Mayfair Chippy

I recently had the pleasure of dining at a high-end fish and chip shop in Mayfair, London, which has not only won numerous awards but also earned a spot in the Michelin Guide. With great anticipation, I approached this dining experience, eager to see if the lofty reputation matched the steep prices – hoping it was nothing like Tom Kerridge’s offering at Harrods. As I entered the shop, I was greeted by a chic yet compact indoor seating area, which can accommodate 123 guests, plus a few outdoor tables that beckoned to those who wished to enjoy their meal al fresco. It’s a bit of a tight squeeze in the restaurant so if you do not like being too close to other diners, I’d sit outside or grab a takeaway!

With an extensive menu in hand, I decided to start with the battered king prawns at £12.50 and a Scotch egg for £10.25. These prices set the tone for what I knew would be an expensive outing. For the main course, I chose the fried cod, priced at £23.95, accompanied by a selection of sides, including mushy peas, tartar sauce, and curry sauce.

When my starters arrived, the battered king prawns were beautifully presented, large, and aromatic. I couldn’t help but admire the homemade touch. The Scotch egg, with its vibrant yolk and crispy coating, was a delight. It had a rich flavour, enhanced by the haddock filling, although the curried mayonnaise served alongside was a tad too salty for my taste. Overall, I found the starters thoroughly enjoyable, particularly the Scotch egg.

The main course was a generous portion of fried cod, adorned with curry sauce, mushy peas, and a healthy serving of chips. I was immediately taken by the golden, crisp batter that encased the fish—it was not overly greasy, which I appreciated. However, I was disappointed by the chips. They were dry and didn’t quite meet the expectations set by the rest of the meal, which was unfortunate given the high standards that come with a price tag like this. The sauces, especially the tartar sauce, added a nice touch, complementing the dish well.

The total bill came to a staggering £54.79, including a service charge—an eye-watering sum considering the dry chips. Overall, I can’t give it more than a 7/10.

In conclusion, while the food was undeniably good, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was paying a premium for the location and reputation. For those of you curious about this Mayfair chippy, I recommend it if you’re in the area, but if you’re just passing through, you might be better off supporting your local fish and chip shop instead. Thank you for joining me on this culinary adventure!