WHO INVENTED FISH & CHIPS?

Fish and Chips. A nation’s favourite, but ask the people where it comes from and you might be surprised with how many aren’t quite sure. A dish considered to be more British than The Queen and credited with helping us win WWI and WWII, its origin is still unknown by many.

Fried fish was first introduced to London by Jews living in the East End. It was used as a way of preserving the fish so it could be eaten on the Sabbath, a day where cooking is prohibited. Proving to be popular, they began to sell it out of metal trays in which they carried around their necks.

Depending on who you ask, chips were invented by France or Belgium in the late 1600s and  didn’t become popular in the UK until the 1800s. The earliest known recipe for what we now call chips, was recorded in the Cook’s Oracle by William Kitchiner in 1817.

There is a North, South divide as to who’s incredible idea it was to pair a golden, deep fried piece of cod, with thick cut chips. The North claims it originated in Lancashire in 1863 with a man by the name of John Lees, selling Fish and Chips out of a wooden hut in a market. 

The South, however, believe a Jewish immigrant called Joseph Malin started selling the British staple in East London’s Bow in 1860. Being situated in Borough Market, the heart of London Bridge, we lean more towards the story of it being brought about by a 13 year old East London boy.

There are arguments as to what makes the best fish and chips. With everyone around the world making it differently, adding their own twists on this classic dish, we feel that what makes ours the best fish and chips in London is the use of fresh and sustainable ingredients, partnered with traditionality.