The best pubs for fish and chips in London

The Blue Boar Pub in Westminster combines modern style with a strong focus on authentic, quality cuisine. Under the guidance of highly celebrated chef Sally Abé, the award-winning pub serves a menu revolving around Great British classics, including the chef's take on fish and chips – beer-battered Cornish cod, thick-cut chips, crushed peas, and chip chop curry sauce. To accompany the food, the pub offers an array of fine wines, locally-brewed beers and ales, and premium spirits.

Based in Kennington, The Tommyfield is a welcoming pub that's named after a 19th-century market where the first fish and chip shop in the country was opened, so you know they're serious about their fish and chips. The sustainable fish are fried in a beer batter and come with all the classic trimmings – a hefty portion of chips, tartare sauce, and mushy peas. The pub is also renowned for its comedy nights and offers accommodation as well.

Located at the Andaz London Liverpool Street hotel, Lady Abercorn's Pub & Kitchen epitomises classic British charm, boasting stunning interior decor with exquisite ceiling details. Named in honour of a famously sassy local landlady, this popular East London pub offers signature dishes like cottage pie and fish and chips, complemented by an assortment of locally-brewed beers and various beverages.

The Red Lion, a historic pub located on its original site since 1788, was rebuilt in 1821 and is a celebrated example of ornate Victorian architecture in London, having survived the Blitz unscathed. Its interior boasts intricate glasswork, worn carpets, and wooden panelling, offering a window into the late 19th century. This distinctive pub features a well-stocked bar and serves classic pub fare, including tasty fish and chips.

The Lighterman, a contemporary gastropub in King's Cross, offers a vibrant atmosphere with stunning views of Coal Drops Yard and Regent's Canal, particularly under the sunlight. It features a variety of spaces, including a waterside bar and terrace ideal for sun-soaked cocktails. The gastropub serves seasonal dishes and elevated British classics such as fish and chips, with a focus on sustainable ingredients.

The Victoria in Paddington is a beautiful pub known for its lavish and inviting interior, complete with outdoor seating along the pavement. As an award-winning Fuller's pub, it's considered one of the best boozers in the area, boasting a history that spans almost two hundred years. It offers a classic selection of hearty pub fare, featuring traditional favourites like fish and chips, pies, and burgers, all paired with a comprehensive range of beverages.

Conveniently situated just steps away from Westminster Abbey, The Sanctuary House is both a pub and a hotel. The traditional pub features a diverse array of drinks, with a particular emphasis on cask ales, and serves robust British pub fare, complete with options for children. In addition to traditional beer-battered haddock and chips, the kitchen serves whitebait, fish fingers, and fish cakes.

The Clachan, established in Soho in 1898, is a pub steeped in tradition. Retaining its original Victorian charm with preserved ironwork and wood carvings, this Grade II-listed establishment showcases live sports and offers a comprehensive selection of drinks. The menu features traditional pub fare, including both traditional fish and chips and a more indulgent take on the classic dish – Ocean Fish & Chips, which combines hand-battered haddock with breaded scampi and the usual sides.

The Artillery Arms, a storied pub situated at the fringe of the City of London, is a popular retreat for post-work socials and those seeking a bit of a break, dog-friendly establishment offers a variety of beers, cask ales, wines, and other fine drinks, accompanied by a menu of quality pub fare, with fish and chips a particular highlight. Entertainment such as pub quizzes and comedy nights is provided as well.

It doesn't get more British than eating fish and chips in a pub just off of Trafalgar Square, surrounded by British iconography. The Clarence perfectly encapsulates British tradition with its elegant and historically rich ambiance. A bastion of British hospitality, the pub serves classic British pub fare, complemented by a variety of real ales and a genuinely warm atmosphere.

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, a historic pub on Fleet Street, has been a fixture for centuries and was reconstructed following the Great Fire of London in 1666. This venerable establishment is noted for past patrons such as Charles Dickens, Mark Twain, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. These days, it offers a quaint, dim ambiance with oodles of atmosphere, and serves pub food made from meticulously selected ingredients, including fish and chips.

Waxy O'Connor's stands out as one of the city's most renowned Irish pubs, sprawling across six levels and housing four unique bars within its labyrinthine layout. It's known for its friendly atmosphere and an extensive array of drinks, especially an impressive collection of Irish whiskey. Alongside classic pub fare like burgers, Waxy O'Connors serves fish and chips made with an Irish cider batter for a unique twist.

Renovated during London, Chelsea's classy local emerged with elegant decor reminiscent of a luxurious country house, polished wood and all. Its menu is dedicated to sustainability, utilising local and seasonal ingredients to craft a blend of British dining staples and hearty pub fare. The classics on their menu include the timeless fish and chips, of course.

Boasting an elegant deep-red exterior and a walnut-panelled interior with a marble fireplace, The Rose & Crown provides an upscale version of classic pub hospitality next to Clapham Common. The pub offers a menu of seasonal British dishes in its upstairs dining room, including ale-battered haddock served with triple-cooked chips, mushy peas, tartare sauce, and torched lemon. In nice weather, you can enjoy your meal on the lush terrace.

Situated alongside the Thames, near Borough Market and the iconic Globe Theatre, The Anchor is a charming pub with a labyrinth of rooms, passageways, and staircases. It's believed that William Shakespeare frequented one of the pub's earlier versions. Today, The Anchor serves as an ideal spot for riverside relaxation amidst the area's numerous attractions, letting you refuel with a pint and plate of classic fish and chips with crushed peas, béarnaise mayo, and charred lemon.

The Walmer Castle is an impressive pub located in Notting Hill. It's gone through various incarnations and is currently a sophisticated, family-run gastropub. The interior is tastefully adorned with artwork from renowned artists, including Tracey Emin, adding a touch of elegance to the ambiance. The menu offers elevated versions of traditional pub favourites, including beer-battered fish and chips, prepared with high-quality ingredients.

The Kennington, established in 2012, is a contemporary and inviting pub known for its relaxed atmosphere. It prides itself on serving high-quality traditional pub fare. The menu features classic British dishes like pies, fish and chips, and burgers, complemented by an array of small plates and sides.