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Category: Fish & Chips [Edit]
73 Marylebone LaneBond Street (Central, Jubilee)
Baker Street (Bakerloo, Jubilee)
Mon-Sat 12:00 - 15:00
Mon-Sat 18:00 - 22:00
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Just amazing fish and chips. Fresh fish, golden chips and all at a great price. That pretty much sums its up. I know a couple major food snobs and they all recommended this place to me.
Besides the fish and chips and mushy peas were great. First time I'd ever tried them but I was impressed. My girlfriend is now hooked on the stuff.
During his stay here, my beau desperately wanted to try some authentic fish and chips. We did our research, and this ended up on many short lists that we read. So, exploring we went.
We got there and it was extremely packed. Then again, it was 6 PM on a Friday. Not shocked. They seated us in the basement, and we were promptly served. Sadly, the ladies next to us were infuriated because they weren't served for a half hour after they ordered. Pity.
Food-wise, we ordered the fried feta for starters. Heavenly, and should replace mozzerella sticks as a normal appetizer. Then, since I wanted to be slightly healthy, I got steamed cod and garden peas (no worries, I've had normal fish and chips before. Didn't want anymore friendness, though). Still a really delicious dish.
All and all, it was a hit for the both of us. While I didn't pay, the beau said it was a cheap bill. So, extra points there!
small shop front but they have a basement dining area for bigger groups.
batter was crispy enough but rather bland in taste.
fish though fresh was also rather bland in taste.
we tried their cod and also the skate wing.
chips were dry and again bland tasting.
i guess that's what the salt and vinegar is for?
this place can get really crowded and the tables and seats are rather squashed together.
together with the oily, smoky air, the ambience might just put you off a bit.
as for me, i think i've experienced better in more pleasant environment.
I just visited The Golden Hind once again last night, and the service was horrible. I know they were busy, but i was pretty bad, we constantly had to flag down our waiter....and even then sometimes they were too busy to help us. Food and ambiance are always lovely, and I do love this restaurant, but just a heads up not to expect quality service.
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The Golden Hind was my first stop after arriving in London. We…
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I'm from Texas so I might not know as much about fish and chips as an Englishman but I really wanted to try this countries signature plate while there! I tried it at two separate places within the same neighborhood, The Golden Hind and another place that I can't remember for the life of me. Both had great reviews as well so I gave both a try. The Golden Hind was better by 100x! The portions were much larger, the fish was much more tasty, and even the price was really competitive. I really appreciated the atmosphere and the attention from the waiter, he made sure that our visit was as pleasurable as possible. I highly recommend this place to anyone, foreigners or locals.
Maybe I had high expectations as this was the highest rated London restaurant on Yelp. Fish was was fresh but pretty bland tasting. Chips were okay. Overhyped IMO.
Oh, it was good. So very good. Five-star fish and chips. Family-operated (with a plaque on the wall showing the history going back to 1914!!), the fish was fresh and yummy and flaky and light and delicious! My uncle has a thing about his food and his chips being extra hot, he always asks that the plate be hot (and if he's having chips, that they are extra hot) whenever he dines out. Sadly, this was overlooked by the waiter. A little while later, the owner came by and it was mentioned - he immediately brought us a fresh bowl of insanely hot chips.
As mentioned elsewhere, this restaurant does not have a liquor or beer license (too much hassle, I am told), but they have no problem with BYOB and in fact are quite happy to return glasses to the pub on the corner. Bonus!
This is a very small restaurant and they tend to not take reservations, so expect a wait. And expect that people may well be standing and waiting right next to your table while you're eating.
Golden Hind isn't very good.
At all.
You will have to trust me on this, Americans.
Yes, I know you've gone here and it may be the first fish and chips you've ever had, but it isn't the best.
Think back to your virginity. Yes, there you go.
I don't even know where to start. It's like, I don't know, like, kinda, NOT GOOD.
It isn't.
Really.
Service was okay, I guess. Dude was friendly enough and took our order and at some point following that arrived with said order. This order wasn't good though, it was meh. Yes, meh.
In fact, no it wasn't. It just wasn't good.
Is any of this getting through?
I don't want any of you wonderful Americans that haven't yet given it 5 stars to come here and not only feel obligated to follow suit, but to also leave our green and pleasant land feeling empty inside at your depressing fish and chips experience.
It gets so much better. Ask my wife.
I don't want to give it one star, but in a way it deserves it. Universal balance needs to be redressed somehow. Maybe I will go sacrifice a battered sausage instead.
And by sacrifice I mean eat.
But somewhere else.
So, onto the review. The Fish wasn't presented well (batter was tasteless and too crispy) and the chips weren't that great.
The end.
I went here to get my dose of fish and chips. I got a smaller portion of fish, and was dissapointed when the inside of my fish was not really as cooked as i'd have like it to be. Also, the chips here are really not that exciting, they are dry and tasteless and one wishes they could transport themselves to macdonalds to have some fries there.
My friend got a larger portion of fish that is more expensive and not only was his cooked really well , it tasted totally different so i'm not sure what the story is there.
This place has great service, but honestly my fish was undercooked. We also did have spotted dick. This is something you can pass on easily. Its whatever.
I have always believed that the U.K. was put on the planet so we'd all know what good fish and chips were supposed to taste like. Over the past few years there has been a great decline of the corner chip shop all over the island. I suspect this is in part to do with the emergence of fast food outlets of a different ilk. McDonald's, KFC, Burger King litter the streets with offerings of cheaper and faster food. It goes like it goes.
Having fish & chips in England was the No. 2 item on my list (right behind High Tea) because as a transplanted Scot here in Canada good old fish & chips for me was all about comfort and childhood memories. I searched through the Yelp UK listing hoping to find that 4 - 5 star spot that would sate my lust for this traditional British fare. Let me introduce you to the Golden Hind. For the life of me I cannot figure out where this name came from but what I can tell you is that this is the way fish & chips were meant to be served up.
The Golden Hind is located on Marylebone Lane, a back street in a small bistro eating district. Stepping in to this place is like being in a time warp. It is small, seating only about 30, and I'm pretty sure all the fixtures are original. I was home at last! I went straight for the Haddock & Chips with mushy peas, a true, true British tradition and the Golden Hind didn't disappoint. A huge piece of fish, hot & crispy but not "battery" but rather almost just flowered and deep fried, covered the better part of half my plate. It was pure fish manna. The chips were large chunks fried to that bright golden yellow.
When we were ordering I asked for a glass of wine (the couple next to us had a bottle on their table) and the waiter/owner told me they weren't licensed. I was really surprised when he said to me that it was a BYOB and that there was a nice little shop just a few doors down that had some decent wine if I wanted to nip down and grab a bottle. Corkage was a mere couple of pounds ($5). I was in shock. Toronto restaurants could take a cue from a place like the Golden Hind.
From the minute I stepped in, to the minute I stepped out, there was nary an empty table. That is a testament unto itself. In a city that has a reputation for being one of the most expensive cities in the world, that dinner cost us $35.00 Oh Golden Hind....I miss you already.
We got there at about 12:20 for lunch and JUST beat the crowd on a weekday. I thought the Golden Hind had some seriously good fish and chips. Get the mushy peas and a gherkin and you'll be set. I didn't find the batter to be too greasy so I don't know what all the complaining below is about. Walk off [some] of that grease with a lovely stroll up Marylebone High St. to Regent's Park.
Do yourself a favor and just go.
I have to say, I was disappointed.
What with all the 4- and 5-star love that Golden Hind gets here and its 'Hot on Yelp' status, I thought I was about to eat the Fried Fish of Destiny when the server plaiced (heh) my plate down in front of me.
But it was not to be.
I cannot even say that it was merely 'good', that's how disappointing it was. The fish inside the fried batter was perfectly cooked, sure. It was moist and juicy and flaked apart easily with my fork. But you and I know that plain, unseasoned cod - despite being perfectly cooked - is perfectly tasteless on its own. The batter! The batter is what makes it tasty. But the batter around my cod was like a fish-and-chips black hole of taste. It tasted like nothing! Fried nothing.
I tried drowning it in salt.
Still didn't taste of anything.
I tried dousing it with vinegar.
Still didn't taste of anything.
I tried eating it with ketchup.
It only tasted vaguely of ketchup.
How is this possible? It defies the laws of physics and chippies.
Plus, the chips were kind of dry.
Take it from me, the Golden Hind is NOT the best fish and chips you'll ever have. Hell, it's not even the best fish and chips you'll ever have in London (which is a city not known for having good fish and chips in the first place).
This was recommend by Fodor's 2010 England Travel book as a classic Fish & Chips.
Ordered the fried haddock (and of course, with a side salad...but then I saw all the Brit's were ordering mashed peas!)
As a Bostonian that truely appreciates fresh seafood, this was absolutely delicious. When I go back to America, I will never look (or taste) fish and chips the same ever again :(
Now, all I want is fish and chips for the remainder of my 12+ day trip here in London...haha
BTW, love the BYOB policy!
The Golden Hiney. So much has been said about it on Yelp, I felt that I really needed to see what all the fuss was about!
And you know what? I still don't know!
I guess The Golden Hind must be very highly rated in a lot of American restaurant guides of Foggy London Town... While eating here, it had the same vibe as The House Of Nanking in San Francisco - "I am here with a load of other people that are eating food that a book/website told them was the best, therefore they CAN NOT disagree".
However:
*I do have my own tastebuds, many of them in fact.
*I have a watch. I can tell that I waited nigh on an hour for a table. In the rain.
*I have eaten fried fish before. I can notice that it was not as chunky and white as many other restaurants.
*I found it to be a pain to 'bring my own bottle'. We were in Marylebone not Macclesfield.
In the defence of The Golden Hind, I can say that the fish was fresh and the oil that it was cooked in was clean. However, this must be down to the fact that out of neccessity, they must change the oil frequently, so by extention, great tasting F&C's is helped MASSIVELY by high footfall and fresh ingredients.
Well, the two highlights of my time there were -
1) Seeing Bill Nighy in there.
2) My friend balancing a full glass of red wine on the back of my hand while I was sending a text. Guess what? It fell off.
All in all - great tasting food, but for the money, I have had way better.
I will be back. Eating here is like eating at home. It's not a fancy place, and the meal doesn't look particularly special, but thinking about it is making my mouth water.
Bring your own beer or wine, they will give you cups.
The mushy pea made me fart! (worth it tho... )
This was our first and last meal in London.
I shall have a fishy on a little dishy, my peas will be very mushy....okay that is about as far as I can go with this.
As far as a fish and chip joint goes this place scores highly, owned by a family who really care about what they cook they have a superb selection of fried fish and classic English desserts.
As if thats not enough they also allow BYOB/W/C so you can really make it a proper night out. Don't forget Friday s fish day so make sure you book and ask to sit upstairs.
I emerged from the Bond Street tube station and promptly walked in the wrong direction. A quick glance at a map and I was able to correct my course and head down Marylebone Lane.
I passed 70 Marylebone Lane and became puzzled at the absence of the chip shop I was hunting. But then I remembered that in London, street numbers do not necessarily correspond on both sides of the street (so 73 Marylebone Lane might be several blocks away from 70 Marylebone Lane on the opposite side of the street.)
Haddock is definitely the way to do if you like big, flaky white fish. I enjoyed the cod and another type of fish as well but the haddock stole the show.
Know this:
-Mushy peas are a must.
- The desserts are nothing to look at but delightful (warm custard anyone?)
- Bring your own alcoholic beverages.
Based on the Yelp review, I had to try this place. The fish and chips were delicious. The fish (had haddock and cod) were extremely fresh; I don't think it could have been any fresher... The only thing that bothered me was the amount of grease... I know, it's deep fried and is supposed to be greasy.. but man.... my entire plated was DRENCHED in grease!
This place is also very small, probably about 20 seatings, max. If you don't mind eating super greasy food, try it! The chips are off the hook!!!
This place was okay at best. Maybe I'm too American, but then again I'm Chinese, I know my seafood. I came here hoping to taste what "authentic" English Fish and Chips would be like. If this is what it taste like then I can definitely live without it. You won't hear me saying "You know what I'm craving? Some Fish and Chips"
Yes there were a lot of selections of fishes, the food was fresh, but like one of the other Yelpers said the place stink of old grease...if you have no idea what I'm talking about, sniff the gunk buildup on your stove's hood filter...multiply that by 10.
One thing I've noticed about UK's fish and chips is that they are always one huge fillet of the fish. I'm used to them being about 1/3 smaller and 2-3 piece per plate, the reason I mention this is that my the middle of the meal the bottom batter/shell of the fish got all soggy.
It was a good experience, it really was better than the other places I went to in Central London. But like all the food I had there, these people need to season their food, It's like trying to review eating construction paper and premium paper....it's still bland! Food is about taste as well as freshness, presentation, etc. but in the end it needs flavor...or is it flavour?
Another 5-star review and this modest establishment might spontaneously combust. But what the heck, if they can handle Madonna's late night cravings, they can surely handle another 5-star rave by yours truly. (But only barely, of course.)
And here it is folks:
Best. Fish and Chips. In London.
Trust.
An excellent variety of fishy-frying potential along with homemade tartare sauce, huge portions, BYO, and plenty of sides and apps to keep even the pickiest eaters satisfied, it's no wonder the walls are adorned with signed celebrity photos. (I'm expecting a call any day now.)
Ok, I'm going to have to make an effort to write some bad reviews now! - but not till I've written this one...
Fish and chips - an old traditional treat for the British, along with bangers and mash, egg and chips, beans on toast - etc etc - But you try so hard to find a good fish and chip shop, then you'll stay with it for years, and never leave....
Well this fish and chip shop is just that good enough - the best fish and chips in London, believe me, ive tried the rest - theres bad, good and brilliant - but this....its amazing!
As it's a friday, go there tonight!
We tried the Golden Hind after I'd done a search on Yelp prior to our trip to London. I wanted to find authentic fish and chips and the Hind was among the highest rated. The place was absolutely packed, as expected, so we sat at an available table in the small room downstairs, which was also full.
Before our visit to the Hind, we'd stumbled upon a pub in Westminster called The Old Star, where we'd ordered fish and chips. Having that advance frame of reference may have sullied our opinion of the Golden Hind's fish because we actually liked the batter and overall flavor of The Old Star's better.
While the Golden Hind's fish was good overall, our absolute favorite items were the mushy peas and the Spotted Dick for dessert. Overall a good experience and glad to have heard about it!
A great fish and chippy ideal for lunch or dinner. The Greek owners / staff are good people too. My only complaint - they don't open on weekends...oh and they don't serve alcohol - take your own.
So delicious. I went trolling all over London so many times with different people...family, friends, and I was literally one of those crazies who ate fish and chips everywhere in an attempt to find the perfect joint that I will love forever and return to for years to come. I always recommend it to friends who are visiting London.
Finally found the Golden Hind by suggestion of a friend during my last trip over and it was gloooorious. It's a small place run by some campy Greek guys and gets pretty packed during peak hours so we were lucky to snag a table. The batter was tasty, the fish was firm and fresh (I remember the proprietor explaining where he had gotten the fish..unfortunately I was far too into my food to pay attention and he only had the attention of 1/4 of our table), and their tartar sauce is on point. Can't stand places with bad tartar sauce.
One thing you must try here: the MASHED PEAS. It didn't sound particularly appealing, but there's something about the taste and texture that goes peeerfectly with great fish and chips.
My wife and I tried this place when we read about it in a travel book. We ate once in the restaurant and once getting takeaway. The Golden Hind was a several blocks away from a flat we were staying in. But it was worth the walk, even in the rain, to have the great fish and chips they serve. Oh, and the mushy peas are to die for - and I never liked peas that much! If I recall correctly, they don't serve alcohol, but you could bring your own if you wished.
I dream of this place.
Visiting the UK for the first time, I wanted to eat some authentic fish and chips in England. Boy, was I glad I found the Golden Hind. BYOB (and everyone does), cheap, fresh, and large portions of your favorite fried fish (I liked the rock salmon aka dogfish), plus don't forget the mushy peas! I have to say, the mushy peas were the highlight of my meal(s) here. It still baffles me how they make peas taste so good, and look bright green =D.
And for your next stop, check out the Golden Eagle right around the corner!
My story is a testament to why The Golden Hind deserves a five-star rating without hesitation.
I was unable to actually eat there even though I had already taken a seat because I was in a hurry and had to leave. They were kind enough to change my order to take out and charge me at take-out rate, which is slightly cheaper than the dine-in rate. They also gave me some of their self-made tartar sauce and some ketchup for my chips.
Well, I couldn't eat the cod I had ordered for about an hour and fifteen minutes. I figured by the time I opened it up, the batter was going to be all soggy. But when I did open it, it was not soggy whatsoever. In fact, the only problem was that it was slightly colder (but that's to be expected).
The fish was perfect, there's no way around it. The batter was excellent, but never outweighed the flavor of the fish. As well, the tartar sauce was probably the best I've ever had.
The fact that I could eat my fish 75 minutes later without it being soggy truly indicates the Hind's quality.
This is the local favorite fish and chip place. I found it on yelp and went there last time I was in London. it was true this is very local and popular place.. they don't open super late. so get there before 9pm and be prepare to wait..
The place gives a family joint. warm/friendly vibe.. definitely not touristy.. we were probably the only foreigners in that place.. everyone seems know everyone..I got a local taste of London.. which was great...
I would highly recommend if you are ever in London.. looking for something local.. try this place!!
Well, let me confess at the beginning itself that being a Bengali it was very unlikely that i would be disappointed by a restaurant specializing in fish ... especially since i was having some after so long.
Having said that, i should also say that i really liked the food. So much so that i went back twice in 3 days. I have had the haddock with mushy peas and chips (yum) and the cod fish cakes. Both were good. The fish was of good quality, and not as oily as in most other fish and chips places i have been to in England.
The place is usually very crowded (its really small) and so you can expect a 15 min wait at any point, though you can book for large groups. The staff is friendly and makes every effort to get you in quickly. Once i went alone and there was a guy behind me alone. So they asked whether we would be ok sitting at the same table. He refused.
The golden hind also taught me a new virtue of not smoking. We were there in a group and the desserts arrived when half of us were out smoking. They had very little left for themselves by the time they returned :)
P.S: It doesn't sell alcohol but allows you to bring your own.
God I love this place. It is perfect.
It is a beautiful venue with a pastel coloured art deco fryer at the back of the room, you can bring your own alcohol (there is a Tesco, Nicolas and a Waitrose on Marylebone high street) and the food is exceptional.
It is a very small, intimate family run business- with a wooden plaque on the wall tracing back all the previous owners since its opening in 1914. The present owner is an excellent host- my friends and I go regularly and he always gives us a friendly greeting and sometimes comes and sits with us.
Obviously the fish and chips are delicious, but I also recommend the fried calamari and the cod goujons.
Unless you want to eat your chips while holding your nose, don't bother!
This place stinks like spoiled frying oil and every surface is sticky gross. Sorry, guys, but taste is more than just what goes in your mouth, it's influenced by sight, smell, touch, too. Lots of other fish and chip options that are as authentic and much more appealing.
Won't repeat on the other reviews but will add make sure you leave room for desert. Had the best jam sponge and custard, ever. Partner had equally good apple crumble with ice cream. Recommend you go and think about reserving a table if going after 1930hrs, even midweek.
Wonderful is one of the many words that can be used to describe Golden Hind! The cod, chips and mushy peas were the perfect combination of flavours. This fish and chips shop is nestled on the chic Marylebone Lane, yet is unassuming and low key! There is limited seating, so arrive early on the weekends to avoid a long wait.
Another fish and chippy favourite of mine and I do recommend you give it a go! The Golden Hind for me is only meant for lunch as the decor is not much but when it comes to serving great fish and chips, you could certainly do a lot worse.
The fish was phenomenal! I didn't care too much for the chips, could be because I'm American, but by god, the fish was worth 5 stars alone! I've never had better in my life. And I suppose being 19-years-young doesn't add much credibility to that statement, but all I can say is that if I were a permanent resident in London, I wouldn't even bother trying any place else for fish and chips. Cheers to good eats and byob!
My dinner at the Golden Hind was very good--I ordered the mushy peas, cod, and chips. If you happen to be in this part of London, I definitely recommend a visit. As a tourist, it was important to me to 'check the box' on eating at an authentic fish and chip restaurant since they are a dying breed. However, if you are from the US and have good fried fish near you (e.g. you're from the Gulf Coast) you might skip it and go for something you can't get at home.
excellent traditional fish and chips. the lovely thing is you get to choose your type of fish, and you really can't go wrong with the selection. i happened to choose cod, while my dining partner chose haddock. both were sensationally flaky, crispy, tender, juicy, and tasty! the fish was well enough on its own, but they also give you a large cup of homemade tartar sauce, which was probably the best i've ever had. not too overbearing and full of pickles, but just the right combination of smooth and tart. i chased this with the regular order of chips while my partner chose mushy peas and chips. i personally thought the peas were a little bland, but he seemed to delight in it. he still coos about the mushy peas to this day.
food = yes. service = people were a little short, but it's to be expected in a place with such a long line and high table turnover. price = good to moderate, depending on what you get. the portions are large and filling!
Okay, I'm from the U.S., so take this with a grain of salt, but I absolutely love this place. It's a sweet, no frills spot and the food was excellent. The fish and chips were perfection - light, sweet and delicate. And I now find myself having dreams about mushy peas. Let's not forget the treacle sponge too. I have no idea if their treacle sponge meets anyone's standard of excellence, but I was happy. Can't wait to get back for a return visit.
We ate here on what turned out to be a successfully foodie weekend. Didn't know anything about it and stumbled upon it closed, then thought it looked so old fashioned and traditional that we'd come back in the evening. That was a good move even though we were nearly scared off by the crowds and confusion outside. The chips and peas weren't fantastic, but the battered haddock was wonderful, light and fantastic quality. I lived in Yorkshire where we only ate haddock fried in beef dripping and don't normally like southern fish and chips, but this was great. I loved the old friers in the restaurant and the slightly down at heel feel, made it more authentic in my opinion. The prices were great for London - really good value.
Been here at least half a dozen times in the past year. I live a few blocks away and only go when I have an out of town visitor who wants fish and chips. It's nothing special. The fish is fresh, the service is good, the price is reasonable for London, and it's BYOB. However, the food is as bland as the decor. I'm much happier when I can convince my visitors to eat at Le Relais de Venise across the street. Perhaps I'm just not a fish and chips person.
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