The Ultimate Fish and Chips Showdown: London Street Classic vs. Michelin-Starred Marvel

Youtuber: Francesco Zini

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@FrancescoZini

Restaurant: https://maps.app.goo.gl/fmAQhi4NBSnQ8a9y7

TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.it/Restaurant_Review-g186338-d5244301-Reviews-Golden_Chippy-London_England.html

Google Maps:

When you think of British food, one iconic dish instantly comes to mind: Fish and Chips. A glorious union of fat, flavor, and history. But where can you get the best one in the UK?

That’s exactly what I set out to discover on my recent trip to England—starting in London, and ending in a tiny village with a Michelin-starred twist.

🍟 A Quick Bite of History

Before diving into the crispy goodness, here’s a fun fact: fish and chips are a fusion of cultures. The chips (or fries) trace their roots to Belgium and France, while the fried fish in batter was introduced to the UK by Jewish immigrants from Spain and Portugal. Originally a working-class street food, it evolved into a national dish that now symbolizes comfort and nostalgia.

🏙️ First Stop: London’s Beloved Golden Chippy

Tucked away from the bustle of central London, in Greenwich, there’s a little gem called The Golden Chippy. Don’t let its humble exterior fool you—this tiny 12-seat spot has earned a cult following. The owner, who came to London in the 1970s to study medicine, opened the shop in 2005. Since then, it’s become a local legend, even topping TripAdvisor’s London rankings in 2016.

✨ First Impressions

This place is tiny—more a takeaway than a sit-down restaurant. But that’s part of its charm. Fish and chips started as street food, after all. Golden Chippy opens at 11 a.m. and closes at 11 p.m., doing brisk takeaway business all day long.

🍽️ The Order: Classic Cod, Large Size

I went all-in on the traditional cod and chips. The dish arrived hot, fresh, and golden. The batter looked ultra-crispy, the chips thick-cut and rustic. The price? £17.50 to dine in, but only £12 for takeaway. A fair deal by London standards.

🔍 The Taste Test

• Fish: Beautifully flaky, moist inside, and coated in a perfectly crunchy batter. Zero trace of oily aftertaste—a rarity when a place is open 12 hours a day.

• Chips: Some were super crispy, others a bit softer. Not frozen—clearly made in-house. A squeeze of lemon, a sprinkle of salt, and a dip into tartar sauce elevated everything.

• Vibe: Friendly, casual, and full of character. Even the tartar sauce was top-notch.

💬 Final Verdict

This might be one of the best classic fish and chips I’ve ever had in London. Just a shame it’s a bit out of the way. But if you’re in town and don’t mind the detour, it’s 100% worth it.

🌟 Next Stop: The Michelin Experience at The Hinds Head, Bray

From the city to the countryside, our journey took us to Bray, a small village west of London and home to The Hinds Head—a historic pub with a Michelin star. This 500-year-old building oozes British charm, but behind the rustic decor is serious culinary firepower. It’s owned by Heston Blumenthal, the genius behind The Fat Duck and one of the pioneers of molecular gastronomy.

🍴 The Setting

Inside, it feels like stepping back in time. Dark wood, vintage furniture, and the cozy feel of an old hunting lodge. But make no mistake: this is fine dining disguised as a country pub.

🥚 Starters That Set the Tone

Before the main event, I tried two classic British starters:

• Scotch Egg with quail egg and mustard mayo—crispy outside, rich and soft inside.

• Pork Pie with homemade pickled vegetables—a perfect balance of rich meat and bright acidity.

Solid dishes, nothing groundbreaking yet—but that was about to change.

🐟 The Main Event: Fish and Chips Reinvented

And here it was. The reason for the pilgrimage.

Triple-cooked chips. Battered cod with the skin on. Served with mushy peas and mint, a curry dipping sauce, and a clever little spray bottle of pickled vinegar for seasoning.

🔥 Taste Explosion

• The chips? Crispy like glass on the outside, creamy on the inside. A total masterclass in frying.

• The fish? Mind-blowingly tender, encased in a shatteringly crisp batter. Honestly, it felt like something from another planet. If the sea had Michelin stars, this fish would own one.

• The sauces? Each one brought a different vibe—sweet, tangy, earthy. Even the curry dip was dialed-in and balanced.

Oh—and yes, they finally gave me a lemon in a seed-proof pouch. Little things matter.

💸 The Price

Surprisingly reasonable. £31 for the fish and chips. All-in, with starters and service charge for two people, the total came to about £70 (~€90).

🏁 The Final Verdict

So, which fish and chips reigns supreme?

• The Golden Chippy offers a traditional, soulful experience—cheap, hearty, and delicious. It’s the kind of place locals love, and for good reason.

• The Hinds Head takes fish and chips to another universe. Everything is refined, balanced, and expertly executed. It’s not just food—it’s a tribute to British culinary tradition with a Michelin-starred spin.

🌍 The Takeaway

If you're in London and want comfort food done right, hit up The Golden Chippy.But if you're willing to go the extra mile—and want to taste fish and chips reimagined—make your way to Bray.

You won’t regret either. But one of them just might change the way you think about this humble British classic.