When asked what dish is typically British, the immediate answer would be “fish-and-chips”. It is so popular that there is still a devoted number of people who consider Friday as fish-and-chips day. Because of this, so many places claim that they have the best fish-and-chips in the country in order to gain customers. In addition, almost every visitor in the UK will have “try fish-and-chips” on their to-do list so competition is thriving. The Friday fish-and-chips has become a habit for me and my workmates and almost every Friday we go to Pisces Fish Kitchen in Surbiton to partake in the tradition. They serve, in my opinion, the best fish-and-chips ever. The batter on the fish is very light and for reasons I really cannot explain, the fish does not taste very fishy. Their under £5 lunch meal is such a good deal because it includes your drinks (hot or cold) and a choice between bread and butter or mushy peas. The portions are also enough to make me want to take a nap after eating, which I can’t, of course, as I have to get back to my day job! Their location, relative to central London, can be considered a bit of a disadvantage if you’re a visitor but with fish-and-chips this good, it is really worth the travel. Besides, a trip down to Surbiton means you also get to see where the opening scene from “Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince” was filmed. Details about this spot (Show on map).jpg)
Image by Charl Asuit
Pisces Fish Kitchen | Restaurants (British) | Lunch special £ 4.99
3 Central Parade | South-West | +442083990956
Mon – Fri 11:30 – 14:30 & 16:30 – 22:30, Sat 12:00 – 21:30
Restaurants & dining – All our local tips
Our favorite London local restaurants and dining. This is where our London locals come to eat lunch or dinner… London insider tips: always up-to-date!
Tip: Download our This iconic venue in south west London is conveniently located near the Balham rail and underground stations. There is something happening each night of the week whether it’s a comedy show, a dance class, a concert or club night. You can also chill with a pint or two by the fireplace or soak in the lively atmosphere as you sit by the bar. I discovered the Bedford when I began to learn to dance lindy lop with Swingland. Since then I have been going for different reasons. First, dancing Argentine tango on Thursday and every other Sunday with Tango Fandango. Then there’s the Banana Cabaret comedy club on Friday or Saturday, depending on who’s on the bill. The Shakespearean globe structure provides a stage not only to well-known comedians such as Milton Jones but also for the up-and-coming, too. And last but not the very least, the best tasting (quite possibly) bowl of chips in London. But at times I’m just after the usual pint and a bit of sports on telly (yes, women like watching sports, too!) with friends then the Bedford can be just that as well. Details about this spot (Show on map).jpg)
Image by Charl Asuit
The Bedford | Art & culture, Bars, Music, Restaurants (Pub) | Wine £ 3.00
77 Bedford Hill | South-West | +442086828940
Mon – Thu 11:00 – 23:00, Fri – Sat 11:00 – 02:00, Sun 12:00 – 22:30
It’s small. It doesn’t take bookings. It has a maximum table size of six. You can only pay by cash. It certainly isn’t cheap at £15 per pizza (although wine by the glass is a reasonable £3.50). But it has an incredible rustic charm – as if the look has just been thrown together, although, of course, that couldn’t be further from the truth – and the pizzas are the thinnest and crispiest in town. Stretching the definition of a pizza to its limits. This location is (at least) its third incarnation, after Dray Walk just off Brick Lane and then a temporary space just round the corner on Sclater Street, so hopefully they won’t move again any time soon. Each venue had the same signature Story ‘look’ – a look that comes from the owners and their unique taste and style. In fact, there was originally a Story design/home/concept store in Spitalfields from where I once bought an organic leather cleaner/food which I still use on my sofa today. Sadly that store has now gone and we are left with just the Story Deli for our Story fix, but the natural, organic approach has been kept. Certified 100% organically grown ingredients go to make the pizzas the price they are, I suppose, but, when the Chorizo, Pumpkin and Taleggio pizza tastes as good as it does a little treat every now and then is fine, isn’t it? Details about this spot (Show on map).jpg)
Image by Roomie Rock
Story Deli | Snacks, Restaurants (Italian) | per pizza € 15
3 Redchurch Street, E2 7DJ | East
12:00 – 22:30 daily
A hunting lodge is not something one would expect just off Oxford Street in central London. Yet stepping into The Riding House Cafe for lunch made me feel like I was going to hunt for my food rather than just eat it. The food at The Riding House is a fresh mix of British and Continental food. Although diners can order separate entrees, the real treat is to pick a mix of small plates and share with friends. The plates start at a very reasonable £3 so there is no excuse not to be adventurous with food selections. On my last visit I chose a hearty and filling Superfood and Herb Salad with chicken (perfect for people with healthy New Year’s Resolutions). The Cafe’s location means it’s a great place to have a lunch meeting with colleagues or to meet with friends for a weekend brunch. Be sure to say hello to the stuffed squirrels on the wall when you dine. Details about this spot (Show on map).jpg)
Image by Peter Hoffer
Riding House Cafe | Restaurants (British and Continental) | Cheeseburger £ 10
43-51 Great Titchfield Street | Central | +442079270840
Mon – Fri 07:30 – 23:00, Sat 09:00 – 23:00, Sun 09:00 – 22:30
This really is a special place in every sense of the word. The views from the 28th floor of the Hilton Hotel are spectacular, the food is amazing – and the restaurant, Galvin at Windows, has just been awarded it’s first Michelin Star to prove the fact – the cocktails are superb and it is the ideal restaurant to go on a special occasion. Surprisingly it is also a place that can be very affordable. There are two menus daily, the ‘Prestige’ and the ‘Menu du Chef’ which is a very reasonable £39 for three courses. Reasonable for the Michelin starred restaurant, that is. There may be less choice with the ‘Menu du Chef’ but the quality is not diminished. Myself, my brother and our mother went for her birthday and all nine dishes we had were praised. Which is rare I can tell you. The tart I had as a pudding was possibly the best dessert I have ever eaten. Amazing stuff. We booked to eat early to see the sun going down over London as a spectacular backdrop and it is definitely worth trying to time your meal around the dusk. If that isn’t possible, it is still worth arriving early just to a drink at the bar and watch the city unfold beneath your feet. The setting itself is memorable, luckily the food more than matches it. Details about this spot (Show on map).jpg)
Image by The Ginger Gourmand
Galvin At Windows | Restaurants (French) | Three courses € 39
Windows, Hilton Hotel, 22 Park Lane,W1K 1BE | Central
Mon – Sat 12:00 – 14:30 & 18:00 – 23:00, Sun 12:00 – 14:30
