The Best Fish 'n' Chip Shops In London

Fish and chips is a quintessential British meal, loved by millions. But the humble fish bar has undergone a transformation in recent years, with trendy options now available alongside traditional ones. Whether it’s plaice, perch or lemon sole, there’s a type of fish for everyone in these revamped London restaurants.

Kennedy's Fish and Chips

Restaurant, Seafood, British

Kennedy’s serve up fish and chips in two locations in east central London. The extensive seafood ranges from plaice to halibut steak, even whole squid for the more adventurous diner. Not a pescatarian? Not to worry. Kennedy’s offers traditional ‘bangers and mash,’ mouth-watering pies, pastries, as well as a good selection of desserts.

Poppies Fish & Chips – Spitalfields

Market

Poppies serves traditional East End cuisine of jellied eels, whole tail scampi and three fillets of mackerel. Dine on cod, sourced from the famous Billingsgate Market, while surrounded by ’50s-inspired décor. Roasted chicken, in various portions, and meat pies are also on the menu, adding variation.

Vintage Salt

Restaurant, Seafood, British

Vintage Salt brings a little piece of the Cornish coast to central London with three convenient locations. You will be blown away by the exquisite range of main courses and Camden Hells fried fish, elegantly plated in this chic establishment. The cost is slightly higher than the average fish and chip restaurant but worth every penny.

The Fryer’s Delight

Bar, Fish and Chip Shop, Restaurant, Seafood

Based in Bloomsbury, this is a no-frills, old-school chip shop has been servicing the local community for many years. The menu is up on the wall, benches provide seating, and cooked food rests in an old-fashioned metallic fish bar. The haddock, cod, plaice and skate are generously battered in a glorious golden brown, while the chips are cut thick, crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside; exactly as they should be.

Fish House

Restaurant, Bar, Fish and Chip Shop, Seafood

Fish House is in Hackney, located near Victoria Park. It’s a cross between a traditional fish bar and modern cuisine, with a sleek interior of white tiled walls and landscape photos that bring the sea to East London. After a sumptuous meal, there’s an amazing selection of desserts to satisfy a sweet tooth.

Fish Central Restaurant

Restaurant, Seafood

Part restaurant and part takeaway, Fish Central Restaurant produces the freshest fish in London, sourcing sustainable fish and shellfish. Located in Kings Square near the Barbican, the restaurant offers simple but delicious dishes. Sample the Canadian or Scottish lobster, priced on size, or try the catch of the day.

North Sea Fish Restaurant

Fish and Chip Shop, Pub, Restaurant, Pub Grub, Seafood

North Sea Fish Restaurant is a quaint, Bloomsbury, fish and chips restaurant packed with charm. The interior is pub-style; wooden seats and ruby carpet, providing the restaurant with a warm, homely ambience. With the abundance of chain restaurants in London, this fish and chip shop is well worth a visit.

About the author

Talim Arab

Talim Arab was born in London and grew up in Australia. He studied English Literature and Chinese at the University of Queensland. His is the winner of the State Library Queensland Young Writer's Award. His short story, “Polynya,” was published in The Mechanics Institute Review (2014). He has completed an MA in Creative Writing and shortlisted for The Guardian/4th Estate BAME prize. He has completed his first novel about the 1987 Fijian Coup d’État.