Nautilus — Local services in London

Well, where to start?... Full disclosure I've always been a bit of a fish and chips sceptic. Far too often 'tradition' allows people to serve up tasteless and anaemic chips which is accepted because the dish has become a ubiquitous part of life for so many. Having seen this institution recommended by people and even make lists of top fish and chip places in London, I needed to check this place out, hoping to find the rare jewel in the chippie industrial crown. Don't worry yourself though, it's all lies and happy feedback from people who'd be happy if you put anything in front of them. The food was POOR! Firstly, I asked for the chips to be cooked longer for me as I had already spied the chips they had standing there 'fresh' and they looked undoubtedly unimpressive. I also got some fried Skate as I wanted to try their matzo meal breading which supposedly makes them different. All seemed fine until I got the food home... Chips were awful. Definitely not fried for longer fact they barely looked blanched and the gentle wrapping had turned them into much. There was not an ounce of crispiness or texture to them at all. Basically just sticks of mash, which wouldn't be so bad if the potatoes were tasty but they're probably just Tesco value - no flavour whatsoever. I was angry because the reason I stated to fry them extra was that I wouldn't have bought this disgrace for food if it was going to be a problem. This just isn't good food. Severely disappointed but not too surprised as chippies tend to neglect the chips (stupidly) for the fish. So I was more excited about the prospect of trying the main part of the dish. Coating was crispy and the fish was rather large. That's where the compliments end. Batter? Plain, tasteless, bland. Fish? The same. Mate, I've gotten lemon sole fillets from Co-op that are better tasting than this. That should not be the case! Ever! If anyone recommends this place to you they are lying. It's awful. I didn't finish most of it, as it's just chewing for the sake of chewing. There's no joy. If you want something to fill you up and don't care how it tastes. Then this is your place. For anyone that actually cares about flavour. Go elsewhere. Added an extra star because the...

I used to go as a child with my little brother. We went every so often, but we were never notable customers. At that age we never had proper conversations with the boss. Even so, the boss was kind to us and always used to give us a free extra bag of chips “for the journey”, which was sweet. We always used to think he looked like Jose Mourinho, though never told him to his face.

Today, after having moved out of London, I returned to the shop for the first time in 10+ years. It was the same boss who greeted me and took my order. It made me happy to see he was still at the shop. As I was walking out, he asked “so are you still around here? You used to come here when you were a kid”. I told him I had moved away from London but was visiting for the weekend. I couldn’t believe he recognised me! I confirm at 25 years old, I look very different now to when I was 12!! How many thousands of faces have been through the shop over the years?! He told me it was my cheekbones that have stayed the same since I was a kid. It was a very wholesome interaction!

In a world of change, it’s nice places like Nautilus are still around to remind you of the good old days. I hope to see him again next...

Yesterday I had a horrible experience with one of the staff members. Me and a friend came in and were immediately greeted with attitude and aggression. The man serving us could not have had more unprofessionalism. I only wanted one fish and he immediately rolled his eyes at me and made it seem as those I was massively inconveniencing him. He then threw the fish in a box and almost shoved it at me. He then gave a small measly serving of chips and said this is For your friend. This confused me because she had not ordered yet. He then charges me for the full price of chips and fish even though I did not order it.

My friend then goes to order and she only wanted small chips. He then again aggressively throws chips in a bag and goes your friend already paid.

We intended to pay separately and this confused us again because how could he Have known what my friend was going to order to the point where he could charge me for it.

He then says to us very rudely if you have an issue I with it you can send her the money

Overall very rude and will...