A man visited London’s cheapest fish and chip shop where cod and chips and chicken and chips are on offer at a discounted rate each day – but quickly realised one heartbreaking problem with the traditional meal
A man visited London’s “cheapest” fish and chip shop but spotted one devastating reality. There was a time when fish and chips were an affordable, delicious Friday night indulgence for working people after a tough week.
The meal is synonymous with British culture and cooking, but amid the ongoing cost of living squeeze, treating yourself to a takeaway regularly is becoming increasingly difficult. The price of fish and chips – once famously and dependably budget-friendly – has, like so much else, rocketed. Content creator Robbie, who shares content online as @streetfoodanalysis, headed to Knights Fish Bar in Norwood, London, to try the “cheapest” fish and chips in the capital. Run by the same owner for more than 40 years, there are daily special offers available.
A notice on the wall advertises “lunchtime bargains” that includes cod and chips for £6.50, and chicken and chips for £5.
However, fish and chips are rapidly transforming into a “luxury” dish that countless people find difficult to stretch to, with proprietors frequently hiking their prices to match rising overheads, and this left the food loving content creator concerned about the future of the dish.
In footage uploaded to YouTube, Robbie said: “This is the cheapest fish and chip shop in London – the owner’s been working here every day for 45 years to keep costs down in a shop that hasn’t changed a bit and is one of the last in the city to use beef dripping.
“However, owner Gary says he’s the last man standing now that fish and chips has become a luxury food in the city and will soon just be for the rich.”
He then captured Gary on camera, who said: “So how they gonna survive this? It’s gonna be like luxury food, fish and chips.”
In the comments section, fellow YouTube viewers were eager to weigh in. One person wrote: “Robbie, the problem is we have too many food reviewers trying to tell us £25 is ok. It is most definitely not! A big thank you for finding these places for us!”
Another commented: “Love the old school places to eat, they’re disappearing fast though sadly.”
A third posted: “Wow, I’ve been looking for one. Been all over. I’m originally from Ilford, Essex and when I’m over, I always search for a traditional chippy. Will give it a visit.”
A fourth said: “I really hope this chippy goes viral this man deserves it and so much more.”
Someone else shared: “This is my local and the fish and chips are amazing, I would definitely recommend.”
While another enthused: “What a legend! 6.50? Cooked in beef drippings?”
A further person observed: “Imagine… what a state our poor country and the world is in. Deep fried food is considered luxury! Fish and chips used to be poor man’s food.”
The lunchtime special, offering reduced prices, runs from 12pm until 2.30pm. The establishment then reopens at 5pm until 10pm, though the budget-friendly deals aren’t available during evening hours.
Knights Fish Bar can be found at 39 Knights Hill, Norwood, London, SE27 0HS.
