Best Fish and Chips in London

Plates_of_fish_and_chips_London

Nothing says British food like fish and chips, it’s one pairing that every Brit holds close to their heart. It may be a simple combination, but it’s a hearty meal that locals and many tourists who join my London food tours can’t get enough of. Historically, the recipe includes fried cod or haddock, accompanied by tasty sides such as mushy peas or pickled onions.

What started as a basic dish for the working class has now become a foodie favorite, too, where a crunchy coating and fluffy chips come together for a satisfying bite. In this article, I’ll take you to find the best fish and chips in London so you can savor this iconic fast food in my favorite haunts.

Why Fish and Chips is Britain’s Most Beloved Dish

What might seem like just another dish in London, fish and chips is much more than your typical plate. Dating back to the 19th century, it’s said that the concept was brought to the UK by Jewish immigrants, and it quickly became a hit.

What started with a single fish and chip shop opened by Joseph Malin gradually grew into thousands, and eventually the combination became a national staple.

Today, fish and chips hold a firm place in the London food scene. You’ll find it served across the city, whether in traditional chippies or pubs. Here’s how to enjoy the best fish and chips when you’re in London.

Where to Eat the Best Fish and Chips in London

Hobson’s Fish & Chips Soho

Photo credit: Hobson’s Fish & Chips Soho

Hobson’s Fish & Chips in Soho serves up a top-notch traditional fish and chips, with all their seafood sustainably sourced. It’s a family-run chippy that’s doing things the modern way, instead of using old methods. I went for a portion of cod in crisp batter with chips and creamy mushy peas on the side. The velvety peas were the perfect match for that crunch. They offer takeaway, which I availed myself of, but they also have a cozy restaurant for those who prefer to dine in.

Hobson’s Fish & Chips Soho (£11-£17) – London W1F 0BN – Open every day from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

The Golden Hind | Fish & Chips Restaurant

Photo credit: The Golden Hind | Fish & Chips Restaurant

Tucked away on Marylebone Lane, the Golden Hind is more of an eatery with a classy vibe, known for its seafood, but it still does fish and chips really well. You can do click-and-collect, but I went for a proper sit-down meal with my buddy who was in town. We both ordered the haddock, which was a generous portion, bursting with briny notes, wrapped in a golden crust, and paired with a zesty tartar sauce.

The Golden Hind | Fish & Chips Restaurant – (£20–£30) London W1U 2PN – Open every Monday to Saturday from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm and every Sunday from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Oli’s Fish & Chips

Photo credit: Oli’s Fish & Chips

Oli’s Fish and Chips on Caledonian Road is like all fish and chip shops in London, but with a casual, cafe feel. The menu offers a variety of options, including cod, haddock, and scampi. I opted for the scampi, as it had been a while since I had some, which struck the perfect sweet-and-salty balance and was accompanied by a garden salad, adding a subtle, earthy freshness.

Oli’s Fish & Chips – (£10–20) – London N7 9DQ – Open every Monday to Saturday from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm and every Sunday from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Shoreditch Fish and Chips

Shoreditch is a vintage-style spot on Redchurch Street serving up some of the best fish and chips in London. It has all the charm of a quintessential chippy, but the atmosphere of a laid-back 1970s eatery.

I’ll never forget the North Atlantic cod I had here, it was so flaky with a sprinkle of parsley providing a light pepperiness.

Shoreditch Fish and Chips – (£10–20) – London E2 7DL – Open every Monday to Saturday from 11:30 am to 10:00 pm.

Joseph’s Fish & Chips

Joseph’s Fish & Chips on Tower Bridge Road is another spot that keeps things sustainable with its seafood. Between the lightly battered cod and silky mushy peas from this quaint takeaway, I was glad this was the place that popped up when I searched for the best fish and chips near me when I last visited London. Don’t forget to grab one of their homemade sauces, such as the creamy tartare, which complements the dish nicely.

Joseph’s Fish & Chips – (£10–20) – London SE1 4TW – Open every Monday to Thursday from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, every Friday and Saturday from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and closed every Sunday.

Fishcotheque

If you want to find out where to eat fish and chips in London, check out Fishcotheque, right in the heart of Waterloo. This relaxed neighborhood joint serves as both a takeaway and a dine-in establishment. I couldn’t stop raving about the haddock I ate here, it had a delicate texture, with the vinegar adding a sharp, satisfying punch. I loved the pickled onions too; they added a sharp, sweet bite.

Fishcotheque – (£10–20) – London SE1 8UD – Open every Sunday and Monday from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm and every Tuesday to Saturday from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

Other Great Places for Fish and Chips in London

Wondering where else to eat fish and chips in London? There are countless more places across the capital serving this specialty, but these select few stand out.

For a classic chip shop experience, you won’t find anywhere better than Fishoria, located near Oxford Circus, which strikes a perfect balance between modern design and classic chippy vibes. Their method of cooking has been passed down through generations, where the fish is cooked to a crisp on the outside yet tender within. My preferred choice of side is the velvety mushy peas,

Photo credit: Hereford Arms

Many pubs across London also have fish and chips on the menu, and one I like is the Victorian-style Hereford Arms in South Kensington. I couldn’t get over the way the sizzling fish crackled as it hit the plate, and when paired with crunchy chips and sharp vinegar, it created a flavorful and satisfying mouthful.

Photo credit: Old Shades

Another pub worth checking out, if you have the time, is Old Shades on Whitehall. They’ve built up a reputation over the years for signature British dishes, and one of the highlights is their fish and chips. The cider-battered crust, especially when you squeeze lemon over it, will send your taste buds into overdrive. They also serve curry sauce on the side with marrowfat mushy peas. The pub itself boasts old-school British charm, featuring wooden interiors and chandeliers that will have you wanting to stick around all day.

For takeaway fish and chips, a favorite of mine is Master’s Superfish on Waterloo Road. It’s all about huge portions of fish and chips here, in a no-frills setting. I can still remember the size of the serving of the tender, flaky fish, with a deliciously baked exterior that melted in my mouth, and the pickle that added a tangy element to the flavor profile.

What to Expect (and How to Order Like a Local)

It might seem like simple British comfort food, but there are a few things you should know about ordering fish and chips. You’ll usually have a few options to choose from, such as cod, which is the classic choice, or haddock, which is slightly firmer in texture. Some places even have plaice, but it’s not as common. Most locals will tell you that a serving of fish and chips isn’t complete without a sprinkle of salt and a dash of vinegar, so make sure to ask for some. The chips you’ll get are thick-cut rather than fries, which tend to be more filling, so one bag often ends up feeding two people instead of just one.

No fish and chips is complete without mushy peas in London, but there are several other sides you can add to your order, including tartar sauce or curry sauce. Most will place an order for fish and chips as takeaway, but you’ll also find pubs where you can sit down and enjoy a proper meal, especially nice with an ice-cold beer in hand.

A Few Modern Twists to Try

These days, lots of places are putting their own spin on fish and chips. You might spot battered halloumi or tofu for vegetarians. If you see a beer-battered or panko crumb option, make sure you give it a go for that extra crunch. As for sides, trendy takeaways often serve chili vinegar or chipotle mayo, and vegan options and gluten-free batters are becoming increasingly available.

Fish and Chips Beyond the Plate

Fish and chips are enjoyed in just about every situation imaginable in London. The most common place you’ll see it served is in bars, where it’s a staple on many pub grub menus. You’ll also spot it at London’s street food markets and festivals, as it’s a popular choice for foodies attending these events.

When it comes to choosing a drink to accompany your fish and chips, the decision shouldn’t be taken lightly. A crisp pint of beer or a bubbly bottle of cider goes nicely with it, but one thing Londoners can all agree on is that a piping hot mug of tea beats them all.

Tips for Enjoying Fish and Chips in London

Most locals order cod or haddock soaked in vinegar alongside a portion of mushy peas, although there are multiple variations available.
While many upmarket establishments offer fish and chips, it tends to be tastier in pubs and traditional chippies.
It’s becoming increasingly common to see restaurants label their fish as sustainably sourced, but it’s essential to do your own research before taking their word.
Remember that in London, they’re called chips, not fries, so don’t get confused when ordering.
Always specify how you want your order, as some places will assume you want everything on it, like salt and vinegar.

Final Thoughts: Fish, Chips, and a Full Belly

Tucking into some fish and chips is the ultimate way to eat like a Londoner, be it in a pub, at home with a takeaway, or chilling by the Thames with friends.

Follow this list to seek out the best fish and chips in London, where the vinegar bites, the batter snaps, and the chips steam like they just came out of the fryer. Trust me, it will be one of the most unforgettable British meals you’ll have.

Sources:

Eating Europe. (n.d.). London. Eating Europe. Retrieved August 28, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/london/

Eating Europe. (n.d.). London foods: Traditional. Eating Europe. Retrieved August 28, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/blog/london-foods-traditional/

Hobsons Fish and Chips. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved August 28, 2025, from https://www.hobsonsfishandchips.com/

Golden Hind Restaurant. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved August 28, 2025, from https://www.goldenhindrestaurant.com/

OLIS Fish and Chips. (n.d.). Menu. Retrieved August 28, 2025, from https://olisfishchips.co.uk/

Shoreditch Fish and Chips. (n.d.). Menu. Retrieved August 28, 2025, from https://www.shoreditchfishnchips.co.uk/

Joseph’s Fish and Chips. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved August 28, 2025, from https://www.josephsfishandchips.com/

Fish Co the Quee. (n.d.). Instagram profile. Instagram. Retrieved August 28, 2025, from https://www.instagram.com/fishcothequee/?hl=en