If you want classic fish and chips, then pop to Poppies. When Eastender Pat “Pop” Newland opened his first fish and chip shop in Spitalfields in 1952, he began a chippy dynasty which spawned two more cafes in Soho and Camden. Poppies is all about traditional fish and chips, from its nostalgia-filled eateries, using quality fresh fish in a crispy batter, made to a traditional recipe. You can even try jellied eels for an authentic East End experience. poppiesfishandchips.co.uk

In North London, the fish and chip shop of choice is Toff’s in Muswell Hill. This has been winning awards since it opened in 1968 and you can dine in or take away its fluffy chips and fresh, flaky fish with trademark crispy batter. You can go for traditional cod, or try something posher, like lemon sole or sea bass, finishing with a hearty British pudding such as Spotted Dick (don’t knock it until you’ve tried it). “Come in as a customer, leave as a friend,” is the slogan of this neighbourhood favourite. toffsfish.co.uk

On Poland Street, Soho, you’ll find a newer incarnation of a classic chippy – Golden Union. You can get traditional fish and chips which are cooked to order and famously light and fluffy, or there’s an extensive plant-based menu, as well as sausage and chips, pie and chips, or a good old chip butty. Battered cod in a soft white roll, with home-made tartare sauce, chips and salad has to be tasted to be believed. Extras include pickled eggs, mushy peas and gravy. goldenunion.co.uk

This super-popular family-run fish and chip shop in south-east London is famed for its secret-recipe batter, which gives a light, crispy and tasty texture. You can have cod, haddock, rock, skate and many more types of fresh fish, grilled or battered, plus scampi, fish cakes, chicken and pies. When it was voted the best restaurant in London on Trip Advisor in 2016, beating Michelin-starred eateries, it found world-wide fame and now customers come from all over the globe for its fish and chips. thegoldenchippy.co.uk

The oldest fish and chip shop in London is Rock and Sole Plaice, which has been in its central-London location since 1871. On Endell St, in the heart of Covent Garden and run by just three families in all that time, the menu is much unchanged, serving perfectly-cooked fish including cod, haddock and scampi, with light and fluffy chips, as well as sausage, pies and sides of mushy peas and gravy. Why would you mess with something which works? rockandsoleplaice.com

The family-run Sutton and Sons fishmongers opened their first fish and chip shop in Stoke Newington and now have two more outlets in Islington and Hackney. They are passionate about fish and it shows – the responsibly-sourced fresh fish is cooked in a light and crispy batter, with proper chip shop chips which are fluffy in the centre and crispy on the outside. Choose from cod, haddock, plaice and more, or try grilled sea bass or mackerel. Sides include sweet potato chips and mushy peas and you can finish with Mrs Sutton’s homemade cakes. suttonandsons.co.uk

Another historic chip shop is The Golden Hind, in Marylebone. Running since 1914, this is fine-dining for fish and chips and a fail-safe place to go for a meal when in the West End. You can choose haddock, cod, fishcakes and more, or a variety of steamed fish including skate and salmon. Chips are lightly fried and there’s an array of delicious sides like mozzarella fritters, plus classic British puddings like apple crumble and treacle pudding. goldenhindrestaurant.com