Every family asks me where to get fish and chips in London, and almost every family ends up eating it at whatever spot is closest to their hotel, which is usually the worst version of the dish in the city. It does not have to be that way. A few of the real chip shops are just as easy to get to.
Rock & Sole Plaice, Covent Garden
This one has been open since 1871. It fries its chips in peanut oil and the portions are enormous, some of the biggest in the city by most accounts. It sits right in Covent Garden, so it works as lunch on the same day as the Tower or the theatre, no detour required.
The Golden Hind, Marylebone
The Golden Hind just passed 110 years serving the same neighborhood. That is not a marketing number, that is just how long it has been standing there feeding Marylebone. It has the small, no frills, this is not for tourists feel that tells you the food is the whole point.
Fryer’s Delight, Holborn
Formica tables, long benches, a menu that has not needed updating. Fryer’s Delight has been open since 1962 and the owner fries the chips in beef dripping, thick cut, about 18 millimeters, which is a completely different texture than the thin fries most kids are used to at home. Mine did not know what to make of it at first. They finished every bite.
How to order so you do not sound like a tourist
They are called chips, not fries. Malt vinegar goes on top, not ketchup, though most places will have ketchup if your kids insist. Mushy peas are a real side, not a joke, and worth trying at least once. Ask for it wrapped if you are taking it to a bench or a park instead of eating in, which is half the point of a proper chippy anyway.
If you want a full day built around food like this instead of guessing where to eat between stops, that is the kind of detail I build into a real itinerary. Email me at nicole@fgluxurytravel.com.
Questions families ask me
Where is the best fish and chips in London for families?
My three are Rock & Sole Plaice in Covent Garden, The Golden Hind in Marylebone and Fryer’s Delight in Holborn. All three are old, honest chippies with big portions and no fuss.
Which fish and chips shop is closest to the sights?
Rock & Sole Plaice in Covent Garden. It is open since 1871, fries in peanut oil and sits close to the theatres, so it works for lunch on a sightseeing day.
What makes Fryer’s Delight different?
It opened in 1962 and still has the Formica tables and benches. The chips are thick cut, about 18 mm, and fried in beef dripping, which is nothing like a thin fry. My kids finished every bite.
Should I ask for chips or fries in London?
Chips. Fries are the thin ones.
What goes on fish and chips in London?
Malt vinegar and salt. Ketchup is usually there if the kids insist, but try the vinegar first. Mushy peas are the traditional side and worth one order for the table.
Can we take fish and chips to go?
Yes. Ask for it wrapped and eat it on a bench or in the park.
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