Few culinary icons are as beloved in Britain as fish and chips. London may not be on the coast, but it is brimming with chippies that treat the dish with devotion, from family‑run East End institutions to elegant Mayfair restaurants serving champagne alongside cod.
This guide rounds up some of the capital’s finest places to enjoy battered fish, fluffy chips and all the trimmings. Each entry highlights what makes the shop special and offers essential contact details so you can plan your next deep‑fried feast.
1. Golden Chippy – Local legend in Greenwich
Consistently rated one of London’s top chip shops, the Golden Chippy has become a destination in its own right. Located near Greenwich’s historic maritime sights, this simple takeaway and café serves cod, haddock and plaice encased in a shatteringly crisp batter with chunky, golden chips.
Portions are generous, prices reasonable and service friendly. Locals love the crispy “scraps” of batter sprinkled over the chips on request, and the dine‑in area means you can enjoy your supper fresh from the fryer.
Signature style: Traditional fish fried in fresh, hot oil until lightly golden; hand‑cut chips; daily specials include skate and scampi.
Why go: Excellent value and huge portions; friendly staff; close to Greenwich Market and the Cutty Sark for a post‑meal stroll.
2. Golden Union – Retro charm in Soho
Tucked down Poland Street, Golden Union has been serving responsibly sourced fish and chips since 2008.
The bright yellow booths and neon signs give the place a cheerful, old‑school diner feel. All the fish is fresh and sustainable, and there’s a dedicated vegan menu for plant‑based diners. Everything from the tartare sauce to the mushy peas is made in‑house, and pies and fishcakes are prepared on site.
Signature style: Crispy cod and haddock fried to order; homemade pies and fishcakes; plant‑based “fish” for vegans.
Why go: Retro décor and friendly service; sustainably sourced seafood; a central location perfect for lunch before exploring Soho.
Contact: 38 Poland Street, London W1F 7LY
3. Kennedy’s – Whitecross Street, Clerkenwell
Kennedy’s has been frying fish for nearly 150 years and now operates several branches across London. The Whitecross Street restaurant offers a spacious, open‑plan dining room where the menu features cod, haddock and plaice alongside steak pies, sausages and mash.
Traditionalists can enjoy cod and chips wrapped in paper to take away, while those eating in can choose from a selection of craft beers and wines.
Signature style: Thick fillets of cod and haddock fried to a crisp; homemade pies and hearty British classics like mash and mushy peas.
Why go: Long heritage and reliable quality; central location near the Barbican; takeaway and dine‑in options.
4. Seventeen Fish & Chips – Balham’s modern chippy
Seventeen in Balham brings a modern aesthetic to the traditional chippy. The sleek interior, craft beer selection and occasional DJ sets make it as much a hangout as a fish shop.
The menu goes beyond cod and haddock to include panko‑breadcrumbed plaice, calamari and vegan “fish” fillets. You can wash it down with a locally brewed beer or natural wine.
Signature style: Cod and haddock fried in a light batter; panko‑crumb plaice; craft beers and natural wines.
Why go: Trendy setting with a neighbourhood feel; vegetarian and vegan alternatives; perfect for a casual night out.
5. Sutton & Sons – Family‑run favourite in Stoke Newington
Started as a fishmongers, Sutton & Sons has become a mini‑chain of chippies serving some of the freshest fish in the capital.
The Stoke Newington flagship is relaxed and family‑friendly, with booths for dining in and a small terrace outside. Expect cod, haddock and plaice sourced daily and fried in crisp batter, plus Mrs Sutton’s pickled quail eggs, homemade pickles and hearty pies. There’s a separate vegan menu and local craft ales on tap.
Signature style: Sustainably sourced fish fried in light batter; homemade pickles; vegan “fish” and chips; local ales.
Why go: Family‑run warmth and excellent quality; pickled quail eggs and specials like crab burgers; fishmongers across the road for fresh fillets to take home.
90 Stoke Newington High
Street, London N16 7NY
6. The Mayfair Chippy – Upmarket fish supper
This elegant restaurant proves that fish and chips can be a refined affair. The Mayfair Chippy pairs flaky battered cod and thick‑cut chips with oysters, caviar and Champagne. Alongside the classic cod you’ll find haddock, plaice and Cornish monkfish, as well as a “posh fish supper” with mushy peas and tartare. The Knightsbridge sister branch offers a similar menu, but the Mayfair flagship near Grosvenor Square remains the most famous
Signature style: Crispy cod, haddock and monkfish served with hand‑cut chips; oysters and caviar for extra indulgence; homemade sauces.
Why go: Award‑winning fish and chips in a smart dining room; perfect for a treat or special occasion; vegan and gluten‑free options available.
7. Fishcotheque – Waterloo institution
Open since the 1970s, Fishcotheque sits just a few steps from Waterloo Station. Inside this no‑frills café you’ll find Formica tables, a long counter and an open kitchen where fish fillets are battered and fried before your eyes.
The generous portions come wrapped in paper for takeaway or served on plates with a wedge of lemon for those dining in. The shop has a loyal following of commuters and cabbies who swear by its crunchy batter and fluffy chips.
Signature style: Cod, haddock and skate fried in beef dripping for extra flavour; traditional sides like mushy peas, pickled onions and gherkins.
Why go: Authentic, old‑school atmosphere; quick service and big portions; close to the South Bank for theatre and riverside walks.
Contact: 79a Waterloo Road, London SE1 8UD
8. The Fryer’s Delight – Holborn’s cabbie favourite
Decorated with chequerboard floors and wooden booths, The Fryer’s Delight feels like a time warp back to the 1960s. This Holborn stalwart fries its fish and chips in traditional beef dripping, giving the batter an extra‑crisp finish and rich flavour.
The menu is straightforward cod, haddock and skate with chips plus pies, saveloys and mushy peas. It’s a favourite stop for London cab drivers, theatre‑goers and anyone craving a taste of nostalgia.
Signature style: Fish fried in beef dripping; simple, no‑nonsense menu; hand‑cut chips served with malt vinegar and salt on the tables.
Why go: Old‑school charm and great value; central location near the British Museum and Covent Garden; beloved by locals and taxi drivers.
9. Golden Hind – Marylebone classic since 1914
Family‑run for over a century, the Golden Hind in Marylebone retains its old‑world charm with tiled walls and simple wooden tables.
The fish is fried in groundnut oil rather than beef dripping, giving the batter a lighter, crispier finish. Portions are generous and you can bring your own wine for a small corkage fee. With history on its side and a loyal local following, this is one of London’s most cherished chippies.
Signature style: Cod, haddock and plaice fried in groundnut oil; homemade chips; BYOB policy with small corkage charge.
Why go: Over 100 years of fish‑frying heritage; warm, family‑run service; BYOB makes it great value for groups.
From chic Mayfair eateries serving Champagne with their cod to humble cafés frying haddock in beef dripping, London’s fish‑and‑chip scene offers something for everyone.
Bring plenty of vinegar, a squeeze of lemon and your appetite and don’t forget to eat the scraps!
