Fish and Chips Drowned in a Sea of Disappointment
If you’re a Londoner, chances are you’ve come across Poppies Fish and Chips at least once in your fish-fueled adventures. They’ve got this big claim about being all about preserving London’s rich traditions and history.
Whether trying it for the first time, or indulging in a regular Friday tradition, customers will get a top-notch, lip-smacking, belly-filling, classic British meal
Now, I’m all for that, but let me tell you, spending my Friday evening there? Not my best call. Here’s the lowdown on why. What I got was a big letdown that just didn’t match up to the hype. The whole vibe seemed promising, but when it came down to it, the food fell flat.
Ambiance:
They really nailed that retro vibe, which I found pretty cool. But it’s the only thing I remember vividly about this place.
Service:
Getting the staff’s attention was a challenge. We ended up waiting ages for our orders, and to top it off, they brought out our starters and mains all at once. Plus, they managed to mess up the bill not once, but twice, leaving us with an overcharged tab.
Drink:
They served up my wine in the adorable cocktail glass, which was a nice touch. And the prices they were asking for wine and cocktails were reasonable.
Price: £
Next time I’ll just swing by Marks and Spencer and grab something similar in quality but at a more reasonable price.
What I Ordered:
Prawn Cocktail
While I must admit the creamy Marie Rose sauce was a winner, hitting that sweet spot between richness and tanginess, and blending perfectly with the prawns, I can’t say the same for the prawns themselves. Sadly, they didn’t quite deliver in the freshness department.
Haddock
They’re waving around some award for their fish and chips. I wonder if it’s for “Best Fishy Business” because I’m seriously questioning the freshness of their supposedly British fish and the legitimacy of their “world-famous” batter recipe.
The outside was as crispy as a day-old cracker, and the fish was as chewy as a beef jerky. And as for the chips? They were as exciting as watching paint dry.
The only thing that gave my taste buds a little pep was their tartar sauce, but seriously, having to order extra just to add some flavor? Talk about a fishy situation.
Hot Seafood Platter
While the fish on this platter was not top-tier, the other ocean treasures made up for it. From the calamari rings to the succulent prawns and those little fish, each bite was a taste of the sea.
Conclusion:
Poppies Fish and Chips just didn’t hit the spot for me on my last visit. If you’re after the real deal – tasty food and top-notch service – I’d suggest looking elsewhere. No point settling for a place that’s all talk and no action.
For a truly fresh seafood fix nearby, I’d steer you towards Fish and Bubble. Authentic Italian and lovely service!
If you’re still up for giving Poppies a shot after my two cents, here’s how you can book:
