Yule never believe it! Poppies battered yule log Christmas special, in partnership with Thames Reach Charity

Christmas cheer is officially deep-fried this year as Poppies Fish & Chips launches its most wonderfully wacky winter special yet: the Battered Yule Log!

This December, Poppies is taking the classic chocolatey Christmas treat and giving it the full-on festive fry-up treatment in Pop’s signature batter. Crispy on the outside, melt-in-your-mouth magic on the inside – it’s the yuletide indulgence you never knew you needed.

But here’s the real Christmas miracle. Every single penny from sales will be donated to Thames Reach, the London charity working to end rough sleeping in the capital.

We’ve battered many things in our time, but this one really takes the (Christmas) cake. It’s fun, festive, and downright delicious. But most importantly, it supports a cause close to our hearts. Christmas is a time for togetherness, and in the spirit of giving back to the community we love, Poppies is proud to partner with Thames Reach. We hope this helps make the season a little brighter and opens the door to a more positive future for the people they support.

The limited-edition Yule Logs will be available from Poppies Soho throughout December – both when dining in or as a takeaway. Served as three battered mini chocolate yule logs with a scoop of vanilla gelato – an indulgent dessert for one or a sweet treat to share.

This is the latest iteration of the Poppies festive special which is always a popular delight and surprise for customers. Previous specials have included Christmas pudding, brussels sprouts, Quality Street, Ferrero Rocher and mince pies.

Last year, over 13,000 people slept rough in London, a 250% increase over the past decade and Thames Reach worked with more than 16,000 people across the capital, helping them find safer housing, strengthen their support networks, and take steps toward independence.

Thames Reach helps people move away from the streets, improve their wellbeing, and build lasting stability. Thames Reach do so through running outreach services, hostels and supported housing, mental health projects, and employment and skills programmes – focused on prevention and long-term change. By working closely with local authorities like the NHS and community partners, they make sure people get the right support at the right time helping them stay off the streets and rebuild their lives.

Bill Tidnam, Thames Reach CEO:

We’re delighted to announce our partnership with Poppies, whose commitment to their local community aligns perfectly with our mission to end rough sleeping in London. Their fundraising support will help us to maintain and grow our services for people affected by homelessness. We’re especially grateful that Poppies will be supporting our residents over Christmas with a warm fish and chips meal and providing an employability day for several of our service users. Together, we can make a real difference, helping people who are homeless or vulnerable to find a decent home, build supportive relationships and lead fulfilling lives. We’re also very excited to try the special Christmas Yule Log! Thank you Poppies!

Make time this festive season to skate down to Poppies for the seasonal special. Whether you’ve been naughty, nice, or somewhere in fried-between, this is your chance to bite into something joyfully ridiculous for a genuinely meaningful cause.

The details:

  • The ‘Battered Yule Log’ will be available for £8.95 from 1st – 31st December at Poppies Soho, for dining in and takeaway.
  • Poppies Soho, 55-59 Old Compton St, London, W1D 6HW

5 reasons why Poppies is the best place for pre-theatre dining in Soho

There isn’t usually much time for a pre-theatre dining between arriving in Leicester Square and the punctual 1.30pm or 7:30pm start times of most West End shows. You want something fast, but also delicious, to keep your bellies full all the way through to curtain call. Good thing there’s Poppies in Soho. If you’re undecided about what dining route to go down before the show, here are five solid reasons why Poppies is your golden Soho pre-theatre answer. 

We have the best fish and chips in London 

We’re delighted to have scooped a slew of awards over the years, from ‘diners choice’ to ‘best independent fish and chips restaurant’, but accolades aside, it’s our loyal customer base that have really sung our praises. Established since 1952, Poppies has been serving the London community for almost three quarters of a century. You know the fish and chips here are amazing… Londoners know best. 

Poppies Soho is located in the heart of Theatreland 

You’ll find us on Old Compton Street, walking distance to major theatres and shows including MJ The Musical, The Book of Mormon, The Mousetrap, and Les Miserables. Slap bang in the middle of Soho, our restaurant is also amidst London’s best bars and live music venues like Ronnie Scott’s. On most days we close at 11pm, so there’s a chance to pick up fish and chips post-show for the journey home too. 

Fast, fresh, food 

Freshness is our trademark. We’re proud to serve meals using only fresh, quality ingredients. Our fish is never frozen. It’s sustainably caught and sourced from British fisheries, delivered daily to our kitchens for filleting and frying. Our chips are made from premium Agria potatoes harvested in the fertile Fens of Cambridgeshire. Real ingredients, prepared using time-honoured traditions, cooked to order for you. 

You can dine in less than an hour 

You don’t have to eat your meal at an abnormally early time just to make it to the show on time. You can easily have a starter, main and dessert within an hour at our speedy Soho location. Remember, we’re walking distance to many West End theatres.

The restaurant is super photogenic 

You know you can’t take photos during the show right? Get your group snaps pre-theatre at our super kitsch Soho restaurant. Here, it’s all East End charm coupled with a bit of 70s retro chic, and there are portraits of British screen stars everywhere. Poppies is the perfect backdrop for YOUR portraits. Far better than a selfie in front of a curtain.

Get booked in!

Be sure to book a table at Poppies Fish & Chips for your pre-theatre dining in Soho to truly immerse yourself in an authentic and comforting London culinary experience.

Book a table

The Best Things to Do in Camden

Camden’s always been a little bit alternative. Located north of the River Thames, this was originally a transport hub and industrial area which blossomed over decades into a thriving music destination carrying a rich alternative arts and culture scene. This is where to find vintage pieces that are a little bit out there, where to catch an emerging artist that’s set to make their mark on the charts (punk rock was born in Camden FYI), and where you’ll find the tastiest British grub whether a generously portioned Sunday roast or box of fish and chips. Our guide to the best things to do in Camden will take you through the greats. 

1. Dig into North London’s top fish and chips and Poppies

Consistently ranked number one for fish and chips in Camden, we’re not blowing our own trumpet when we say Poppies is the best. Our Camden restaurant takes you back to the 1940s to a post-war time of rebirth. Shall we call it the ‘fishy forties’? Here, the catch is so fresh it practically swam into its crispy batter, and when it comes to chips you’ll always want to go large. The fixtures and fittings from floor to ceiling are all sourced by our beloved Pops, and there’s an upstairs performance lounge so you can grab a beer or a cocktail and enjoy a show after lunch. 

2. Shop till you need wine at Camden Market 

Being the shopping capital of the world, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to burning plastic in London, but Camden’s a must-stop on any shopping itinerary. The market is home to a staggering 1,000 vendors, spanning crafts and antiques, fashion, music, street food and just about anything you can think of. Camden Lock and Camden Market Stables are part of the open-air labyrinth, and you’ll also want to wander along Hawley Wharf for some under-the-radar gems and spots to rest your feet. A Curzon cinema, covered food courts and The Hawley Arms pub offer just the respite. 

3. Pay homage to Amy Winehouse at The Good Mixer pub 

Amy Winehouse was synonymous with Camden Town. Drawn to the area for its eclectic atmosphere and music scene, she felt a sense of belonging and moved over in 2003, around the time of her debut album, ‘Frank’. This became her playground, and The Good Mixer pub the infamous meeting point with future husband Blake Fielder-Civil. It was heavily used as a filming location for the movie ‘Back to Black’. Other points of interest include the Amy Winehouse statue at Stables Market and her former home at 30 Camden Square. 

4. Take a scenic stroll along Regent’s Canal 

When the weather is on side, grab a coffee and take a beautifully scenic stroll along Regent’s Canal. Starting at Little Venice, and ending in Docklands, it was named after the Prince Regent and is part of London’s Grand Union Canal. The walkway winds through Camden, passing the market, the London zoo, and many a Victorian warehouse. Visitors can also enjoy the experience on water, via boat tours or kayak rentals.   

5. Catch a gig at the Jazz Cafe 

A destination for live sounds, there are plenty of spots to catch new and established acts, but one of our favourites is the Jazz Cafe on Parkway. Over the last 35 years the venue has hosted the likes of Jamiroquai, Don Cherry, and of course Camden’s Amy Winehouse. It triples up as a restaurant with a mezzanine overlooking the stage, and hosts famous club nights such as Soul City. Other hot ticket live music venues in the area include the Blues Kitchen, KoKo and the Electric Ballroom. 

Get booked in!

Camden is always a good idea – especially if you want to experience a North London culture that’s rich in music, markets, and culinary delights. Be sure to book a table at Poppies Fish & Chips for your next Camden visit to get a true taste of London nostalgia.

Book a table

Supporting Veterans

Today (15th August 2025) marks the 80th Anniversary of Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day) – the official end of the Second World War – and we urge everyone to take a moment today to reflect and remember all those that fought and gave their lives.

We are also proud to announce the success of our fundraising initiative from earlier this year as we sought to support veterans across the country. We are delighted to have raised a meaningful £3,000 for The Not Forgotten, a charity that helps provide vital support to veterans and service personnel around the UK living with injury, illness or isolation. The money raised was from sales of our takeaway favourite ‘Fish Bites & Chips’ throughout the month of May alongside customer donations across all four of our London restaurants.  

The money has gone directly to this wonderful charity helping to support their year-round programme of social events, respite and challenge opportunities. With an estimated 2.4 million veterans living in the UK, this programme ranging from music events to social lunches and outings, helps to build confidence and foster camaraderie amongst veterans. Find out more about The Not Forgotten’s work and how to donate, here:

The Best Things to Do in Shoreditch

Shoreditch, the most dynamic of London’s enclaves that was once a hangout of creatives, is today a draw for all facets of interest. Daytime wanderers have culture, dining and shopping at their disposal, including the revered Spitalfields market and the piping hot curries of Brick Lane, whilst night owls can party hop across the area’s most buzzing bars, skyscrapers, and live music venues until the sun comes out. No matter what time you venture east, we’ve got you covered. Here’s our pick of the best things to do in Shoreditch, whether you’re looking to eat, party, shop, or stay.

1. Tuck into London’s best fish & chips at the OG Poppies 

    Did you know that Poppies on Hanbury Street was our founder, Pop’s, first ever restaurant? The retro-diner and takeaway is your classic East End chippie, serving golden-crisp catch served with chunky chips and homemade tartare sauce. Add mushy peas, finish with a sticky toffee pudding and a cuppa builder’s tea for the complete British experience. 

    2. Catch a gig at Village Underground 

      Shoreditch is a hot bed for emerging talent, and thankfully recent city folk and their skyscrapers haven’t driven out the area’s awesome nightlife and live music scene from which to catch it. Village Underground is a renovated Victorian warehouse that hosts a diverse range of entertainment, whether that’s club nights and gigs to immersive theatre and art exhibits. You can’t miss the venue either: the roof has actual tube carriages covered in colourful graffiti parked on top. 

      3. Shop all things independent at Spitalfields Market and beyond 

        Established 1638, this historic market is now home to a vast array of food stalls, arts and crafts, vintage clothing stores, and so much more. Start at West entrance and work your way through the grid, then follow the flow of traffic along Commercial Street, The Truman Brewery Markets, and Brick Lane Vintage Market for hours and hours of independent retail enjoyment.  Be sure to drop a pin at Rough Trade East, a 5,000 square foot record store with an impressive vinyl collection, books, merch and a cafe. 

        4. Get creative at Art Play 

          What do you get when you combine a freestyle art class and booze? Answer: a lot of fun. Art Play in Spitalfields is an adult’s playground, a chance to go back to school without the pressure. Whether you’re a Van Gogh or a Van No, you’ll love picking up provided paints, brunches, and a canvas and letting those creative juices flow. On weekends, a DJ joins in to turn up the atmosphere, but those wanting to learn can sign up for guided classes, which span pottery to candle making. 

          5. Spice up your life on Brick Lane 

            A hub for Bengali immigrants in the sixties and seventies, Brick Lane quickly gained notoriety for curry houses. So much so that in the decades that ensued, travellers came far and wide for a taste of the area’s unique sauce that brings authentic South Asian ingredients to a British palette. In other words, if you can’t handle the (extreme) spice, things will be okay! Specialities include Dhaka-style biryani and chicken tikka masala, but you can absolutely get the spectrum of Indian cuisine…oh, and many of them allow you to BYO beer for a bargain evening out. 

            Get booked in!

            Shoreditch is an area close to our hearts, full of local pride and vibrant culture – and ever-changing! Be sure to book a table at Poppies Fish & Chips for your next Shoreditch visit to get a true taste of London’s East End.

            Book a table

            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. 

            Get booked in!

            Be sure to book a table at Poppies Fish & Chips for your next London visit to truly immerse yourself in an authentic and comforting culinary experience.

            Book a table

            The Best Things to Do in Soho

            There’s a lot going on in Soho: the Central London core is packed with things to do for both tourists and locals alike. You have iconic shopping spots such as Carnaby Street, famous for the swinging sixties movement; historic LGBTQ+ clubs and bars that continue to draw a rainbow crowd of revellers; and many a stage to showcase the arts, whether that’s theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue or a comedy night at the SoHo Playhouse. Foodies: this is where some of your favourite restaurants were birthed (including Mildred’s, Bao and Tonkotsu) and of course, where the best fish & chips in Central London resides. Hungry for fun times? Here’s what to do in Soho. 

            1. Try the West End’s best first and chips on Old Compton Street 

              You won’t find a better chippie than Poppies (we’re not biased at all!), and our Old Compton Street restaurant is just the spot to bite into a crunchy golden catch of the day and a generous helping of chunky chips. The restaurant is full of East End charm, decked out in 70s retro style with screen sirens and Soho moments, and we’ve got jellied eels, mushy peas, and sticky toffee pudding to fuel a Soho night just right. 

              2. Get the swinging sixties look on Carnaby Street 

                One of the most famous shopping streets in the capital, Carnaby Street was where the swinging sixties movement began. Back then, rockers from The Beatles to The Kinks to The Rolling Stones (and many more!) not only hung out here but got their iconic looks from Carnaby’s independent fashion retailers. Today, shoppers can browse a range of department stores, brands, and boutiques, creating looks just like the stars of the sixties once did.  

                3. Watch some live jazz at Ronnie Scott’s 

                  This world-famous jazz club was founded in 1959, and has hosted the who’s who of jazz and beyond. Names such as Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone and Miles Davis have all graced Ronnie’s stage, and today you can witness future legends in this intimate and beautifully outfitted Soho venue. 

                  4. Join London’s most inclusive party at Friendly Society 

                    London’s LGBTQ+ community is one of Europe’s largest, and being so fabulous, Soho is naturally the mecca. The streets dotted around Old Compton Street are packed with bars that welcome the whole spectrum of queer and their allies, and our favourite is Friendly Society. Since 1999, the underground venue has brought good times in good company, with a little disco ball and tropical cocktail magic. A guaranteed night of fun and frolics. 

                    5. Visit an underground tube speakeasy at Cahoots 

                      Did you know you can legally drink alcohol on the London Underground? Well, at least in Cahoots you can. The Soho speakeasy is situated within a forgotten Kingly Court tube station, transformed into a forties cocktail bar with ticket hall, platforms and a life-sized train carriage to knock back a Winston Churchill themed gin concoction in. The best place for an immersive sip. 

                      Soho continues to captivate us – it’s a must-visit destination for the shoppers, partygoers, and foodies. 

                      Get booked in!

                      Be sure to book a table at Poppies Fish & Chips for your next Soho visit to truly immerse yourself in an authentic and comforting London culinary experience.

                      Book a table

                      VE Day 80 Celebrations with ‘The Not Forgotten’

                      Throughout the month of May, all proceeds from the sales of our ‘Fish Bites & Chips’ will go to veterans charity The Not Forgotten to help them provide vital support to veterans and service personnel around the country living with injury, illness, or isolation.

                      We are commemorating 80 years since Victory in Europe (VE) Day, remembering all those that gave their all for our freedom and celebrating the role fish and chips played in the war.

                      Further to this, on VE Day itself (8th May), Poppies will be selling ‘Fish Bites & Chips’ at the 1945 price of 13p, or for a donation to The Not Forgotten, with the intention of making Britain’s favourite food accessible to all, just as it was during the war.

                      Fish & chips keeping morale high

                      Throughout World War II, fish and chips were one of the only foods not rationed, a decision made by the Government to keep morale high. This sentiment was confirmed by Prime Minister Winston Churchill who described fish and chips as “the good companions”.

                      It wasn’t just at home, fish and chips also played a vital role on the front line, with British troops identifying allies by shouting out ‘fish’ and awaiting the reply ‘chips’ to confirm the presence of other British soldiers.

                      We hope this classic British dish will raise spirits and fuel the VE Day celebrations of all those heading to London whilst also raising money that will support veterans across the country. We want all veterans to know they are not forgotten, we truly appreciate their sacrifices and will do whatever we can to ensure their lives are full of community, camaraderie and confidence. 

                      The anniversary of VE Day is a poignant moment when our nation turns to remembering the sacrifices made by so many individuals and families during the Second World War. It is almost impossible to imagine the joy and relief they must have felt at the announcement of an end to the conflict. This 80th anniversary holds special significance as it represents the ‘handing over of the baton’ between the Second World War generation, of whom just a special few remain, and those who follow. We are thrilled and hugely grateful that Poppies have chosen to support us as part of their commemorations – every penny raised will help fund our vital programme of events and support for injured and isolated veterans. Support that is needed now more than ever, eight decades on.

                      Col. (Retd.) Richard Walker, OBE | Chief Executive | The Not Forgotten

                      The details:

                      • Poppies ‘Fish Bites & Chips’ cost £6 and are available from all four branches of Poppies as a takeaway.
                      • Throughout May all proceeds from sales will be donated to The Not Forgotten. On the 8 May 2025,
                      • the cost will be reduced to just 13p as it would have been in 1945.

                      Links:

                      The ultimate valentine’s day pairing

                      This February, two iconic names are coming together to offer an unforgettable Valentine’s Day experience, heroing a traditional British dish and French classic for the most unexpected of pairings. Champagne Lanson, the historic Champagne house founded in 1760, renowned for their freshness and innovative approach to winemaking, is partnering with Poppies Fish and Chips in Soho, a beloved London institution famous for its crispy, golden fish and chips, to bring a unique pairing to celebrate the season of love.

                      From the 10th of February, until the end of the month, guests can enjoy a specially curated Valentine’s menu featuring classic fish and chips (cod or haddock) followed by a gelato dessert complemented by a 20cl mini bottle of Lanson Le Black Création Champagne at £35 per person. The perfect choice for those looking for a more lively way to celebrate Valentine’s Day, this delicious experience makes for a fabulously fun alternative.

                      Expertly selected for this pairing, Lanson’s iconic Le Black Création is a bold expression of the house’s dedication to both freshness and luxury. This unique cuvée, which blends the richness of Pinot Noir with the finesse of Chardonnay, provides a  beautifully structured profile on the palate The Champagne’s abundant freshness enhances the traditional fare, cutting through the heavenly richness of the crispy batter and succulent fresh fish, creating a marriage of taste that elevates this classic British dish to new heights.

                       

                       

                      The Poppies team commented:

                      “Despite our different backgrounds, this partnership brings together two iconic brands that are united in their dedication to excellence with a shared appreciation for quality. We both use precision and skill to craft the best there is. And now you can enjoy our labours of love in a unique marriage throughout the season of love.”

                      This limited-time Valentine’s Day menu will be available at Poppies Fish and Chips Soho location, offering individuals, couples and friends a playful twist on the classic fine dining typically associated with the 14th of February.

                      BOOK HERE

                      Images: Stacie Ma Photography

                      Festive Christmas Pud!

                      DON’T GO UNTIL YOU GET SOME! POPPIES BRINGS GOOD TIDINGS WITH A NEW FESTIVE PUD IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS

                      Ready to taste the best Christmas pudding of your life?! Skate away from tradition and ditch steamed, baked or flambéed pud, and instead enjoy it encased in Poppies’ signature, crispy batter. Think of a warm, rich and moist Christmas pudding with an added layer of crunchy crust that gives way to an explosion of melt-in-the-mouth Christmas flavour. All topped off with a scoop of vanilla gelato. It’s a match made in heaven and all that’s left to wonder is why on earth it’s taken us so long to make it! Every year we help make the season bright by taking a Christmas classic and giving it a Poppies makeover. From glitter chips and battered brussels sprouts to mince pies, Quality Street and Ferrero Rocher. The Poppies team said, “This year we put it to our customers and asked them what Christmas delight they want to see given a touch of Poppies magic. A whopping two thirds (66%) set their hearts on Christmas pudding. So we have answered our customers’ wishes with the first ever Poppies Christmas Pudding, a merry marvellous addition to the menu. The rich flavours of the Christmas pudding are perfectly complemented by the crispy, crunchy Poppies batter. Both British staples come together to make an irresistible and memorable Christmas treat.” To enjoy this unique Christmas special, make your way to Poppies Soho between 16th December – 29th December 2024. Costing £8.95, this festive dessert is served along with a scoop of ice cream and is a guaranteed way to feel jolly this Christmas.