The Fish and Chips Secrets: What Poppies Workers Would Never Order!
Fish and chips are not just a meal; they’re a British institution—a comfort food that warms the hearts of many across the UK. While this delicious dish is often regarded as Britain’s national favorite, one legendary London eatery, Poppies, has unveiled some behind-the-scenes secrets that might surprise even the most devoted fans.
Poppies: The Icon of Fish and Chips in London
Poppies Fish and Chips, with its origins tracing back to the founder Pat ‘Pops’ Newland, who began his career at just 11 years old, has solidified its status as a beloved fish and chip shop chain. With branches in bustling neighborhoods like Soho, Spitalfields, Camden, and Notting Hill, Poppies serves thousands of fish and chips to eager customers every day. But even within this famed establishment, there’s a dish they shy away from ordering themselves.
What Dish Would Poppies Staff Avoid?
One insider candidly shared, “It would have to be jellied eels. They’ve been around since the 18th century and many of our customers love them, but they can be a bit challenging for first-timers.” Known for being served cold, jellied eels are chopped, boiled, and coated in a spiced stock that solidifies into a jelly around the eel pieces. This unique dish may not just sit well with everyone’s palate.
The Dish That Reigns Supreme: Cod and Chips
When it comes to choosing a favorite, it’s no surprise that cod and chips take the crown as Poppies’ best-selling dish. An impressive 70% of Londoners prefer this classic combo over other fish types. The crispy batter, fresh fish, and perfectly cooked chips make it a winner every time. But what’s a fish and chip meal without sides?
Top-Selling Sides at Poppies
Mushy peas have earned their title as the most popular side at Poppies. Despite curry sauce gaining ground over gravy among customers, mushy peas consistently steal the show. They are ordered throughout the day, proving that this side dish is more than just a mere accompaniment.
The Fresh Fish Advantage: Poppies’ Commitment to Quality
At Poppies, the freshness of their fish is a point of pride. Many fish and chip shops rely on frozen fillets, unbeknownst to the average diner. One staff member explained, “The fillets often come from far away and can be frozen for a long time before they’re served.” In contrast, Poppies only uses fresh, sustainably and responsibly caught fish from Peterhead in Scotland. Each day, the fresh catch arrives, is filleted by skilled fishmongers, coated in a signature batter, and cooked to order, ensuring a delicious and timely meal for every customer.
It’s no small feat; Poppies processes an astounding 13 tons of potatoes to create an incredible 40,000 portions of chips every week. Now that’s a lot of crispy goodness!
Affordable Fish and Chips: Where to Find Them in the UK
If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, you’ll be pleased to know there are some especially affordable places to grab fish and chips across the UK. Here’s a quick glance at some of the most economical options based on the percentage of local weekly wages:
- Southwold, Suffolk – £8.35, 1.06% of a local weekly salary
- New Brighton, Merseyside – £7.67, 1.07% of a local weekly salary
- Portmeirion, Wales – £8.57, 1.2% of a local weekly salary
- Folkestone, Kent – £10.53, 1.23% of a local weekly salary
- Whitstable, Kent – £10.75, 1.25% of a local weekly salary
- Llandudno, Wales – £8.97, 1.26% of a local weekly salary
- Tenby, Wales – £9.32, 1.31% of a local weekly salary
- Hastings, East Sussex – £11.56, 1.35% of a local weekly salary
- Padstow, Cornwall – £10.10, 1.35% of a local weekly salary
- Shanklin, Isle of Wight – £11.56, 1.36% of a local weekly salary
Exploring these destinations offers not just a budget-friendly way to indulge in this classic meal, but also an opportunity to taste the best fish and chips the UK has to offer.
Whether you’re a devoted fan of fish and chips or someone just beginning to appreciate this classic dish, now you know a little more about what makes Poppies Fish and Chips a standout in the bustling culinary scene of London. From their legendary cod and chips to the secrets behind what they wouldn’t order, Poppies is undeniably a must-visit for anyone craving genuine fish and chips.