The Fish Club, Clapham, London

WAY more than a chippy...

I took some girlfriends here for a nattery supper and we were all blown away by so much about this place. A fresh fish counter brims with gleaming fish ready for inspection before making the first of some difficult choices... classic haddock, cod, and plaice were joined by bream, red gurnard, skate, mackerel, and countless other fishies. Fish chosen, we must next decide on batter, grill, fry or roast... phew! Then to the sides... handcut fat chips, french fries or sweet potato chips (one of each) and finally some salads - the beetroot & caper was superb and I have already tried the idea at home.

We could have necked an oyster while we waited, which I would have done if it wouldn't have sickened my two pregnant companions.

You order standing before the counter, with staff patiently detailing everything for you (they are immensely knowledgable), so there's no waiting at the table to order. Once ordered, we were shown to a table right at the back, in a sort of tiny indoor courtyard sparkling with fairylights. We were impressed that they put us in this private little spot even though the front tables were empty - none of that 'put the customers where they can be seen' attitude of a chain pizzeria.

Our food arrived swiftly (but not too fast - this was all super-fresh) with a charming waiter. Batter crackled, chips were dipped in a very good tartare and the fish just melted in our mouths. Except the roasted skin of the red gurnard, which had been crisped to perfection.

The bill was £60 for 4 of us - 4 mains, 3 sets of chips, 3 salads, 1 bottle of alright wine. They had some great-looking lunch options too which made me wish I worked nearby.

We will be back. And this time I'll neck an oyster.

(The cons... The wine was nothing to write home about and the loo needed a refurb but it was at least clean. Really not things which will ruin the place based on the excellence of everything else.)

Possibly THEE best fish and chip shop in the world and this is a northener coming from st annes (its by the sea) this place offers an array of fish the chips are no ordinary chips and as i said before coming from “up north” they had some gravy tooked away somewhere for special people like me RACHAEL served me and was the most bubbely girl ever, like i say well well worth a trip to clapham just for this place ha ha get it place fish never mind get down here

I’ve been coming here off and on for years (ever since they were called Sea Cow). A bit pricey for a bit of fish & chips, but the fish looks fresh and you can select your piece before they cook it. I have to say the staff are amazing and very friendly. A Clapham favourite !

Up market fish chips for the nights when you need your seafood fix. You select your fish/seafood from the fresh counter, decide how you want it cooked, choose your side orders and roll with it. One of the top places for fish/seafood in Clapham. It’s a little expensive perhaps but it does what it says on the tin.

I think the Fish Club in Clapham is probably the best chippy in SW4. This is upmarket fish n’ chips, so expect to pay a premium, but in my book, it’s well worth it. Staff are friendly, fish is VERY fresh and best of all for me, it’s only 200m from my house!

The fish club is open until about 9pm on most nights, so don’t expect to come here once the pubs have shut!

Friendly staff but wasn’t really impressed with the food. The chips were so salty (i hate it when people salt your food for you!) and quite over cooked. The fish wasn’t bad.
Overpriced in my opinion.

up market fish and chip… trying to redefine something that should stay what it is. Not sure I’ll go back, even if one open’s next door.

since the sad demise of the Codfather it’s quite difficult to know where to get your fish fingers nowadays (and not the infernos sort).. So The Fish Club is your best bet northside, it’s certainly a change of tuna from your usual chippy and i trout you’ll find anything else like it around there

I’m more of a traditionalist in these matters but i decided to put my heart and sole into my visit and screamed what the hallibut, lets give it a go!

To be honest I codn’t be any happier with what I had to eat although I don’t want to go overboard with my plaice

One thing though, some of the other guests were quite shellfish and loud but I managed not to loose my tempura with them and remained as clam as you like, in the end by the time i finished eating I was kippered, it was shrimply the best.

If you have nothing else to octipi your time you should give it a try and en-dorsal what I say

The fish is what I would describe as a posh chippy - essentially when it comes down to it you go there for your fish and chips to takeaway, but what the fish club has done is very clever. It has a very eye catching street presence with an open front and very smart and posh exterior. As you enter its no different with a feeling you are entering an underwater cavern with blue mosaic tiles covering the walls and streams of water all over the place and shiny metal everywhere. And then you are met with a superb array of fish and people who are more than happy to help you make your choice. Overall it is a very pleasant experience and if you want to sit and eat you can do. However, even though the food is good, and they offer unusual extras (healthier alternatives to the usual chippy fare), the price in my opinion is way too high. They charge proper restaurant prices (which quite frankly for fish and chips is a little OTT) makig it a too expensive for the whole family. So they got the experience right and if you are looking for a treat then I would recommend it.