26 April 2008

The real chippper

Last night, we went to an art show at the Royal Arts Academy in Piccadilly after work and found ourselves looking for a place to eat when I remembered we weren't far from The Golden Hind. But, we'd never been there to eat since we came here to live almost two years ago.

On our first trip to London in 1985, we went there for dinner. It was recommended to us as Princess Diana's favourite. And, we weren't disappointed. Since coming here, we've tried a number of chippers around London and some have been very good. The most recent was Nautilus in West Hampstead.

But, I have to say that The Golden Hind on Marylebone Lane, just north of Oxford Street beats them all hands down. The restaurant is tiny and if it's full which it is most of the time, the queue is on the sidewalk outside. No beer or wine, but you can bring your own (even better). If you want to buy your drink afte ryou get there, there is a Tesco and two wine shops just around the corner. We both had haddock and chips and it was great. Perfectly cooked to a golden colour. Cirspy on the outside and perfect on the inside.

The place has had five owners since 1914 when it first opened. They are listed on a board in the restaurant. The first three were Italian and the last two have been Greek. If you come to London, don't miss this place. They do take reservations, but their hours are tricky, so check before showing up.

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