Rock and Sole Plaice — Review by Mark Wiens
London, United Kingdom — British Fish and Chips
Mark Wiens visits Rock and Sole Plaice, London's oldest fish and chips restaurant operating since 1871. He tries three different fish varieties and finds the cod to be the standout, with perfectly crispy batter, flaky flesh, and fresh hand-cut chips fried in pure peanut oil. The unchanged batter recipe and commitment to quality ingredients make this a must-visit classic.
What was great: Fresh fish sourced from British suppliers, secret batter recipe unchanged since 1871, pure peanut oil frying for crispy non-greasy results, thick hand-cut chips, flaky and tender cod, excellent tartar sauce and curry sauce options
What could improve: Rock fish was slightly drier compared to other options
The Dishes
Rock and Sole Plaice offers three main fish options, and the reviewer sampled all of them to determine the best. The haddock arrived as a generous piece, delivering flaky, crispy texture with excellent freshness. When paired with vinegar and salt, it proved to be a solid choice, though the accompanying tartar sauce elevated it further. The rock fish, while delicious, was noticeably firmer and slightly drier in comparison to the other options. The standout was undoubtedly the cod, which melted in the mouth with incredible tenderness and proved to be the reviewer's favorite. Each fish fillet is hand-dipped in the restaurant's secret batter recipe that has remained unchanged since 1871, creating a golden, crispy exterior without excessive grease. The chips deserve equal praise - thick, hand-cut potatoes fried fresh in peanut oil, never frozen.
The Experience
As London's oldest fish and chips establishment, Rock and Sole Plaice carries over 150 years of tradition and expertise. The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident in every aspect of the dining experience, from the sourcing of fish from trusted British suppliers to the preparation methods that honor the original 1871 recipe.
Value & Pricing
While specific prices aren't mentioned in the review, the quality of ingredients and traditional preparation methods suggest a mid-range establishment that justifies its cost through authenticity and consistency.
Notable Moments
The batter recipe hasn't changed since 1871 and for the oil they don't fry in cheap veg oil. Instead it's pure peanut oil with a high smoke point so your fish gets super crispy without being too greasy.
I think I like the cod the best.
The Verdict
Rock and Sole Plaice is a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic London fish and chips. The cod emerges as the best option, though all three fish varieties showcase the restaurant's mastery of the craft. This is the place for traditional, high-quality fish and chips prepared using methods perfected over more than a century.