Fish and chips is the ultimate comfort food. When it's done right — crispy batter, flaky fish, thick chips, mushy peas on the side — there's nothing better. When it's done wrong, it's a greasy, soggy mess. I decided to find the best in London, because someone had to do it. I ate at 15 shops over seven days. My waistline regrets it, but you'll thank me.
The Criteria: What Makes Perfect Fish and Chips?
Before I get into the rankings, let me explain what I was looking for. The fish should be fresh — cod or haddock, ideally. The batter should be light and crispy, not thick and doughy. It should stay crispy even after a few minutes. The chips should be thick-cut, fluffy on the inside, and golden on the outside. The mushy peas should be vibrant green, not gray. And the tartar sauce should be homemade, not from a jar. I also considered value for money and atmosphere.
15. The Golden Hind (Marylebone) — The Tourist Trap
I'm sorry, but this place is overrated. It's been around since 1914, and it's famous. But the fish was dry, the batter was oily, and the chips were clearly frozen. The mushy peas tasted like they came from a can. At £16.50, it was also the most expensive of the bunch. The only positive is the old-school decor. Skip it.
14. Rock & Sole Plaice (Covent Garden) — The Disappointment
Another historic spot, another letdown. The batter was thick and chewy, like it had been fried twice. The fish was okay, but nothing special. The chips were undercooked. The queue was 20 minutes long. I don't understand the hype. Maybe it was better 20 years ago.
13. Fryer's Delight (Holborn) — The Overachiever
This tiny shop near Holborn station surprised me. The fish was fresh, the batter was decent, and the chips were good. But the portion size was small for the price (£12). It's fine if you're in the area, but not worth a special trip.
12. The Sea Shell (Marylebone) — The Solid Choice
A reliable option. The cod was flaky, the batter was light, and the chips were properly cooked. Nothing exceptional, but nothing wrong either. The mushy peas were good. £11.50. I'd eat here again.
11. Olley's (Herne Hill) — The Neighborhood Gem
Olley's is a local institution in South London. The fish is always fresh, and the batter is consistently good. The chips are a bit uneven — some were perfect, others were soft. But the value is great at £9.50. The staff are friendly, too.
10. Toff's (Muswell Hill) — The Family Favorite
This place has been around since 1966, and it shows. The decor is dated, but the food is solid. The haddock was particularly good — moist and flavorful. The chips were slightly overdone, but I like them crispy. £10.50. A good option for families.
9. The Mayfair Chippy (Mayfair) — The Fancy One
This is fish and chips dressed up for a date night. The fish is sustainably sourced, the batter is beer-battered and delicate, and the chips are truffle-oil fries. It's delicious, but it's £18 for the basic plate. The atmosphere is lovely, though. Save it for a special occasion.
8. Poppie's (Spitalfields) — The Reliable Chain
Poppie's has multiple locations, but the Spitalfields one is the best. The fish is always good, the batter is consistently crispy, and the chips are thick and fluffy. The mushy peas are bright green and flavorful. It's not the best, but it's never bad. £11.
7. The Fryer's Apprentice (Fulham) — The Up-and-Comer
A relatively new spot that's getting buzz. The owner trained in a Michelin-starred kitchen, and it shows. The batter is impossibly light, almost like tempura. The fish is perfectly cooked. The chips are hand-cut and triple-cooked. The only downside is the price (£14) and the small portions. But the quality is undeniable.
6. Sutton & Sons (Islington) — The Sustainable Star
This place focuses on sustainable seafood, and it pays off. The fish is always incredibly fresh. The batter is gluten-free (they offer both options), and it's surprisingly good. The chips are cooked in beef dripping, which adds a rich flavor. £12. A great choice if you care about where your food comes from.
5. Fishcotheque (Waterloo) — The Underrated Gem
Don't let the silly name fool you. This is seriously good fish and chips. The cod was thick and flaky, the batter was golden and crispy, and the chips were perfect — crispy outside, fluffy inside. The tartar sauce is homemade and tangy. £10.50. It's near the South Bank, so it's perfect before a show.
4. Brockley's Rock (Brockley) — The Best in South London
This place won 'Best Fish and Chips in London' in 2025, and I can see why. The fish is massive — two thick fillets for £12. The batter is light and stays crispy for an impressively long time. The chips are thick and generously salted. The mushy peas are bright and fresh. The only reason it's not higher is the location — it's a bit out of the way.
3. The Laughing Halibut (Soho) — The Classic
This is a Soho institution for a reason. The fish is always top-quality, the batter is perfectly seasoned, and the chips are among the best I've had. The atmosphere is bustling and lively. It's £13, but you get what you pay for. I've been coming here for years, and it never disappoints.
2. Golden Union (Soho) — The Modern Master
Golden Union is a relative newcomer, but it's already legendary. The fish is flown in daily from Cornwall. The batter is made with sparkling water and rice flour, resulting in an incredibly light, crispy coating. The chips are cooked twice — first boiled, then fried — for the perfect texture. The mushy peas are made fresh daily. It's £12.50, and it's worth every penny. The queue can be long, but it moves fast.
1. The Seaside (Balham) — The Winner
I didn't expect the winner to be in Balham, but here we are. The Seaside is a tiny shop run by a husband-and-wife team who clearly love what they do. The fish is sourced from a local fishmonger and battered to order. The batter is light, crispy, and perfectly seasoned. The chips are hand-cut and fried in beef dripping, giving them a rich, savory flavor. The mushy peas are vibrant green and perfectly seasoned. The tartar sauce is homemade with capers and dill. The whole meal costs £10.50, which is incredible value. I ate there twice during my week of testing. It's that good.
If you're in London and want the best fish and chips, make the trip to Balham. You won't regret it. And if you can't get there, Golden Union or The Laughing Halibut in Soho are excellent alternatives. Just avoid the tourist traps. Your taste buds will thank you.
