Amid all the fabulous world cuisines topping up London’s brilliant restaurant scene, there’s is no shortage of classic chippies in every corner of London – so much so, we just had to get out and sample one for National Fish and Chip Day today (Friday, June 6).
Out in the west, there’s Stones in Acton; in the south, the famous Brockley’s Rock on Brockley Road, both of which received a nod in the National Fish and Chip Awards 2025, dotted on our map here along with other UK nominees. Further away, there’s the award-winning Toff’s of Muswell Hill. But awards are one thing, word of mouth from locals is another – and it was one such recommendation that led us to Ken’s Fish Bar.
Ken’s Fish Bar in Half Moon Lane, Herne Hill, is one of the staple chippies of South London, appearing in a number of online lists of the best takeaways to eat from, as well as Netflix series Somebody Feed Phil (season 3, episode 3) in which comedy writer Phil Rosenthal is dazzled after enjoying a fish takeaway as recommended by Jay Rayner. It’s in a different part of London to MyLondon’s previous fish and chip shop reviews, and naturally, off I went in search of this hallowed chippie.
Ken’s Fish Bar is about a ten minute walk from Herne Hill train station, passing under the railway bridge and then for some distance through a residential area before a row of shops appears out of nowhere of the left-hand side. The chippie has a smart shop-front with the logo ‘ofFISHally the best chips in town’. To which I can only add my agreement.
It’s worth noting that the chippie is cash-only, so it’s worth coming with some notes. At the time of my visit, I’m minded to choose the haddock (£9.50) and small chips (£3.30) but it turns out that haddock is going to be a 15-minute wait, and so I go with cod instead. My goodies are wrapped into a neat paper cone, and off I go.
There’s a glow about my fish and chips that makes them look like holy manna sent from heaven. I don’t think I’ve ever seen fish batter gleam such a brilliant orange, it’s exquisitely crusted and crunchy throughout. And the fish inside is beautifully tender and fresh, I wolf it down on the walk home in an absolutely garrulous state.
As ever, the ‘small’ chips are easily enough for one and could probably feed two people. If the fish was battered brilliantly, then I’m left with hardly any more adjectives to say just how golden, crisp and parcel-like each chip is. Usually, there’s maybe a few golden nuggets among chips that are perfectly cooked right – here was it just about every one of them. 10/10 the best chips I’ve had in years.
National Fish and Chip Day was set up in 2015 by The National Edible Oil Distributors’ Association (NEODA), a non-profit organisation whose members include edible oil and fats refiners, processors, distributors and waste oil collectors.
In 2015, one of the finalist businesses of the National Fish & Chip Awards – namely Papa’s Fish & Chips mentioned how a National Awareness Day for fish and chips would be a great addition to the industry calendar. This idea was picked up by a member of the NEODA Board and NEODA decided it was something they could champion.
NEODA states: “National Fish and Chip Day is an awareness day for the consumer. This means it embraces all formats of the dish not just fish and chips from the local chippy. We try to encompass everyone involved in creating this iconic British dish from fish and chip shops, pub chains, restaurants, retailers to the fishermen and farmers who provide the sustainable and natural ingredients needed to create this nutritionally-balanced family favourite.”
Gary Lewis, president of NEODA, added: National Fish & Chip Day has always brought the nation together to celebrate this iconic dish. Everybody wants to celebrate this amazing industry who are at the centre of every community from the fishers who go out in all weathers to catch the delicious fish, and the farmers who grow and harvest the perfect potatoes and peas to the fish and chip shops and restaurants who take those fresh ingredients and create our family favourite.”
Ken’s Fish Bar is located at Half Moon Lane, Herne Hill. For more information, see here.
You can sign up to get the most exciting events to the new bars and restaurants in London sent straight to your WhatsApp from the MyLondon team.
To sign up, you need to already have WhatsApp. All you need to do is click this link and select ‘join community’.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the MyLondon team.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.
If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘exit group’.
If you’re curious, you can read our privacy notice.
Click here to sign up for alerts.
Stay up to date about London’s hottest events, latest restaurant openings, and best deals with our Going Out Out newsletter. Sign up HERE!
