A classic London chippy serves a quintessential British dish – fish and chips. It’s thought to have been invented in London’s East End and is a must-try if you’re visiting the capital.
We’ve collated a list of where you can try this iconic dish, featuring the best chippies in London who are serving the best fish and chips money can buy.
Rock and Sole Plaice
If you’re looking for the best fish and chips in Covent Garden, take a wander down to Rock and Sole Plaice, said to be the oldest existing fish and chip joint in central London. Daily delivered and locally sourced fish is prepared to a traditional recipe, the same one used when the shop first opened in 1871. The legacy of this store is hard to fathom, the two-storey building is of huge historical importance to the city, having stood through times of conflict, while serving food and drink to displaced Brits across generations.
Rock and Sole Plaice serve battered and fried fish, chicken, sausages, pies and London and Northern-style sides like curry sauce, gravy and mushy peas.
Golden Union
Serving fish & chips in Soho’s London since 2008, Golden Union is a unique London chippy with a diner-like approach. Punters can order a wide variety of fish, including cod, plaice, pollock and coley, or even plant-based options. Order to eat-in or takeaway in cute diner-style boxes, the shop is a short walk from Oxford Circus station, where there are lots of shops and parks to enjoy too.
The Mayfair Chippy
Serving a seasonal menu since 2015 of what some call ‘the best fish and chips in Mayfair’, The Mayfair Chippy is an upmarket British eatery in one of London’s fanciest neighbourhoods. They offer chip shop favourites as well as small plates and other shellfish like oysters, crab and mussels. If you’re dining with a veggie, they even serve vegan fish and chips and have an option for gluten and alcohol-free batter. All dishes are brought with a choice of homemade sauce, either tartare, curry sauce or HP gravy.
Sutton and Sons
A top spot for fish & chips in Islington, Sutton and Sons is a family-run chippy with additional shops in Stoke Newington and Hackney Central. The Sutton family are fishmongers by trade, so expect the fresh fish and knowledgeable staff who can recommend the perfect catch for you. Their handmade classics and changing seasonal menu serves everything from crispy battered fish and fluffy chips to grilled seafood, pie and mash or vegan options. They’re known for a handmade approach to the food they serve, even down to Mrs. Sutton’s very own pickled quail eggs.
The Golden Hind
Often featured on lists of the best fish and chips restaurants in London, The Golden Hind in Marylebone serves classics with a twist. Their unique legacy is made up of immigrant owners, when the shop first opened in 1914 the owners were Italian, the shop then changed hands in 2002 and is now owned by Greeks.
The unusual menu reflects their storied backgrounds, with traditional dishes available alongside more Mediterranean morsels like feta cheese fritters, Greek salad and burrata. There is an extensive fish menu, with up to 13 options as well as a cocktail list. While it’s far from traditional, The Golden Hind serves up some of the best fish and chips in Marylebone, and we think it’s well worth a visit.
Whether you’re new to the capital, just visiting or a seasoned London local we’d recommend trying these spots for the best fish and chips in London. To stay close by, why not book a night at one of our Clermont Hotels in Charing Cross or Victoria?