Rock and Salt — Review by Eating With Tod
London, United Kingdom — British - Fish and Chips
Rock and Salt, London's oldest fish and chip shop at 150 years old, was tested in a north versus south chippy comparison. While the bat sausage was decent, the reviewer found the southern style disappointing, with the thick gravy making the battered cod soggy and the pickled egg not working well.
What was great: The bat sausage was good, the historical significance of the 150-year-old establishment
What could improve: The pickled egg and pickles combination wasn't great, the gravy made the fish soggy, the thick gravy didn't complement the fish well, overall southern chippy didn't impress compared to northern style
The Dishes
The visit began with the London size which included pickles, coleslaw, and a pickled egg. The combination didn't impress, with the reviewer noting it wasn't great overall. The main event was the battered cod, which arrived crispy and golden. However, when gravy was applied, things took a turn. The thick southern gravy poured over the fish made it soggy rather than complementing it. The gravy itself was criticized as being too thick and heavy, lacking the quality expected from such a historic establishment. To round out the tasting, a bat sausage was tried, which the guest had never experienced before. This particular item was well-received and described as good, showing promise for the menu.
The Experience
Rock and Salt carries the weight of its 150-year history, having survived two world wars and remaining a fixture in London's food scene. The establishment represents a piece of culinary heritage, though the modern execution didn't quite match its legendary status.
Value and Pricing
Pricing information was not discussed in detail during the review.
Notable Moments
You've never had a bat and sausage. Never even seen one.
Northern chicken takes it easy.
The reviewer conducted an informal taste test comparing northern versus southern fish and chip shop styles, using this historic establishment as the southern representative. The conclusion leaned heavily toward northern chippies being superior.
The Verdict
Rock and Salt's historical significance is undeniable, but the southern chippy style tested here didn't win over the reviewers. The soggy fish, thick gravy, and underwhelming traditional sides left them unconvinced about southern superiority. While the bat sausage showed merit, the overall experience suggested northern chippies have perfected the craft better. This restaurant appeals to history enthusiasts and traditionalists seeking an authentic London experience, but modern palates expecting perfectly crispy fish might find the execution lacking.