How Poppies Makes the World’s Best Fish and Chips

For mouth tingling, lip smacking, ketchup dousing, gravy drowning indulgence we are the experts at all things fish and chips. 

Established 1952, Poppies has been a beloved British institution for over 70 years. Our traditional fish and chip restaurant now has four London outposts – Soho, Shoreditch, Notting Hill and Camden. But how did it go from humble East End chippie to being hailed as producer of some of the best fish and chips in the world? This is Poppies’ story. 

Where it all began

Poppies takes its name from born and bred East-ender Pat ‘Pop’ Newland who captained the ship and steered it on its way. Pop’s career began in the fish and chip business aged 11, when he got a job on the Roman Road cutting up The Daily Mirror newspaper to wrap fish and chips in for takeaway. Half a century on, Pop realised his lifelong dream and founded his own place in Spitalfields using his passion for fish and chips, decades of experience and love of British popular culture to create an award-winning restaurant filled with warmth, charm and retro memorabilia collected throughout his life. Pop is sadly no longer with us, but Poppies continue to pay homage to his vision and his presence is still in our hearts and minds. 

Freshness is Our Trademark

The produce is as good as it gets. We take pride in sourcing sustainably caught, fresh fish from waters around the British Isles. The fish is delivered daily to our skilled fishmongers who fillet and prepare the fish ready for cooking. The same goes for our chunky chips. We use premium Agria potatoes grown on farms in the fertile Fens of Cambridgeshire. Our central kitchen peels and cuts the potatoes before they are blanched and fried to perfection for our customers on demand. Nothing is ever made from frozen or kept for the next day.  

Precise Cooking Methods

Our expert team employs time-honoured techniques to prepare and cook the perfect fish and chips in quality groundnut oil. The result is crispy, golden, batter encasing succulent fish so tender it’ll melt in your mouth, while our twice cooked chunky chips are fluffy on the inside and irresistibly crispy on the outside. 

A Slice of London’s Heritage

Poppies is more than just a restaurant, it’s a living tribute to London’s rich culinary history. Step into our charming, retro-inspired setting and be transported back in time as you savour the flavours that have delighted Londoners for generations. 

Award Winning

Poppies is known to be a cut above. Our winning formula has earned us cult-status and numerous accolades for our dedication to preserving the authenticity of this British classic. A combination of ethical awareness, care and precision mixed with decades of experience and a hefty dose of East End charm. 

Supper is served

We serve thousands of customers fresh fish and chips every day, as well as classic East End sides. These include jellied eels, pickled eggs, homemade fish cakes, and mushy peas. Each of our locations has a full bar, and a delicious dessert menu featuring classics like sticky toffee pudding.