Your Favorite Chippy in London

Favorite? Who knows?

Did enjoy fish and chips from Fryers Delight in Holborn last trip.

I remember H. Salt Esq. Fish & Chips from the 1970’s, so there were franchises well east of California. I remember the newspaper part, and also the malt vinegar, which was so different from the tartar sauce that accompanied any other fish. I looked them up just now, and was reminded that Kentucky Fried Chicken bought them and changed the menus, along with the franchise arrangements. Many H. Salt locations were converted to KFC’s, and they eventually all folded. Apparently California now has several chippys called H. Salt, but none are connected to the original organization.

As for a recommendation, it’s the Black Friar Pub, a couple of blocks north of Blackfriars Bridge and Blackfriars train station. We went to see the renowned interior and have lunch, and fish ‘n chips was recommended. It was really good.

Now, the Black Friar isn’t strictly a chippy. And the 150-year-old historic building, with the fancy interior might put you off as being glitzy, but it should be seen, and their down ‘n chips were sure good.

The Laughing Halibut in Strutton Ground (pedestrianized street near Westminster Abbey) was good the last time I had takeaway from there, albeit a few years ago.

We had some wonderful fish and chips in Greenwich a few years ago. I'm sorry, I don't remember the name, but it was catti-corner from the Greenwich Market. Not a pub; just fish and chips.

There are so many places that serve fish and chips, it's hard to say. I tend to prefer getting fish and chips at a pub myself, and generally any of the pubs run by Fuller's have good food. Poppy's tries to recreate some of that old timey east end feel and they have a couple of locations. I know people on here recommend Golden Union a lot but I've never tried it myself.

If you want a real old timey authentic London experience, you can also try F Cooke for pie and mash (and eel).

The Sea Shell in Lisbon Grove, round the corner from Marylebone Station, used to be good, and it’ll give you a chance to see a different part of London too.

The Sea Shell is on Lisson Grove not far from Paddington, Marylebone and Baker Street stations, so near the centre of town. It still seems to be getting good reviews for its food.
For authentic fish and chips you do need to go to a proper chippie. It can be very good in a pub but I don’t think it is quite the same. Something about the way it is cooked and the salt and vinegar is applied? Also in a proper chippie you can ask for scraps ( stray bits of batter scooped from the fryer) which is the best bit.

The Sea Shell is very near Church Street which has a ‘proper’ locals street market, antique shops and ( my favourite) Joel &Sons fabric shop. It sells the most beautiful, and scarily expensive fabrics often surplus from designer catwalks. It’s a treasure trove of stuff you can never justify buying but they are happy for you to walk around and look.

If you end up making it out to Greenwich, the Golden Chippy is very good.

Thanks to everyone so far! This is helpful.

@Claudia - You are right I shouldn't have narrowed it to "favorite". Sloppy habit of mine. So glad you commented anyway. I'll check Fryer's Delight out & mark it on my maps. Will definitely give it a try if we end up by the British Museum.

@Cyn- I forgot about the "Esquire" part of H. Salt! Not sure why the "Esq." amused me so but it always did. And you are absolutely right about the malt vinegar. To this day I always have some in my pantry because of H. Salt, Esq. I didn't know about the "What Happened To" part of the story so thanks for that I thought it was interesting! And I always appreciate good architecture & design so thanks for recommending Blackfriars.

@Accidental Southerner - We're planning on biking through Hyde Park when we get in to London to help stave off jet lag so your suggestion of the Laughing Halibut might work out really well. Thanks!

@Jane - My husband has been wanting to go to Greenwich for a while. Does The Pier sound familiar? That's my guess from Google Maps.

@Cat VH - Thanks for reminding me about F. Cooke. It had been on my list a few trips back but it somehow fell off. I'm not sure I'm brave enough for eel but I'll put F Cooke back on my list for pie and mash at some point.

@AmandaR & Emma - The Sea Shell sounds good and location sounds interesting! I am looking for a stand alone chippy (like the one from when I was a kid) and almost always up for a good "treasure trove" exploratory walk so thanks for the comments!

We also love the Laughing Halibut, a recommendation from a London policeman.

Thanks, Shoeflyer! Golden Chippy looks pretty good. I may have to rework our schedule to fit more than one chippy into our agenda! As always with London, so much to do so little time. Happily, we're planning a much longer stay. Sadly, that one is not until next year.

Thanks again to everyone for the suggestions so far!

Thanks, Suki. A recommendation from a policeman? Sounds like there's maybe a good story there!

I’ve been to Hobson’s both the Charing Cross and the location near Tottenham Court Road station. Probably arbitrary but the chips were better at the later. Charing Cross had soggy chips. The salmon was tasty.

The salmon was tasty.

Do they fry salmon in batter?

TH: The Pier did sound familiar, so I went back and dug through my notes, and there it was! The Pier! With my comment that the fish and chips were excellent.

So thank you for bringing back that memory, and leading me to verify it.

There's no reason to go so far east just to scratch the itch, but for comparison's sake, look at the Pier Hotel out towards Gravesend w/r/t the Golden Chippy. If you like more nautical memorials and markers there are plenty nearby.

6 High St, Greenhithe DA9 9NN

Gerry. The salmon was grilled.

The salmon was grilled.

Ah ok. Usually the fish in a chippy would be fried. I had a look for recipes for salmon fried in batter and they do exist. Might be quite tasty if done well. Here in southern England it's usually cod, though haddock is more popular up north. A couple of other white fish species follow up behind; plaice or skate possibly.

If somewhere is serving grilled salmon, I'm questioning their legitimacy as a "real" chippy, though I do like a bit of salmon too.

Here’s an idea for an entrepreneur who might want to open up a salmon restaurant, not a Fish ‘n Chips, but a different concept:

Serve salmon, grilled, poached, steamed, or smoked for dinner, accompanied by monks doing Gregorian chanting.

Call the place “Salmon Chanted Evening.”

Cyn, thanks for the laugh.

If somewhere is serving grilled salmon, I'm questioning their legitimacy as a "real" chippy, though I do like a bit of salmon too.

I used to have a little neighbourhood chippy in Southend (well, Westcliff actually) who would do battered or breaded for any fish. He always had plaice on his menu as well as cod and/or haddock, and would do grilled salmon when he could get it at the right price. Depending on what was available at the time he also did hake, halibut and skate from time to time.
I tended to have plaice because it was always cooked to order, although most of his fish were unless really busy. Breaded was always to order.
A really wonderful but humble little chippy.

If I was running late off day shift and about to miss 10pm closing I could ring him off the train and pre-order.

I'm not sure, but I think the breaded option may have been because of the large Jewish population in the area.

I have tried a number of the "famous" places, and while all good, the price for a simple fish and chips is getting eyewatering at mid 20's GBP. You really can not go too wrong, but in most places you will fight the crowds and depending on how many people, your wallet (well credit card) will be much lighter.

One of the best recent experiences I had though, was getting away from the central areas. We stayed just North of Camden Town Station, and around the corner was the Camden Chippy. Really just a nondescript place, neighborhood spot really, not packed, fish was good, price reasonable (a large Cod and Chips was less than 15 GBP), the owner was chatty, very pleasant. You could also delve into all the other battered and fried options (sausage, chicken, onion rings, desserts?). They also have burgers and kebabs.

FWIW: You are not going to see fish and chips wrapped in newspaper anymore, health laws and all that, though the wrapping might have fake newsprint on it.

Paul mentions desserts. Didn’t the fried Mars bar come from a fish ‘n chips place, maybe somewhere in Scotland?

Breaded was always to order.

Yes, where I'm from in Scotland, breaded fish is called a "special fish" and fried to order.

Didn’t the fried Mars bar come from a fish ‘n chips place, maybe somewhere in Scotland?

Yes. I had to look up the claimed exact origins, but it was a chippy in Stonehaven, north east Scotland, that claims to have originated it. Put anything in enough batter and you can fry it to some degree of success I guess.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep-fried_Mars_bar

Other's suggestions have been really good I think, but a curveball might be Sutton & Sons, who have three shops in my general area.

I've only had very good quality chips from their Hackney shop, but I'm pretty confident they're frying fish to a high standard too. It might be worth taking a cab (though I'd probably take an Uber these days) out to Hackney, Islington or Stoke Newington if you can find other interest there.
https://www.suttonandsons.co.uk/

Incidentally, I've given up on fish from my local chippy. It's never been up to scratch for me. I like a burger and chips or a doner and chips from them. I won't name it as they're nice lads and I've been using their shop for years.

I'll be in Greenwich in a few months and so looked on Google Maps at The Pier. Unfortunately it says it is permanently closed.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/MMKM6GUuVMNzkLFz8

Just down the street is a place called Jack the Chipper. (Love the pun!) Has anyone tried them?

Wow! You all really deliver the goods! I'm so appreciative of all the suggestions and comments. Thank you!

@Rocket - Soggy chips would be a very sad thing indeed. Glad the salmon was good. For my health I really should go with a grilled fish but this is a special dispensation and whatever chippie I land in I will be fryin' it up!

@Jane - I'm so glad this thread brought back some good memories! I saw that Happy Camper says Google Maps has The Pier as permanently closed. I have heard that because of rising costs of, well, everything, lots of chippies were struggling. Too bad that.

@Avirosemail - Thanks for a specific address & the tip about lots of nautical stuff there!

@GerryM - I agree & I am looking for a fried white fish. I'm pretty sure that place from when I was a kid (H. Salt Esq.,) used cod and I really liked that. I may venture out though so thanks for listing the more common fish so I know what to expect. Outside of cod, which do you like best? I live in the Northwest now so it is allll salmon all the time here - and never fried! But, along the lines of what you said, put enough batter & you may find some degree of success. Do love me some fried pickles.

I will mark Sutton & Sons on my Google Maps. Like I mentioned earlier, we're taking a much longer trip next year in case we don't find ourselves near any of the places you mention. Sorry the fish at your local chippy isn't up to par. It is nice though that they still have some good eats and having nice people working there. Too bad they can't figure out the fish though.

@Cyn - Ummmmm your idea would be a HUGE hit in Portland, Oregon! Haha! No, but I'm serious. "Salmon Chanted Evening" Ha! You a very witty. Thanks for the laugh!

@isn31c - Thanks for sharing about your old chippy. It sounds great. I would love to give my business to a place like that. I'm wondering is plaice the white fish you'd recommend if I have lots to choose from?

@Paul - Thanks for mentioning about the "famous" places. I will dive in with the crowds & sometimes it can be fun. But not when you're hungry & trying to get some food! I much prefer a nondescript, neighborhood place like what you describe. I'd be in heaven if I could chat it up with the owner.

And thanks for managing my expectations about my fish & chips being wrapped in newspaper (or rather not). When I think of all the completely unhealthy, dangerous things I was exposed to (and happily ate) as a child I cringe - and laugh at how absurd some of it was. Of course, it's the same now but seems less obvious...which makes it way worse in my opinion. And yes, fried foods are pretty unhealthy and even dangerous for some but like I said earlier, special dispensation here. ;) Its like my grandpa always used to say, "everything in moderation."

@Happy Camper - Thanks for the update on The Pier! It really gives the appearance of still being in business on other maps/websites. Maybe I'll do some recon while I'm out that way since stopping by "Jack the Chipper" for at least a photo op seems nearly irresistible! It reminds me of another punny place I heard about - Fishcotheque.

While we're talking chippies... There were definitely not mushy peas at H.Salt. Is this a traditional must? I hadn't really thought about the sides until you all starting recommending all these great places and I started looking a menus. I'm definitely getting a fried white fish and chips (that are hopefully not soggy!) and malt vinegar. I was thinking tartar sauce too but I haven't seen that on the menu as much as curry sauce. Is the curry sauce hot? I can be pretty adventurous with foods but, sadly, my stomach is not as adventurous, especially when it comes to hot or spicy things. Are there other sides I should be trying with my fish and chips?

Mushy peas aren’t a must ( nothing is a must! :-) but they are traditional. They aren’t made from garden/fresh peas. They are made from dried marrowfat peas ( no marrow or fat involved) that are soaked then boiled. Think more like a pulse than fresh pea. They are bland so do need a bit of salt and vinegar.

A lot of people have curry sauce but again it is definitely not a must. I love curry but don’t like chip shop curry. It is usually made from a packet mix and is very similar to the curry you have with Japanese katsu, thick, mild and sometimes a bit sweet.

Yes there will be tartare sauce available.

Up north it is common to have gravy with your chips similar to the gravy you would have on a roast dinner. You can get it down south but I have never found a good one.

If they are potato scallops they are worth a try, although again they might be northern. Thick slices of potato fried in batter, carb on carb, delicious!

Also definitely make yourself a chip butty if you can. Buttered white bread filled with chips. Food of the gods. You can also do it with a potato scallops to have carb on carb on carb!

A word of warning traditional chips are not crisp/crunchy like French fries. They are much thicker cut and softer with some potentially bordering on the soggy. A good plate will have a mix of larger softer chips and smaller crunchier ones. For real crunch have some batter scraps if they are available.

Mushy peas aren’t a must ( nothing is a must! :-) but they are traditional.

I think they're quite a regional thing. It was never something offered in Scotland.

If they are potato scallops they are worth a try, although again they might be northern.

They're called fritters where I'm from. A roll and fritter from the chippy was often my lunch when I was in high school. Cheaper than a roll and chips (chip butty in English dialects).

Outside of cod, which do you like best?

I'd say haddock. I think (this is subjective and I'm no chef) that haddock fries better. If you get a nice bit of haddock it can be light and fluffy, sort of melt-in-the-mouth. I think cod is a bit more stodgy.

I grew up in Scotland with Italian-owned chippies in my town, who treated frying like an art form.

I've never been in, but The Fryer's Delight mentioned further up would be my choice of the one to try that's handy for central London I think. I know it's come down down through a few generations of Italians, just like the chippies I grew up with in Scotland. There may be other Italian-run chippies as you go further down into Clerkenwell from Holborn, as there is still something of an Italian community around there.

Haddock vs Cod, and other options:

Cod is traditional, it can be thicker cut, bigger flakes. I think I prefer Haddock, it is usually cut a bit thinner, so different ratio of batter to fish, maybe a milder flavor, but tastier.

You will also see Plaice, a flat fish, like sole, it is much more delicate, thinner, I think the batter can overwhelm it, though I have had it with a thinner breading, which was very good.

For something different, some places have battered Cod roe (eggs), interesting. Also you may see Skate (Sting Ray). The meat is a very different texture, usually some cartilage usually to sort through, definitely something different.

GerryM I never realised mushy peas weren't so common in Scotland.
Potato scallops were also a cheap school lunch for me. A small portion of chips or 4 scallops was 20p, quite the decision at lunchtime.

My local chippie n London sold 'Rock' or Rocksalmon a more customer friendly name for dogfish. Its OK. Definitely firmer than cod with a slightly different flavour. I wouldn't rush to eat it again.

Does anyone remember back in the day that there was a ship restaurant moored near the Cutty Sark on the Thames there in Greenwich that had dining on two decks, relatively toney? They would do a lot of private events but admitted us generally unwashed for the lower of the two, so you'd have a fine view of the pier posts?

This was the first time I was intro'd to the broader range of vinegars and brown sauce and toppings held in a wire condiments caddy that they would plonk down on the table. Kind of the English version of Thai hot sauce and crushed peanuts and so on...

You Americans mention H. Salt Esq. Anybody remember Arthur Treachers? (I think it was?) And there was another chain... ???

Cod is traditional

It's a regional thing. We're talking about London, and yes cod is what you'd usually get here. Haddock up north. There's quite a few regional variations to how fish and chips is served.

I am going out on a limb and stating that I don't like UK fish and chips most of the time. I find them particularly greasy. I tend to ignore chippys unless there is a special recommendation from a friend. I've had a few good meals and enough greasy ones that I just don't go there any more.

I grew up in Seattle where Ivar's is the mainstay of the fish and chips business and that is the way I like my fish and chips done. If I grew up in the UK, maybe I would feel differently.

That's interesting that you mention Ivar's as I have long had him on my trip plan- specifically the Pier 54 branch (although the Mukilteo branch is allowed on the plan)- it is there as much for the history for the food, given his significant role in the history of Seattle (yes, I've read the history link article)

My local chippie n London sold 'Rock' or Rocksalmon a more customer friendly name for dogfish.

Oof... That's quite a low grade alternative I think. I've never eaten it. It makes me think of what chippies might have been like in austere post-war London. Get your ration book out! :)

I do remember fishing for mackerel from the pier at Ardrossan in Ayrshire and other people catching dogfish. They're like little mini sharks. They'd come up and try to take a whole mackerel as people were reeling in a string of feather lures. Skin like sandpaper and teeth that would have the tip of your finger off if you weren't careful.

Rock was OK, just OK. It had a very cartilaginous bone in it which was a bit off putting.
When I was in South Africa I had snoek (correct spelling!) in a chippie. My dad had mentioned eating it after the war. Definitely a product of rationing! Not something I would want to try again.

Anybody remember Arthur Treachers? (I think it was?) And there was another chain... ???

Nigel, I remember the name Arthur Treacher, and maybe even drove past an outlet or two in the past, but never went in. I also remember an actor by that name, and it turns out it’s the same guy, although he likely wasn’t involved in day-to-day running of the franchise business. Apparently there was just one Arthur Treacher’s still operating four years ago, in Ohio https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Treacher

Another operation, still in business with hundreds of locations in the U.S.A., is Long John Silver’s. I maybe went to one decades ago. The franchise buildings were made to look on the outside like what I imagined were a common design of buildings in New England seaside towns. Robert Louis Stevenson probably got no credit for the restaurant name, and I don’t believe there was any pirate treasure theme.

If I had some pocket money on the way home from junior high and wanted to get a snack, I would go to Long John Silver's for a basket of hushpuppies. Not a fan of fish at that age, but deep-fried cornmeal was the cat's pajamas.

Explanation for the name, maybe -- At Southern fish fries, they were fed to dogs to "hush" them.

This is yet another prime example of bad historical speculation -- more about it here:

https://www.robertfmoss.com/features/The-True-Story-of-Hushpuppies-a-Genuine-Carolina-Treat

Thanks again to everyone participating in this thread! It has really brought back some good childhood feelings for me and this may sound silly but it has made me curious about why something like a memory about fish and chips has this effect on me. As I write this I'm watching Dear Old Blighty's video called "What Killed Britain's Fish & Chip Shops?" which popped up on my Youtube feed (creepy (track me much, YouTube?) but helpful, haha). I found the video interesting. When the narrator talked about how fish and chips on a Friday night was a special time, and about how families planned their whole week around it & not eating meat on Fridays, the "normality, comfort, continuity" of it, the thrill it was for a kid to watch their dinner being made like that and a smell that meant "comfort, home, family", I was right there! Plus it has some great old black and white footage - including a shot of the exterior of an Arthur Treacher's that @Nigel mentioned!

@Emma - I learned a lot from your post, thank you! Everyone here has been so helpful but you explaining exactly what mushy peas are and why you don't like most chip shop curry, why chips lean soggy and all your other tips was great. And a "chip butty"? Sounds terrible, I can't wait to try it!

@GerryM - I never thought about Italian owned chippies before. They do mention it in that video I mention above. Your comment about treating frying like an art form made me smile! I've tagged The Fryer's Delight on my maps. Thanks for the tip about haddock vs cod.

@Paul - Your comments really educated me. Thanks!

@avirosemail - A moored ship restaurant sounds interesting. A fine view of the pier posts, haha! I enjoyed your hushpuppies story & the article!

@Nigel - I've never heard of Arthur Treacher's but this YouTube video (linked here: Dear Old Blighty Fish & Chips.) I mention above has a quick exterior shot of one. Once I searched for it on YouTube, there are quite a few vids about Arthur Treacher's. Looks like there are only 3 left (in the US at least) & they're all in Ohio though there are a couple of franchises in New York.

@Carol now retired - I don't know when you retired but your username makes it sound recent so congratulations! I'm not much for fried foods (anymore, lol) but, like I said this is an itch so I'm giving myself permission. I'm sure I will still take a napkin to the fish to soak up a bit of grease when no one's looking. ;). And I consider all the posts here as "special recommendations from a friend" so I'm good there! ;) I've never tried Ivar's. Maybe I'll swing by it next time I'm in Seattle. I do try really hard to avoid chains but if the fish and chips itch strikes me again stateside, I'll know where to go!

@Cyn - I've seen Long John Silver's around but not for a long while. I don't think they have any in the Northwest where I am anymore. The one I saw completely played up the pirate treasure theme.

So my first few hours in London now look like biking Hyde Park to stave off jet lag (though we may change which park we bike), doing a small portioned "progressive lunch/dinner" at various fish and chip places, getting some shopping and sightseeing in along the way with whatever catches our eye and then wrapping the day either at a rooftop bar or a sing-along bar. Depending on how much ground we cover, I may try to cram a Cream Tea in there somewhere along the way. Should be fun! Second day will be lots of V&A, art and dinner at Rules, yay! Am really looking forward to all of this. Thanks everyone! I'll try to remember to come back here (or start a new thread) to share where I landed after I come back.

Please feel free to keep those suggestions coming if you have any!

In the US we tend to think that workshops in science museums are for children, but the V&A has workshops for all ages where you get to descend into the depths of the property and play with their equipment. So to speak. Worth keeping an eye out if it fits into your schedule.

There is a Chippy near me (Fraser's of Egremont) which does Afternoon Teas- fish and chips etc, sausage roll, sandwiches and various cakes. I think it has to be pre-ordered.
And another one (Salt, of Seascale) where he has a little craft brewery as a sideline, so you can buy a craft brewed pint with your fish and chips. The more important thing about Salt is that he is the only one in the Lake District (the next closest is at Annan, Scotland) who fries in beef dripping, as opposed to some kind of oil.
It's the older fashioned method, and gives a whole new depth of taste to the food. He was frying in oil, but has actually changed to beef dripping on customer demand, and specifically to give a distinctive product.
A fortnight ago, a few miles away, I paid £8.80 for fish and chips in the evening, and got a piece of fish the size of a whale- if I'd gone there at lunchtime it would have been £5.50 (admittedly a more normal size of fish)- the Olympic in Barrow in Furness, but Barrow has several chippies all at the same kind of price point.
My own local chippy- 5 minutes walk away- is a bit more expensive, but is so good that people drive there from miles around passing other places, again huge portions.
I know it's not London, but in the provinces you get better value for your money.

doing a small portioned "progressive lunch/dinner" at various fish and chip places, getting some shopping and sightseeing in along the way with whatever catches our eye and then wrapping the day either at a rooftop bar or a sing-along bar. Depending on how much ground we cover, I may try to cram a Cream Tea in there somewhere

good luck! even small portions of chips are a lot of chips. Even a small piece of fish is a lot of fish... you'll have a whole lot more stamina than me to manage a progressive lunch/dinner at various - one presumes several then - fish and chip places

please circle back and let us know how the adventure went

don't forget that when they ask, "salt and vinegar" you can say no to one or both on fish and/or chips. I always get salt and vinegar on the fish and only salt on the cone of chips.

@Avirosemail - thanks for the tip! This week I'll be scoping out exactly what I want to see at the V & A (since we will be on a tight schedule). I've been pretty impressed with the interactive map they have. It makes planning much easier! Now that I know a workshop there may prove very worthwhile, I will keep an eye out!

@isn31c - the chippies you describe sound great! I'll have to note these things for when we take our longer trip. When I was looking at chippies I did notice some advertised they fried in beef drippings which sounded like a deeper, richer flavor to me. Sounds popular!

@Nigel - I am certain I've bitten off more than I can chew (pardon the pun) but I have 36 hours for this adventure and I have a great travel partner to split everything with and to help me along the way. I've done these "progressive" type dinners when I travel for a long time now because I like experiencing the ambience of all of the different places. I'm excited to see how things go! Thanks for the tip about different ways to "salt and vinegar". Fingers crossed we don't make ourselves sick with our little chippy adventure! haha

enjoy