Fish and Chips
Date of visit: 6th August 2026
Score: 8/10

Fish and Chips at Poppies

I’ve been coming to Poppies for years. I used to work nearby in the old Truman brewery building and later by Liverpool Street. Poppies is a traditional fish and chip restaurant. On their website, they detail their process to get the fish and potatoes into their shops. They have four shops across London, but the Spitalfields one is my favourite.

Having had pie and mash earlier in the day, I was surprisingly hungry. I was meeting a friend to play pool in the East End. I used to study nearby and I’ve been a member of the pool club in Stepney since the 90s. At the last minute, we decided to meet in Poppies.

We both ordered the large cod and chips (£25.50 each) and one mushy peas between us (£3.50). Poppies also serve alcoholic drinks. I was in the mood for a gin and tonic (£9.15), and my friend had a pint of ale (£7.95). The food arrived quickly and was hot.

I’ve always enjoyed eating in Poppies but something has changed over the years. When I was growing up in Grays, we had a family-run fish and chip restaurant called Mumford’s. They used to sell fresh fish and fish and chips, but at the end of their life they were a cash-only fish and chip restaurant. The quality was amazing. They would buy large pieces of cod and cut across them to give fillets with massive flakes. When I first went to Poppies years ago (probably around 2018), I remember it being the same. The fish had huge white flakes. It’s still nice, but it isn’t as flaky. Still, the ingredients are fresh and delicious.

Size of cod at Poppies

The price was quite high. Also the large cod (pictured against my hand) is arguably a medium cod. They added an optional service charge of 12.5% (£8.95) to the bill, bringing it to £80.55 for two fish and chips, one side and two drinks. But Poppies is in London, so we have to give them the benefit of the doubt I guess.

Breaking down the scoring for this:

  • Is the food hot enough? Yes, absolutely fine. (1 point)
  • Are the portions big enough? I’m going to say no, the large cod could be bigger. (0 points)
  • Is the cod white and flaky? Yes, it’s good enough but I’ve had better at Poppies. (2 points)
  • Are the chips soft on the inside and crispy enough on the outside? Yes, good chips. (2 points)
  • Overall taste and presentation. All good. (2 points)
  • Value for money. It’s in London and it’s top end, so maybe it’s good value, but… (1 point)

This gives it 8/10. If you can afford it and you are in London, don’t miss it.

Poppies Spitalfields
Address: 6-8 Hanbury St, London E1 6QR
Tel: 020 3161 1422
Web: poppiesfishandchips.co.uk
Hours: 1100-2200 Sun-Wed, 1100-2300 Thu-Sat
Cards accepted.