London is home to many ancient monuments, from Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London and Westminster Hall to the Royal Observatory in Greenwich.
But beyond the grand buildings that have stood the test of time lie the more humble old places, like the oldest pub still serving pints and the oldest fish and chip shop still open today.
Fish and chips have long been a staple of British cuisine and millions of people enjoy this delicious meal every week.
Perfectly breaded fish, crispy and soft chips soaked in vinegar with a side of mushy peas with mint and even a bit of curry sauce make for a dream meal.
Although there are a dozen fish and chip shops in London, each claiming to be the best, only one can claim to be the oldest.
What is the oldest fish and chip shop in London?
Rock and Sole Plaice in the Seven Dials was founded in 1871, 153 years ago, and is still located in the same place.
The takeaway says its basement once served as a meeting place for community volunteers to plan where to distribute food to displaced people across London during the Blitz in World War II.
Although it wasn’t the first fish and chip shop to open in London (it was the third), it is the oldest in existence and has now supplied over six generations of Londoners with the ‘best fish and chips’.
Rock and Sole Plaice say that the locals at the chippy were often workers from Covent Garden Market, local factories and warehouses.
What is the purpose of plaice made from stonefish and sole?
The fish and chip shop still serves traditional dishes including cod loin and chips (£21), sole and chips (£22) and plaice and chips (£22).
There are also sausages, chicken sticks, pies and side dishes such as coleslaw, pickled onions and gherkins.
In fact, Rock and Sole Plaice offers ‘London Style Sides’ for £6, consisting of onions, coleslaw, cucumber, boiled egg and pickled onions, perfect with a plate of fish and chips.
On TripAdvisor, the restaurant has a rating of 4/5 from over 2,000 reviews, including one fan who said: “One of the best fish and chips in London! Fresh and delicious food… extremely friendly and professional service… Really worth a try!!”
RECOMMENDED READING
You can still drink a pint in London’s oldest pub, which has been around for 500 years
“I went to the most expensive fish’n’chips shop – my local is better”
Another added: “I didn’t realise this is one of the oldest places in London serving fish and chips. You can sit inside or outside.”
“Great selection and variety of fish. The staff is nice and the prices are good for the location of the restaurant.”
Meanwhile, another guest wrote: “Stopped here on the way to the British Museum. It was absolutely worth it, both for the taste of the food and the friendliness of the staff.”
