London's Best Fish & Chips

While recently visiting London, I was on the hunt for London's best fish and chips. To visit London and not have fish and chips is a shame. It should be a box to check on your travelers declaration sheet - and if you check 'no', you should be sent back to London to grab an order! Seriously, it is that essential. So where are London's best fish and chips? I found my favorite spot in the most unlikely of places.

When I studied abroad in London a few summers back, I had my fair share of fish and chips. Some were good, some were bad, but one particular order of fish and chips was a knock out. While back in London, I went searching for the best fish and chips once again.

Normally, I shy away from eating near touristy locations. When sightseeing, I would rather walk up the road and find a hole-in-the-wall cafe than eat at the food court of a big tourist destination.

However, in 2012 when walking around the Tower of London with a few friends, we decided to eat at, literally, the most touristy restaurant possible - just feet from the Tower of London ticketing booth. I thought to myself "I'll just order the fish and chips" not expecting anything life changing to happen. I was wrong. I ordered the best fish and chips I have ever had.. ever!

So of course, while visiting London again, I had to revisit this magical place and try the fish and chips once more.

I hopped on the underground and made my way to Tower Hill and scoured around for that memorable restaurant. And then I found it, and the Tower Hill Diner was exactly how I remembered it. Yellow touristy banners and all. So I ordered the classic fish and chips, takeaway (to-go), and found a nice bench along the Thames River overlooking Tower Bridge. It was the perfect place to enjoy a beautifully British lunch.

Then, it was time to enjoy my fish and chips! And good news, they tasted exactly like I had remembered! After drizzling my fish with lemon juice, I pulled apart the flakey, battered crust. Mmmm. It was everything you look for in a fried and battered fish and chips combo. The fish had the perfect balance of crispy, crunchy outside, yet moist, hot and flakey inside. The chips (fries) were fresh, soft, and steamy - absolute fried potato perfection.

And then, while minding my own business, enjoying my delicious fish and chips, the unthinkable happened. It started snowing.. on April 29th. The news said that it hasn't snowed this late in April since ... like the 90's. While people ran for cover, I just opened up my umbrella and kept eating, completely unfazed that ice chunks were falling from the sky.

The fish was so hot that I didn't even mind a little chill.

When traveling around London, you have to be prepared and always, always carry an umbrella! You never know when it might snow 😉 Even in late April.

Tip: There are several different fish and chips joints around the Tower of London entrance, but I have only tried the Tower Hill Diner. So be sure you have the right place before venturing over to sample the menu!

Also, a friend who grew up in England told me that Toffs has excellent fish and chips! It was a little far for me to travel to, but if you are in the area, let me know how it is. I would love to try Toffs next time I am in town!