Few dishes capture the essence of British cuisine quite like fish and chips. In London, this iconic meal has evolved from simple street food to a culinary art form, with establishments across the city competing to serve the perfect combination of flaky fish in crispy batter alongside golden chips. Whether you’re a tourist seeking an authentic experience or a local looking for your new favorite chippy, this guide to the best fish and chips in London England will lead you to exceptional flavor, texture, and value.
What Makes Great Fish and Chips?
Before diving into our top recommendations, it’s worth understanding what sets exceptional fish and chips apart from mediocre offerings. The perfect fish and chips combines several crucial elements:
- Fresh, sustainably sourced fish (typically cod or haddock)
- Light, crispy batter that protects the fish while cooking
- Perfectly cooked chips – crisp exterior with fluffy interior
- Proper draining to reduce excess oil
- Quality cooking oil (traditional beef dripping or clean vegetable oil)
- Authentic accompaniments (mushy peas, tartare sauce, etc.)
The perfect fish and chips features golden crispy batter and fluffy chips
Our Top Picks for the Best Fish and Chips in London England
After extensive research and countless tastings across London’s diverse neighborhoods, we’ve compiled this definitive list of the best fish and chips establishments. Each location has been selected based on quality, authenticity, value, and overall experience.
1. Fish Central - Clerkenwell
Established in 1968 by George Digby, Fish Central has earned its reputation as one of the finest fish and chip establishments in London. Located in Clerkenwell, this family-run restaurant offers both takeaway and sit-down dining experiences.
What sets Fish Central apart is their commitment to quality – using fresh Icelandic cod fillets and groundnut oil for frying. The batter achieves the perfect balance: thin enough to be crispy yet substantial enough to protect the fish, which steams to perfection inside its golden coating.
The chips, cut from Maris Piper potatoes, offer that ideal combination of crisp exterior and fluffy interior. For the complete experience, don’t miss their homemade tartare sauce.
Experience Fish Central’s perfect cod and chips for yourself – many consider it the best fish and chips in London England.
Address: 149-155 Central Street, London EC1V 8AP
Price: £12.75 for takeaway cod and chips, £17.40 eat-in
Specialty: Icelandic cod with groundnut oil frying
2. The Golden Hind - Marylebone
Operating since 1914, The Golden Hind represents over a century of fish and chips excellence. This Marylebone institution has perfected its craft through generations, maintaining traditional methods while ensuring consistent quality.
Their cod and haddock are sustainably sourced, and the batter recipe has remained largely unchanged for decades. What makes their fish special is the perfect cooking time – just long enough to create that golden exterior while keeping the fish moist and flaky inside.
The chips are double-fried for extra crispness, and their homemade tartare sauce complements the fish perfectly. The restaurant’s vintage interior adds to the authentic experience.
Visit this historic establishment to taste over 100 years of fish and chips tradition in the heart of London.
Address: 73 Marylebone Lane, London W1U 2PN
Price: £14.95 for cod and chips
Specialty: Traditional beer-battered cod with double-fried chips
3. Sutton & Sons - Stoke Newington
What began as a fishmonger has evolved into one of London’s most respected fish and chip establishments. Sutton & Sons maintains a direct relationship with fishing boats, ensuring the freshest possible fish reaches your plate.
Their batter is exceptionally light and crispy, creating a delicate shell around perfectly cooked fish. Beyond traditional cod and haddock, they offer seasonal specials like mackerel and plaice, appealing to more adventurous palates.
The chips are consistently excellent, and their homemade condiments – particularly the curry sauce – have developed a following of their own. The restaurant also offers craft beers that pair wonderfully with their food.
Try Sutton & Sons for some of the freshest fish and chips in London England, sourced directly from British fishing boats.
Address: 90 Stoke Newington High Street, London N16 7NY
Price: £14.00 for regular cod and chips
Specialty: Ultra-fresh fish with seasonal specials and craft beer pairings
4. Poppies - Spitalfields
Poppies combines nostalgic 1950s decor with consistently excellent fish and chips. Founded by Pat “Pop” Newland, who began his fish and chips career in 1952, this establishment balances retro charm with modern quality standards.
The fish is delivered daily from Billingsgate Market and prepared on-site by skilled fishmongers. Their batter achieves that perfect golden crunch, while the fish inside remains tender and moist. The chips are hand-cut from British potatoes and double-fried for optimal texture.
Beyond the food, Poppies offers a complete experience with vintage jukeboxes, staff in period uniforms, and walls adorned with 1950s memorabilia. It’s particularly popular with tourists seeking an authentic yet high-quality fish and chips experience.
Experience a slice of 1950s London along with award-winning fish and chips at this iconic establishment.
Address: 6-8 Hanbury Street, London E1 6QR
Price: £15.95 for cod and chips
Specialty: Traditional fish and chips in a 1950s-themed setting
5. Kerbisher & Malt - Hammersmith
Representing the modern evolution of fish and chips, Kerbisher & Malt takes a contemporary approach while respecting tradition. Their fish is sustainably sourced, the batter is made with Camden Hells beer, and the chips are twice-cooked for perfect texture.
What distinguishes Kerbisher & Malt is their attention to detail and quality ingredients. They make their own pickled onions and mushy peas, and their tartare sauce is prepared fresh daily. The cooking oil is filtered daily and regularly changed to ensure clean, fresh flavor.
The interior is bright and modern, moving away from the traditional chippy aesthetic while maintaining the focus on excellent food. Their fennel and dill slaw offers a refreshing alternative to traditional sides.
Discover how traditional fish and chips can be elevated with modern techniques and premium ingredients.
Address: 164 Shepherd’s Bush Road, London W6 7PB
Price: £13.50 for cod and chips
Specialty: Beer-battered fish with twice-cooked chips and homemade condiments
6. Toff's - Muswell Hill
A North London institution since 1968, Toff’s has earned multiple awards for its exceptional fish and chips. This family-run business maintains high standards through careful sourcing and traditional preparation methods.
Their fish is delivered fresh daily, and they offer an impressive variety beyond the standard cod and haddock, including plaice, sole, and halibut. The batter is consistently light and crispy, while the fish remains perfectly cooked and moist.
The chips are cut thick in the traditional style and fried to golden perfection. Their mushy peas and homemade tartare sauce complement the main attraction beautifully. The restaurant has a warm, welcoming atmosphere that keeps locals coming back for generations.
Join the locals at this award-winning North London institution for some of the best fish and chips in London England.
Address: 38 Muswell Hill Broadway, London N10 3RT
Price: £15.45 for cod and chips
Specialty: Wide selection of fish varieties with traditional thick-cut chips
Traditional vs. Modern: The Evolution of Fish and Chips in London
London’s fish and chips scene reflects both deep tradition and culinary innovation. Traditional establishments focus on simplicity and time-honored methods, often frying in beef dripping for that authentic flavor. These chippies typically serve their food wrapped in paper, with salt and vinegar as the only condiments.
Modern interpretations maintain the essence of fish and chips while introducing contemporary elements. These might include craft beer batters, triple-cooked chips, artisanal condiments, and sustainable sourcing practices. The presentation is often more refined, and the dining environment more upscale.
Both traditional and modern approaches can produce exceptional fish and chips. The best choice depends on whether you’re seeking a nostalgic experience or a contemporary interpretation of this classic dish.
7. Golden Union - Soho
Located in the heart of Soho, Golden Union offers a central London location for authentic fish and chips. Their retro-styled interior creates a nostalgic atmosphere, while the food maintains high standards of quality and preparation.
The fish is sustainably sourced and prepared fresh daily. Their batter achieves that perfect golden crunch, while the fish inside remains tender and flaky. The chips are hand-cut from British potatoes and fried to perfection.
Golden Union’s central location makes it popular with tourists, but the quality ensures that locals return regularly as well. Their homemade tartare sauce and curry sauce receive particular praise from customers.
Stop by for excellent fish and chips while exploring central London – a perfect lunch option in Soho.
Address: 38 Poland Street, London W1F 7LY
Price: £14.50 for cod and chips
Specialty: Sustainably sourced fish with hand-cut chips in a central location
8. Brockley's Rock - Brockley
This award-winning South London chippy has built a strong reputation since opening in 2011. Brockley’s Rock combines Greek Cypriot influences with traditional British fish and chips to create a distinctive offering.
Their fish is sustainably sourced, and the batter is exceptionally light and crispy. The chips are consistently excellent – crisp on the outside and fluffy within. Their homemade tartare sauce receives particular praise, and the curry sauce offers a perfect balance of flavors.
Beyond traditional fish and chips, Brockley’s Rock offers grilled fish options for health-conscious diners and an excellent selection of seafood. The restaurant maintains a friendly, neighborhood atmosphere that welcomes both regulars and first-time visitors.
Experience award-winning fish and chips with a Greek Cypriot twist at this South London gem.
Address: 317 Brockley Road, London SE4 2QZ
Price: £12.75 for cod and chips
Specialty: Light, crispy batter with excellent homemade sauces
Tips for the Perfect Fish and Chips Experience
- Ask for it fresh: Don’t hesitate to request freshly fried fish rather than accepting pre-cooked options sitting under heat lamps.
- Season properly: Traditional fish and chips benefit from a generous sprinkle of salt and malt vinegar.
- Try the accompaniments: Mushy peas, curry sauce, and pickled onions are traditional sides that enhance the experience.
- Eat it hot: Fish and chips are at their best when freshly cooked and still hot – don’t let them sit too long.
- Consider timing: Many shops offer their best experience during less busy periods, typically outside the lunch and dinner rushes.
Don’t forget the traditional salt and vinegar seasoning for authentic flavor
9. North Sea Fish Restaurant - Bloomsbury
Established in 1977, North Sea Fish Restaurant offers one of central London’s most authentic fish and chips experiences. This family-run establishment maintains traditional methods while ensuring consistent quality.
Their cod and haddock portions are notably generous, and the batter achieves that perfect golden crispness. The chips are thick-cut in the traditional style and fried to perfection. Their homemade tartare sauce complements the fish beautifully.
The restaurant has a comfortable, traditional atmosphere and is particularly popular with visitors staying in nearby hotels. They also offer a takeaway service for those who prefer to enjoy their fish and chips elsewhere.
Visit for generous portions of traditional fish and chips in a central London location.
Address: 7-8 Leigh Street, London WC1H 9EW
Price: £15.95 for large cod and chips
Specialty: Generous portions of traditional fish and chips
10. Kennedy's - Various Locations
With several locations across London, Kennedy’s offers consistent quality and traditional fish and chips. Their long history dates back to 1865, making them one of London’s oldest fish and chip establishments.
Kennedy’s maintains traditional cooking methods, including the use of beef dripping for frying at some locations. This gives their fish and chips that distinctive, traditional flavor that many consider the authentic taste of British fish and chips.
Their batter is consistently crisp, and the fish inside remains moist and flaky. The chips are cut thick and fried to golden perfection. Kennedy’s also offers excellent pies and other traditional British fare alongside their fish and chips.
Experience traditional fish and chips cooked in beef dripping at one of London’s oldest chippies.
Address: Multiple locations across London
Price: £13.95 for cod and chips
Specialty: Traditional fish and chips fried in beef dripping
Fish and Chips Map: London's Best Locations
Explore the locations of London’s best fish and chips establishments
Finding Your Perfect Fish and Chips in London
London offers an impressive variety of fish and chips establishments, from traditional chippies that have stood the test of time to modern interpretations that bring fresh perspectives to this classic dish. The best fish and chips in London England combine quality ingredients, skillful preparation, and that indefinable authenticity that comes from respecting tradition while embracing appropriate innovation.
Whether you prefer your fish and chips wrapped in paper from a traditional shop or served on a plate in a more upscale setting, London has something to satisfy every preference. The establishments featured in this guide represent the very best the city has to offer, each bringing its own unique character to this beloved British classic.
Ready to Experience London's Best Fish and Chips?
Use this guide to explore these exceptional establishments and discover your personal favorite. From traditional beef dripping to modern vegetable oil, from cod to haddock, from thick-cut to skinny chips – the perfect fish and chips awaits you in London.
