Now, London is a big city. You don’t want to end up in a tourist trap with frozen fish and soggy batter. You want the real deal. Think of it like this—you wouldn’t buy a raincoat in July; you’d wait for the weather. Same logic applies here.
Look for a pub that feels like it’s been there for a hundred years. Wooden floors, a fireplace, maybe a dog sleeping under a table. A place where the bartender knows the name of the fisherman who caught the cod. Okay, maybe not that specific, but you get the vibe.
- The Mayflower in Rotherhithe is a classic. It’s right on the river, and they use a traditional beer batter that’s so good, you’ll want to eat it off the plate with your fingers.
- The Prince Alfred in Maida Vale is a proper old-man pub. The fish is huge, the chips are perfect, and the mushy peas are the colour of a British summer sky—that is, a surprising shade of electric green. It works.
- The Harwood Arms in Fulham is fancier, but their fish and chips are a revelation. They use fresh, seasonal fish, and the batter has a little hint of ale that makes you feel like a sophisticated version of your usual, messy self.
And don’t ignore the ones outside central London. A pub in Clapham or Hackney often has a heartier, no-nonsense approach. They’re not trying to impress anyone; they’re just making great food for people who need it.
A small confession
Sometimes, you have to commit to the journey. The best fish and chips I ever had in London was at a pub I found on a Monday after a disastrous meeting. I was grumpy, wet, and my coat smelled like the Tube.
The 17 best pubs serving fish and chips in London
I ordered the fish, chips, and a side of curry sauce (don’t knock it till you try it). The batter was so crisp it made a sound like crunching autumn leaves. The curry sauce was warm, mildly spiced, and it hugged every chip like a blanket. By the end, I wasn’t grumpy anymore. I was full, happy, and almost ready to face the rain again. That, my friend, is the real magic.
