Every trip to London (and there have been many) I pledge not succumb to the lure of big fat chubby chips and glistening fresh fried cod served with liberal doses of vinegar and salt.  But healthy eating be damned!  No where but the British Isles can I get truly the best fried fish in the world.  I’m not a fish and chips snob.  I enjoy all fried fish as long as it is really fresh.

Ann Christ, Fish N Chips Lover

In London the local “chippy” has become something of a relic but there are quite a few new places opening as Londoners demand the return to this traditional English fare.  Some of the down market fish and chip eateries have gone considerably up market.  Geales springs to mind.  Once a decidedly basic little restaurant with wonderful fresh fish, it has become a white table cloth restaurant with fresh fish and an expanded menu.  If you’ve never had potted shrimps, this is the place. My potted shrimps were served with avocado and watercress.  Absolutely divine.  Geales is not cheap but the fish is prepared perfectly with delicious sides to refresh you after a morning of shopping on Portobello Road.

For the cheap lunch if you are on the go in Notting Hill, turn the corner from Geales to Costa Fish at 18 Hillgate Street. This is a great little pokey spot with superb fresh fish and good prices.   You will not be disappointed.  A good tonic for the weary refugee from the Portobello crowds.

Read More about the History of Fish 'n' Chips

Other notable chippy’s around London where I’ve spent time and recommend are:

The Sea Shell Restaurant   49-51 LissonGrove   London NW1 6UH   020-7224-9000

North Sea Fish in St. Pancras   7-8 Leigh Street   Bloomsbury  London WC1H 9EW   020-7387-5892

Rock and Sole Plaice   47 Endell St near Covent Garden   London WC2   020-7836-3785

Seafresh Restaurant   80-81 Wilton Road    London  SW1V 1DL   020-7828-0747

But my all time favorite grubby greasy little place is a take-put  on Elizabeth Street. off Ebury Street. I don’t even know the name.

Email us at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with your favorite London chippy.