Best "Chippies" in Central London
 

We will be staying in Central London (Hyde Park Area) during January and wanted to know about "Chippies" in the area. <BR> <BR>Thanks!

Hi <BR> <BR>Best thing to do is ask a local once you get there, they will usually be able to recommend the best fish and chips. Unfortunately most chip shops in central London will be geared towards tourists (the ones in Leceister Square are dire), the best ones will usually be in the suburbs.

Karen's right - you have to go to places a few miles out where people live rather than the tourist traps. My local, The Sea Shell on Lisson Grove, NW1 (very close to Marylebone station) is reasonably central, well known and is okay (although a bit expensive). I'm told that Fryer's Delight on Theobalds Road is okay, and that's not so far from the British Museum.

Now here's a good example of the need to take care when visiting another country, especially England, where they speak a "sort of English". As Churchill said, we, England and USA, are two countries divided by a common language. A Chippie means, to some folks at least, a "common woman", something akin to "loose", or "available" so better watch your tongue.

Sandi, why do you write meaningless posts? They are useless.

Actually, when I read the title of this message, I was sure that the meaning of "chippies" was exactly as Sandi indicates.

My favorite chip shop in London is called the Rock 'n' Sole Plaice (cute, eh?), and it's near Covent Garden. I can't remember the street name but I can look it up if you like, Burt...it always gets excellent reviews from places like Time Out as one of central London's best chip shops.

I've been to that Rock'n'Sole Plaice, and it seems to be catering to Americans that think that fish'n'chips is some quintessential London experience. I suppose that maybe - - maybe - - it's a smidge better than Arthur Treacher's. <BR> <BR>One minor complaint: for almost all the staff there, English is not their native language. They had trouble understanding the question about whether peanut oil is/was used for the frying (one traveler with a severe peanut allergy). Ultimately we got them to show us the oil, and it referred to "ground nut oil" - - which we interpreted as - - maybe - - the same thing as peanut oil - - and thus avoided the fried selections for her. <BR> <BR>For those who do want the details about the place - - this from the website http://www.ucl.ac.uk/~uctpgvo/page5.html <BR> <BR>Rock & Sole Plaice 47 Endell St., WC2 (0171 8363785). <BR> <BR>Covent Garden's premier fish and chips shop. You will find generous portions of cod, haddock, plaice and rock salmon with chips for around £5-£6. Food cheaper when taken away and eaten off the premises, but seating is provided. <BR> <BR>My postscript: the seating is barely enough for say, 10 people at 2 or 3 tables max. <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex <BR>

A chippy is a fish and chip shop. I've never heard any of this stuff about it meaning a loose woman. By the way, in the North (of England) you can experience the delights of a 'chip butty' - a sandwich made with chips ie French fries. And in Scotland, they'll ask you if you want 'salt and sauce' (ie brown sauce instead of vinegar)....

I thought he was talkin' about ma favorite hobby too!!! I just love them young chippies.

Interesting, Rex...when I've been in R&S, I've had to elbow my way in through a crowd of London office workers to get my order. Mine was the only American accent in the place. <BR> <BR>Nor is the magazine "Time Out" exactly known for "catering to Americans." Perhaps you were there on a bad day...I've gone multiple times and found the food terrific. (And most fish & chip shops aren't exactly known for an abundance of seating.)

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