-style spot on Redchurch Road serving up a number of the tastiest fish and chips in London. It has all of the allure of a quintessential chippy, however the ambiance of a laid-back Seventies eatery.

I’ll always remember the North Atlantic cod I had right here, it was so flaky with a sprinkle of parsley offering a light-weight pepperiness.

Shoreditch Fish and Chips – (£10–20) – London E2 7DL – Open each Monday to Saturday from 11:30 am to 10:00 pm.

Chosen Seafood Classics

Whereas cod and haddock are the staples, we additionally search for retailers that supply a wide range of contemporary catches. We prioritize institutions that fry their chips to an ideal softness on the within with a crisp exterior. Every of those suggestions gives a definitive style of a British seaside basic within the metropolis. E book a meals tour with us to study extra.

Joseph’s Fish & Chips

Joseph’s Fish & Chips on Tower Bridge Street is one other spot that retains issues sustainable with its seafood. Between the calmly battered cod and silky mushy peas from this quaint takeaway, I used to be glad this was the place that popped up once I looked for fish and chips close to me once I final visited London. Don’t overlook to seize one in all their do-it-yourself sauces, resembling the creamy tartare, which enhances the dish properly.

Joseph’s Fish & Chips – (£10–20) – London SE1 4TW – Open each Monday to Thursday from 12:00 pm to three:00 pm and 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, each Friday and Saturday from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and closed each Sunday.

Fishcotheque

If you wish to discover out the place to eat fish and chips in London, try Fishcotheque, proper within the coronary heart of Waterloo. This relaxed neighborhood joint serves as each a takeaway and a dine-in institution. I couldn’t cease raving about the haddock I ate right here, it had a delicate texture, with the vinegar including a pointy, satisfying punch. I cherished the pickled onions too; they added a pointy, candy chunk.

Fishcotheque – (£10–20) – London SE1 8UD – Open each Sunday and Monday from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm and each Tuesday to Saturday from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

Different Nice Locations for Fish and Chips in London

Questioning the place else to eat fish and chips in London? There are numerous extra locations throughout the capital serving this specialty, however these choose few stand out.

For a basic chip store expertise, you received’t discover anyplace higher than Fishoria, situated close to Oxford Circus, which strikes an ideal stability between fashionable design and basic chippy vibes. Their methodology of cooking has been handed down by means of generations, the place the fish is cooked to a crisp on the skin but tender inside. My most popular selection of facet is the velvety mushy peas,

Photograph credit score: Hereford Arms

Many pubs throughout London even have fish and chips on the menu, and one I like is the Victorian-style Hereford Arms in South Kensington. I couldn’t recover from the way in which the scorching fish crackled because it hit the plate, and when paired with crunchy chips and sharp vinegar, it created a flavorful and satisfying mouthful.

Photograph credit score: Outdated Shades

One other pub value testing, you probably have the time, is Outdated Shades on Whitehall. They’ve constructed up a status through the years for signature British dishes, and one of many highlights is their fish and chips. The cider-battered crust, particularly if you squeeze lemon over it, will ship your style buds into overdrive. In addition they serve curry sauce on the facet with marrowfat mushy peas. The pub itself boasts old-school British allure, that includes wood interiors and chandeliers that can have you ever wanting to stay round all day.

For takeaway fish and chips, a favourite of mine is Grasp’s Superfish on Waterloo Street. It’s all about large parts of fish and chips right here, in a no-frills setting. I can nonetheless bear in mind the scale of the serving of the tender, flaky fish, with a deliciously baked exterior that melted in my mouth, and the pickle that added a tangy aspect to the flavour profile.

What to Anticipate (and Methods to Order Like a Native)

It would seem to be easy British consolation meals, however there are some things you must learn about ordering fish and chips. You’ll often have just a few choices to select from, resembling cod, which is the basic selection, or haddock, which is barely firmer in texture. Some locations even have plaice, but it surely’s not as frequent. Most locals will inform you that a serving of fish and chips isn’t full and not using a sprinkle of salt and a splash of vinegar, so ensure that to ask for some. The chips you’ll get are thick-cut moderately than fries, which are usually extra filling, so one bag usually finally ends up feeding two folks as a substitute of only one.

No fish and chips is full with out mushy peas in London, however there are a number of different sides you possibly can add to your order, together with tartar sauce or curry sauce. Most will place an order for fish and chips as takeaway, however you’ll additionally discover pubs the place you possibly can sit down and revel in a correct meal, particularly good with an ice-cold beer in hand.

A Few Fashionable Twists to Strive

As of late, plenty of locations are placing their very own spin on fish and chips. You may spot battered halloumi or tofu for vegetarians. When you see a beer-battered or panko crumb choice, be sure you give it a go for that further crunch. As for sides, fashionable takeaways usually serve chili vinegar or chipotle mayo, and vegan choices and gluten-free batters have gotten more and more accessible.

Fish and Chips Past the Plate  

Fish and chips are loved in nearly each state of affairs possible in London. The most typical place you’ll see it served is in bars, the place it’s a staple on many pub grub menus. You’ll additionally spot it at London’s avenue meals markets and festivals, because it’s a preferred selection for foodies attending these occasions.

Relating to selecting a drink to accompany your fish and chips, the choice shouldn’t be taken calmly. A crisp pint of beer or a bubbly bottle of cider goes properly with it, however one factor Londoners can all agree on is that a piping sizzling mug of tea beats all of them.

Suggestions for Having fun with Fish and Chips in London  

• Most locals order cod or haddock soaked in vinegar alongside a portion of mushy peas, though there are a number of variations accessible.
• Whereas many upmarket institutions supply fish and chips, it tends to be tastier in pubs and conventional chippies.
• It’s changing into more and more frequent to see eating places label their fish as sustainably sourced, but it surely’s important to do your individual analysis earlier than taking their phrase.
• Do not forget that in London, they’re referred to as chips, not fries, so don’t get confused when ordering.
• All the time specify the way you need your order, as some locations will assume you need the whole lot on it, like salt and vinegar.

London’s Seafood Sustainability

We actively hunt down retailers that supply their fish from MSC-certified sustainable waters to guard our oceans. You’ll discover that the very best chippies are clear about the place their each day catch originates. This dedication ensures that we are able to take pleasure in this conventional meal for generations to come back. Selecting sustainable fish is an easy strategy to eat responsibly whereas having fun with an area favourite.

The Etiquette of the Chippy in London

We suggest ordering your fish and chips “to go” and consuming them in a close-by park for a real native expertise. Don’t overlook to ask for loads of salt and vinegar, which is the usual method we season our chips. You may also need to strive facet dishes like mushy peas or pickled onions to spherical out the meal. Observing the queue is a good way to see how central these retailers are to London life.

Ultimate Ideas: Fish, Chips, and a Full Stomach

Tucking into some fish and chips is the final word strategy to eat like a Londoner, be it in a pub, at dwelling with a takeaway, or chilling by the Thames with pals. 

Comply with this checklist to hunt out the highest fish and chips in London, the place the vinegar bites, the batter snaps, and the chips steam like they only got here out of the fryer. Belief me, will probably be one of the unforgettable British meals you’ll have.

Sources:

Consuming Europe. (n.d.). London. Consuming Europe. Retrieved August 28, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/london/

Consuming Europe. (n.d.). London meals: Conventional. Consuming Europe. Retrieved August 28, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/weblog/london-foods-traditional/

Hobsons Fish and Chips. (n.d.). Residence. Retrieved August 28, 2025, from https://www.hobsonsfishandchips.com/

Golden Hind Restaurant. (n.d.). Residence. Retrieved August 28, 2025, from https://www.goldenhindrestaurant.com/

OLIS Fish and Chips. (n.d.). Menu. Retrieved August 28, 2025, from https://olisfishchips.co.uk/

Shoreditch Fish and Chips. (n.d.). Menu. Retrieved August 28, 2025, from https://www.shoreditchfishnchips.co.uk/

Joseph’s Fish and Chips. (n.d.). Residence. Retrieved August 28, 2025, from https://www.josephsfishandchips.com/

Fish Co the Quee. (n.d.). Instagram profile. Instagram. Retrieved August 28, 2025, from https://www.instagram.com/fishcothequee/?hl=en