Ah, fish and chips—the holy grail of London street food. Born from the genius of Sephardic Jews in the 17th century, this crispy delight has evolved into the ultimate comfort food. Traditionally made with cod (when it was cheaper than chips), today’s dwindling stocks mean London’s chip shops are mixing things up. Halibut, hake, even calamari are taking center stage.
When done right, the best fish and chips in London are a golden, crispy miracle—just waiting to be drowned in salt, vinegar, and, of course, mushy peas. Done wrong? Well, you’ve got yourself a plate of regret. Skip the beige disappointment and dive into the best fish and chips in London at these 10 incredible spots!
Table of Contents
Get Your Fry Fix: Best Fish and Chips in London
The Fryer’s Delight: A Quirky Classic for the Best Fish and Chips in London
The Fryer’s Delight is one of those old-school London spots that oozes charm—if only the fish and chips were as delightful as the decor. Let’s be honest: the best fish and chips in London might not be found here, but hey, it’s the experience that counts, right? The batter? A little too close to fossilized rock for comfort. And those chips? They’d be nothing without the beef dripping, though even that leaves you wondering if it’s a beefy flavor or just ancient oil.
But let’s not get too deep-fried in negativity. The ambiance—retro formica, black-and-white tiles, and the cod in a bowler hat mascot—makes this place worth a visit. And while the fish may be more decorative than delectable, the fried chicken is a surprise hit, crisped to perfection in a marriage of beef and chicken fat. At around £7-8, including mushy peas (a must for the full existential experience), The Fryer’s Delight may not serve the best fish and chips in London, but it certainly serves up a slice of London’s quirky culinary history.
Address: 19 Theobalds Rd, Holborn, London WC1X 8SL, UK
Fish Central
Tucked away in the middle of nowhere, yet somehow central, Fish Central is the place for some of the best fish and chips in London—without needing to hop on a train to the coast. This chippy, run by Greek-Cypriot George Hussein, is a true London treasure. George still fries up the fish himself, ensuring each piece of cod or haddock is fresh and perfectly crispy. The batter? A golden shell encasing fish that actually tastes like, well, fish—what a concept!
While the attached restaurant is cozy, the real magic happens when you take your fish and chips outside. There’s nothing quite like unwrapping your meal like a Christmas present and devouring it on the cold, hard Barbican concrete. For a taste of the best fish and chips in London, Fish Central serves up a satisfying blend of tradition, flavor, and a little bit of urban charm.
Address: 149-155 Central St, King Square, London EC1V 8AP, UK
Oliver’s Fish & Chips: Gourmet Bites for the Best Fish and Chips in London
Oliver’s Fish & Chips brings a touch of class to the Belsize Park chippy scene. Serving up more than just the best fish and chips in London, this spot offers salads, open sandwiches, and even grilled fillets—because sometimes your cod deserves a little Niçoise flair. On Wednesdays, they roll out gluten-free fish and chips, so everyone can indulge without worry. And for those who like a little extra crunch, ask for your chips topped with scraps—the crispy, golden bits of batter that make every bite a celebration. At £13.95 for cod, chips, and tartar sauce, Oliver’s proves that the best fish and chips in London can also be a bit fancy.
Address: Oliver’s Fish & Chips, 95 Haverstock Hill, London NW3 4RL
Golden Union: Retro Vibes and the Best Fish and Chips in London
With neon signs, sunny yellow tables, and those iconic squeezy ketchup bottles, Golden Union feels like a British caff dressed up as an American diner. But don’t let the retro charm fool you—this place is all about serving the best fish and chips in London. The fish and potatoes are 100% British, cooked fresh (never frozen), and the pies? Homemade with love, of course. The steak and ale pie is practically a British national treasure. At £17.95 for cod and chips, you’re paying for quality and a nostalgic experience that’s worth every crispy bite.
Address: Golden Union, 38 Poland Street, London W1F 7LY
Kennedy’s: The Real Deal for the Best Fish and Chips in London
If you’re after the best fish and chips in London, Kennedy’s is as authentic as it gets. This is the kind of place where the chips are meant to be savored straight from the newspaper, perfectly self-steamed on your walk home. But don’t rush off too quickly—stick around and enjoy some cheerful banter with the friendly staff. The cod and chips here are not only affordable at £12.90 but also deliver that classic British experience you crave. Kennedy’s is the real deal when it comes to traditional, no-fuss fish and chips—crispy, golden, and undeniably satisfying.
Addresses:
Kennedy’s, 184-186 Goswell Road, London EC1V 7DT
Kennedy’s, 169 Whitecross Street, London EC1Y 8JT
Kennedy’s, 44 Tooting High Street, London SW17 0RG
Kennedy’s, 609-611 Fulham Road, London SW6 5UA
Sutton and Sons: Family-Run Fun and the Best Fish and Chips in London
At Sutton and Sons, it’s all in the family—Mrs. Sutton herself pickles the quail eggs and balsamic baby shallots. With its own fishmonger on site, you’re guaranteed the freshest catch, making it one of the best fish and chips in London. Vegans, rejoice! Sutton and Sons offers seaweed-marinated banana blossom as a tasty stand-in for traditional fillets, plus a plant-based battered sausage for those seeking something different. With three locations and a large cod and chips for £14.30, it’s a chippy that caters to everyone—whether you’re a classic cod lover or a vegan food explorer.
Addresses
90 Stoke Newington High Street, London N16 7NY
218 Graham Road, London E8 1BP
356 Essex Road, London N1 3PD
The Golden Hind
Step back in time at The Golden Hind, where tradition meets taste in one of the best fish and chips in London. Established in 1914, this Marylebone gem is a testament to the timeless allure of crispy cod. Though it started with Italian roots, since 2002, Anthony Christou has infused it with a Greek twist—think feta fritters and limoncello to round off your meal. At £16.50 for a large cod, you’re not just getting the best fish and chips in London; you’re indulging in a piece of history.
Address: The Golden Hind, 71a, 73 Marylebone Ln, London W1U 2PN
Gigs: The Best Fish and Chips in London You Didn’t Know You Needed
Nestled just off Tottenham Court Road, Gigs is your secret spot for the best fish and chips in London. Since 1958, this timeless gem has been serving up crispy cod and chips in Fitzrovia, a haven amid the trendy food scene. With Cypriot pride, they’ve mastered the art of fish frying and also offer tasty taramosalata and grilled halloumi. At £18 for cod and chips, you’re paying for a chippy tea that’s both a classic and a bit special. Knowing about Gigs makes you officially in-the-know—now, that’s a tasty secret!
Address: Gigs, 12 Tottenham Street, London W1T 4RE
Poppies: A Nostalgic Chippy with a Modern Twist
Pat “Pop” Newland kicked off his East End chippy journey at just 11 years old, starting with the humble task of cutting up old newspapers for wrapping chips. After more than 50 years, he opened Poppies in Spitalfields, blending traditional favorites like jellied eels and saveloys with a contemporary focus on quality. The fish is sourced fresh from Billingsgate Market, all served in a vibrant Fifties-inspired setting.
Price: Cod and chips, £18.95
Address: Poppies, 6-8 Hanbury Street, London E1 6QR
The Mayfair Chippy: Luxury Meets Tradition in Every Bite
For a gourmet twist on the classic British fish and chips, The Mayfair Chippy is your go-to spot. Nestled in the upscale W1 area, this chippy surprises diners with its refined offerings. Enjoy favorites like crispy fried haddock and cod alongside golden chips, or indulge in battered sausages and house pickles. Feeling fancy? Pair your meal with oysters, soft shell crab burgers, or lobster macaroni cheese, all while sipping on Piper-Heidsieck Champagne.
Price: Cod or haddock and chips, £22.50
Address: The Mayfair Chippy, 14 N Audley Street, London W1K 6WE
