Just a little pun. But did you know that the first Friday in June every year is National Fish & Chips Day? This year (2021) it will be celebrated on June 4. Here at Skull Creek Dockside we serve a classic rendition of the dish and thought it would be fun to investigate the origins of what we believed was a classic British dish. Well, we were a little surprised with what we found out and we think you will be too.
The pairing of fish and chips has long been considered a British staple. The irresistible combination of a hunk of battered cod resting atop a mound of steaming hot chips (french fries in America) is the quintessential British comfort food. Whether eaten on a plastic tray on your lap in front of the “telly” or gobbled down from a makeshift paper cone on the way home from the pub, a meal of fish and chips is like a serving of deep fried nostalgia in the UK – and let’s not forget a sprinkling of salt and vinegar.
At the dish’s peak of popularity in the late 1920s, there were 35,000 fish and chips shops in the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland). Today, there are still 10,500 “chippies” in the U.K. serving 360 million meals of fish and chips every year. That’s the equivalent of six servings of fish and chips to every British man, woman, and child.
The golden fried combo is so deeply entrenched in British culture that it can be hard to imagine a time when there wasn’t a fish and chip shop in every neighborhood. But travel back a mere 200 years and you would be hard pressed to find a combination of fried fish and chipped potatoes anywhere in the British Isles. Yes, the origin story of fish and chips is a bit more complex than the nationalist sentiment might imply.
Food history tells us that it all began outside the U.K hundreds of years ago. From the 8th to the 12th centuries, Jews, Muslims, and Christians lived in relative peace in Portugal, known as Al-Andalus, under Moorish rule. Sephardic Jews, who likely comprised 20 percent of the population, held positions in the high court. But the strength of Moorish rule diminished over time as Christian armies started conquering the territory. By 1249, Moorish rule...
Read moreBritain, London and of course… Fish & Chips
The restaurant was chosen based on finding a ”better” and less greasy alternative for the classic usually newspaper wrapped delicacy. The place was full of locals and awaiting Fulham fans, so it seemed like a right choice.
Service: Slow, indifferent and some of the staff seemed like they would rather be literally anywhere else. This was saved a little by the classic British politeness. Once everything was ordered the food did not take long and the drinks came out fast. All in all no real complaints, but the staff didn’t help the cause.
Athmosphere/venue: The place is itself was lovely, nothing fancy, but just perfect to uplift the experience for what it was: trying to find great fish & chips. We were seated outside, but the buzz of the Fulham fans from inside could still felt. Love it!
Food: Well, it’s fish & chips after all, so how much can you do? As stated earlier the goal was to get a ”less greasy” option. And well… Fishers delivered. It was just right. The fish was huge, succulent and the fried shell just crispy enough, the fries also nailed the softness/crispy ratio and the mushed peas had a great texture and really lifted the rest of the dish. Although, the tartar sauce left something to hope for, but wasn’t bad by any means.
Overrall: Would recommend, especially for a meal with friends before a...
Read moreFishers: The Best Fish and Chips in London
If you're craving authentic British fish and chips, Fishers is the place to be. Nestled in the heart of London, this charming eatery delivers everything you'd expect from a traditional chippy—crispy golden batter, flaky fresh fish, and perfectly cooked chips with just the right crunch.
What sets Fishers apart is the attention to detail. The fish is always fresh and sourced sustainably, offering choices from classic cod to haddock and more. The batter is light and crispy without being greasy, letting the natural flavors of the fish shine through. The chips are thick-cut, fluffy inside, and wonderfully seasoned.
They also offer a variety of sides, from tangy tartar sauce to mushy peas, all prepared with care. The portions are generous but not overwhelming, ensuring you leave satisfied but not stuffed.
The staff at Fishers are friendly, creating a welcoming and cozy atmosphere. Whether you're a local or a visitor, the service feels personal and warm.
In a city with many fish and chip shops, Fishers stands out for its quality, consistency, and commitment to tradition. It's a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience the best of British...
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