Fish & Chips
Fish and chips is one of the best foods and drinks in London, as evidenced by the fact that more than 250 million fish and chips meals is sold in the UK every year. This British favourite – battered snow-white fish paired with fluffy chips, liberally sprinkled with salt and doused in vinegar – has been well-loved since the 1800s and has long been heralded as a British culinary staple by tourists and locals alike.
The origins of this dish are contested – some credit a Lancastrian named John Lees who opened a fish & chips shop in 1863, while others argue that Joseph Malin, a Jewish immigrant living in East London, sold fish & chips even earlier in 1860. No matter which version you believe in, there is no denying that fish & chips are hugely popular, not just in London but also across the country.
Many Fish and Chips shops serve the traditional dish in informal settings, but for something a little more upscale, try the dish at The Ivy, one of London's most famous restaurants. They offer fish and chips with a side plate of celebrity stardust as this is a popular restaurant for theatreland.
Kerbisher & Malt, a traditional Fish and hips shop with a sleek, modern design, offers a mix of the traditional and the fancy. Kerbisher & Malt serves fresh fish from sustainable sources, twice-cooked chips, handmade salads, homemade mushy peas and batters, as well as great beers and coffees in a welcoming café setting.
- Where to try: Fish Lounge in Brixton, Kerbisher & Malt
- Price: ranges from £15 to £18
