UK: King Neptune

Ah, the classic British chippy. Fish and chips traditionally eaten on a Friday and still served up regularly in work canteens. It's a dying tradition and one I love so I am pleased my local fish and chip shop is still thriving when Indian food has become the nation's favourite take-away.

King Neptune is a family business and is stupidly busy on a Friday. You can eat in or take-away with your chips open or wrapped. The best thing? The chips of course! Just the way a chippy should make them - chunky, soft and covered in salt and vinegar (if that's your personal preference.)

The food here is fried in peanut oil, which is something I realised when my friend couldn't eat the chips due to his nut allergy. My only criticism is that the sign warning customers about the peanut oil should be prominently displayed, not in the corner of the shop where the till is.

Make a stop here if you're passing through. You won't be disappointed.

Address: 131 Deans Lane, Edgware, HA8 9NY
Telephone: 020 8959 3170
Opening hours: Closed on Sundays
Tube: Edgware (Northern Line), Mill Hill Broadway (First Capital Connect)
Bus: 221, 292, 240



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UK: Mickey's Fish Bar

Question: What could be more British than Fish and Chips?
Answer: Nothing!

So, for my first review of a British restaurant I have gone for good old fish and chips. However, Mickeys Fish bar is not just any old fish and chip shop. This is the Fish and Chip shop that Molecular Gastronomer and celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal used to frequent as a nipper.  In fact Mickeys has such a cherished place in Heston's childhood memories that he mentions it in his book In Search of Perfection

After renovations early in 2010 the interior is fresh, contemporary, comfortable and spotlessly clean. The large menu of all things deep fried and battered features every dish you could ever want from a chip shop, but it is the fish which keep the loyal customers coming back for more.

We ordered the small cod and chips (£4) and loved every bite. The firm white cod was encased in crispy batter and the massive portion of chips were delicious.

Address: 29 Norfolk Place, Paddington, London, W2 1QH
Telephone: 020 7723 2384
Opening hours:
Tube: Paddington Station (National Rail, Bakerloo, Circle, District)
Bus: 7, 15, 23, 27, 36, 205, 332, 436
Car: Parking is very difficult in this busy area. Text CARPARK to 80097 while you are in the area, and have the names and addresses of the two closest car parks sent to your mobile.

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