It's the 150th anniversary of the first London fish and chip shop, or "chippy." I tell you that in case you need an excuse to buy a plate of batter-fried fish and chunky golden French fries.
Here are some spots worth checking out:
Rock and Sole Plaice
An excellent chippy that's convenient for visitors to London
Near Covent Garden Piazza (with its shops and street performers), Rock and Sole Plaice has been praised for its consistent quality. Its broad selection of fish includes rock, sole, and plaice of course. You'll pay a premium because you're in SoHo: About £9–11 a plate, or about $14 to $17. 45-47 Endell St.
George's Portobello Fish Bar
Jamie Oliver's favorite shop
The celebrity chef once named this Notting Hill establishment as serving the city's best fried fish. It's well located for lunch after shopping in the city's top outdoor market on Portobello Road. Cod, skate, and haddock are served up with chips in a traditional British style. About 8 pounds, or about $13 a plate. 329 Portobello Rd.
Fish Central
The gourmet version of the classic dish
Time Out London's pick for best fish and chips is Fish Central. Located in the City, or financial district, this upscale restaurant has a wine list that draws bankers from miles around. Cod and chips from £9.60, or about $15. 149 Central St.
Tip #1: Don't forget to add tartar sauce and vinegar.
Tip #2: Save a few pounds by eating take-out, or "takeaway". The typical "chippy" charges a fee for eating in.** (typo corrected)
Just want the fries? Check out Londonist's picks for top chip shops.
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Please don't call them fries - they are chips. There is no comparison between the two - the only similarity is that they are both made out of potatoes.
Posted By Debi on October 25, 2010, 1:47 PM
Spoken like a true connoisseur! They're not cooked exactly the same: Typically not served as crisp, and typically cut wider. But, essentially, it's the same recipe. Sometimes double fried, but not often anymore.
Posted By Sean on October 25, 2010, 1:57 PM
Sean, you are right,sometimes they are downright soggy after sprinkling with vinegar! Great article, I would love to try one of these Fish 'n Chips shops when I go to London again. I am actually from South Africa, and we grew up eating 'soggy' chips and fried fish every Friday night.
Posted By Debi on October 25, 2010, 2:10 PM
Hello, you've got a typo in Tip #2; I'm assuming the plural of "chippy" is "chippies" or "chippys", not "chippy's."
Posted By kaye on October 25, 2010, 2:15 PM
Good point, Kaye. I've corrected the typo.
Posted By Sean on October 25, 2010, 5:49 PM
The Fishmongers' Company (one of the Twelve Great Livery Companies of the City of London) will shortly be publishing a booklet with recipes for a 21st Century take on 'fish & chips' to celebrate this anniversary.
Posted By tom on October 27, 2010, 6:12 AM
Thanks for the tip, Tom.
Posted By Sean O' on October 27, 2010, 7:59 AM
I wanted to eat at Rock & Sole Plaice when I was last in London but decided not to when I found out they used peanut oil. My son can't eat anything using peanut oil. You might want to check this out if you have food sensitivities.
Posted By Mary Miller on October 28, 2010, 4:21 PM
For my money the best fish and chips can be found at Golden Hind 73 Marleybone Lane
Posted By hank ryan on October 31, 2010, 4:01 PM
fish! kitchen in Borough Market is great too. Got to get the mushy peas!
Posted By Kristen on August 16, 2011, 2:52 PM
I agree with Hank that The Golden Hind has great fish and chips. This was our first meal stop on our first trip to London and we were very satisfied.
Posted By Bobbi on August 20, 2011, 1:51 PM
I completely agree with Hank and Bobbi - Golden Hind has the best in the city
Posted By Courtney on November 10, 2011, 7:06 AM