Olley’s fish

Every visitor to London wants to try one thing: the famous fish and chips. And Londoners have a new-found love for the classic dish too. In fact, fish and chips have had something of a makeover in recent years and even gone hip. We pick out some of London’s finest ‘chippies’.

Poppies

Right in between the hipster hangouts of Spitalfields Market and Brick Lane, Poppies is a great dining experience. Walk inside and you’ll be greeted by one of the ‘Poppettes’, the waitresses dressed in wartime ‘land girl’ outfits, before you take a seat among the 1940s/1950s retro memorabilia. Winner of the National Fish & Chip Awards 2014, the food is top notch too – and its popularity has seen the opening of a sister Poppies in Camden.

Olley’s Fish Experience

Olley’s Fish Experience

Finalist in the 2015 National Fish & Chip Awards (in the ‘Good Catch’ Sustainable Seafood category), Olley’s in South London is a proper bistro-style restaurant – though takeaway is available too. There are more than 20 species of fish to choose from (served fried, grilled or steamed) and on certain days it serves gluten-free fish and chips. It even lists the MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) rating of each dish on its website. A perfect treat after a stroll around Brockwell Park opposite or a dip in Brockwell Lido.

Golden Union Fish Bar

A relatively new chip on the block, the Golden Union Fish Bar opened in 2008. Despite its sleek modern design, this family-run restaurant keeps up the great British traditions with sustainably-sourced fish and chips made from British potatoes; though it adds its own twist – using beer batter for what it calls its “golden, light & crunchy” finish.

Kerbisher & Malt, Hammersmith

Kerbisher & Malt

Down the road from Westfield London, stylish Kerbisher & Malt (one of five London branches) offers a twist on the classic fish and chips by offering its fish fried, grilled or in Matzo meal (a breadcrumb-like traditional Jewish ingredient) – as well as fish butties and burgers – alongside homemade salads and twice-cooked chips.

Toff’s of Muswell Hill

Despite its name, classic wood-panelled interior and location in leafy Muswell Hill, Toff’s prides itself on being a welcoming, family-friendly restaurant. Established in 1968, it serves a good selection of fish – from classic cod, haddock and skate to the more unusual rock, lemon sole and rainbow trout. There’s a special “Young Toff’s” menu for kids too, as well as classic British desserts like spotted dick, treacle pudding and sticky toffee pudding.