When I visited the UK for the first time in '93, it was a present from my parents: a boat trip from The Netherlands to the UK. So I had my first Fish and Chips in a pub in Harwich. This did include the traditional newspaper and vinegar. I really disliked it then.
In later years the traditional British food has grown on me, and these days I really love a full english breakfast and fish and chips. It provides the calories my body needs (I don’t store anything in fat).
The quality of Fish and Chips is very different. I had brilliant Fish and Chips, but also factory prepared ones.
Calling the Forum for good Fish and Chips recommendations in London!
Not strictly true. Some of the UK’s very best chish and fips can be had in the capital.
My personal favourite (been going there for 37 years!) is the Nautilus on Fortune Green Road, West Hampstead NW6.
Others I can recommend include the aforementioned Seashell, Poppie’s in Old Compton Street in Soho, Old Poland Street’s Golden Union, the Laughing Halibut in Westminster, the famous Rock ‘n’ Sole Plaice in Covent Garden, Toff’s of Muswell Hill and Fishers in Fulham.
In my local 'hood, there’s Moxie’s in Clapham South, and The Ocean and Seventeen in Balham.
Slightly off-topic, but the best fish and chips I’ve EVER had were in Vancouver, Canada, back in 1992.
They were from a little stall in Granville Island Market, run by a Chinese guy. The fat and fluffy chips were fried in beef dripping, as they should be, the cod was bright white and flaky, the batter crisp and as light as a feather. There was also a tangy tartare sauce, sharp with chopped capers.
There was a bit of a thread on it about 15 years ago, on the old forum - turns out other Naimees had eaten there as well.
I have seen this building since it looks nice, I work 4 minutes from it or so. I’ll give it a visit next week.
I entered an overcrowded pub opposite Cannon Street station last week to get fish and chips. The personnel was not really happy that I asked for Fish and Chips, they probably earn more on 3 pints of beer instead of the hassle of preparing Fish and Chips.
Beer has very low margins @Ardbeg10y so it is likely to be the other way round. It is rare to find completely “wet” (ie those that only serve drinks) pubs in the UK these days. Most need some sort of food offer to survive - otherwise they have to shift a lot of beer and the volume game is a tricky one to play.
Good to see that the Seashell is still going strong. In my student days it was my local ‘chippy’ and was excellent then, and very cheap for what you got. Looking at their website, it seems they have gone up market a bit.
No matter what quality you can get your fish and chips. It is only a quick short thrill of a hit.
Unlike other stimulants, it doesn’t leave you wanting more. Although maybe every Friday with a nice sit down and a cup of tea.
