Mayfair Chippy: the posh London chippy with a difference

There are few things that truly take me back to my childhood. But one thing that always does, is the vinegar-drenched, mouth-drooling scent of good fish and chips.

I spent many a British summer down at the windy coast of Weymouth, soaking in the sights and rays at the beach. After a fun-filled day of crabbing and far too many candy-floss-induced sugar comas, it was time to sit and enjoy fish and chips, proper. I.e. straight from the newspaper.

I’ll admit, since living in London I’ve struggled to find a really decent chippy, especially one that is worth the astronomical prices us Londoners are often subjected to. So, when I was invited to try a ‘sit down’, Mayfair chippy experience, I have to admit, I was intrigued.

Mayfair and chippy aren’t two words I would immediately associate with each other, so I trudged down the busy pre-Christmas, packed Oxford Street and came across the venue, which already had a long, Friday evening queue down the block.

The interior was spot on, an ode to the traditional chippy, with all of the elegant detail you’d expect to find in a Mayfair establishment. It was only when I was seated, I was made aware that the restaurant is actually award-winning, 1AA Rosette and Michelin Guide – the excitement was palpable.

The menu impressed. Think chip shop, but elegant and refined. Dishes included succulent Cornish fish coated in the lightest, crispiest beer batter (there are alcohol and gluten-free options available too), a Soft Shell Crab Burger, Oysters and Mussels – and even an alternative pie menu. This captured my attention as it included a braised lamb shoulder Shepherd’s Pie and a Lobster Macaroni and Cheese – tempting! What can I say? The nights are getting colder.

Alas, I couldn’t come to the Mayfair Chippy and not indulge in seafood. With that in mind, we ordered the Cornish Crab Salad – which is also available as a main course – and the Cornish Salt and Pepper Squid served with chilli lime and ginger. The squid was punchy, and the salad very well presented. I was particularly impressed with the size of the dish and how much crab you get. At £14.50 for a starter portion, it’s a little pricey, but you certainly can’t knock the quality, freshness and portion sizes.

For mains, we were directed to the Mayfair Classic, and my guest decided on the classic cod, which was served alongside chips, mushy peas and chop shop curry sauce. I opted for Battered Scampi Tails and chips, a childhood favourite, alongside curry sauce too. Many people would say this doesn’t match in the slightest, but I beg to differ! Both dishes were absolutely ginormous – I can’t state this enough, come hungry. As well as size, taste and freshness also got top marks from us.

Dessert options span great British classics such as Sticky Date Toffee Pudding, Sherry Trifle and Apple & Blackberry Crumble. We were excited to see Moth cocktails were on the menu – the top quality cocktails in a can. They were classily poured into fancy cocktail glasses and thanks to the quality and taste Moth is known for, you wouldn’t have known they came from a can. We indulged in the Negroni and Espresso Martini, which was ideal to round off our experience.

Upon exit, I couldn’t help but notice they also offer a fabulous seafood-inspired afternoon tea. The full spread of seafood delights includes crab bruschetta, mussels, oysters and king prawns and is available to pre-order.

For a great sit down elevated chippy experience, visit the Mayfair Chippy. I’m also going to keep it in mind for warm summer evenings as a takeaway to pick up en route to Hyde Park.

Visit www.mayfairchippy.com for more information