It's National Fish and Chip Day 2018; and London just wouldn't be London without a helping of the nation's favourite dish.
Admittedly there are a lot of not-so-great chippies out there, and a number of tourist trap spots in central London which risk knocking you off the scent. But when the fish is fresh and moist, the batter crunchy and the chips fluffy, there could be no better dinner.
Poppies
Retro-styled to recreate East End London between 1945 and 1955, Poppies couldn’t be more fitting of its original Brick Lane location. But it’s quality not quirk that counts, with hefty fillets of fish and crunchy batter making a good impression. There are now also branches in Spitalfields and Soho.
Kerbisher & Malt
This high-end chippie group has restaurants in Brook Green, Clapham, Ealing and Mortlake plus a smarter site in the City simply called Kerbisher. High points include crisp and chunky chips, creamy mushy peas and homemade tartare sauce — plus the breezy, beach house vibe.
Golden Union
This Soho chippie has the sleek and shiny look of a hot newcomer, but it’s actually been doing its thing for more than 150 years. In this case, practice has made almost perfect — it uses a blend of oils for optimum frying, sources only sustainable fish and dishes up fantastically fluffy chips.
Toff’s
Since opening in 1968, this Muswell Hill chippie has been repeatedly voted among the UK’s best fish shops. That’ll be due to the crunchy batter, juicy fish and fluffy-centred chips — plus the unbeatably warm welcome.
Bonnie Gull
Meaty pieces of haddock are accompanied by chunky chips cooked in beef dripping at Bonnie Gull’s Fitzrovia and Soho restaurants. The batter is especially crispy thanks to a Japanese tempura mix, while the quaint seaside decor bolsters the effect.
Sutton & Sons
A Stoke Newington favourite from a family who run a fishmongers on the same street, this chirpy chippy now also has branches in Hackney and Islington. As well as excellent crisp-battered fish and fluffy chips, do try the homemade pickles and tartar sauce.
Fish House
Not only does this friendly independent serve super-fresh fish and pillowy-soft chips, it’s also perfectly located for eating them alfresco in Victoria Park.
