Golden Union, a fish and chip shop on Poland Street in Soho, has been named among the top 10 fish and chip restaurants in the UK for the National Fish and Chips Awards 2027. MyLondon reporter Ayokunle Oluwalana visited the establishment to determine whether it deserved the recognition, and he left convinced it was the best fish and chips he had ever tasted.
A Soho contender for the UK's best fish and chips
The National Fish and Chips Awards 2027 announced its top 10 finalists, with Golden Union being the only London representative. Ayokunle Oluwalana, a senior multimedia journalist at MyLondon, felt an obligation to try it, especially after struggling to find comparable fish and chips while living in Australia. He visited on a Wednesday afternoon, arriving at Oxford Circus and walking a few minutes to Poland Street, where the red signage with golden writing stood out.
The menu offered a range of options, from traditional sausages and pies to plant-based alternatives. A large fish and chips costs £22.95, while a small portion is £19.95. The interior featured neon lighting, tiled walls, and multicoloured flooring, creating a striking visual effect.
Fresh haddock and a surprising curry sauce
Upon being seated, Oluwalana asked a staff member for a recommendation. The waiter suggested the haddock over the cod, noting it has 'a bit more flavour'. Oluwalana also asked about curry sauce, and the waiter confirmed it was one of their most popular sauces. The food arrived after about seven minutes, with steam rising from the plate, golden batter, and piping hot chips.
The curry sauce initially looked thick and sludge-like compared to the runnier versions from local chip shops, prompting concern. However, upon tasting, Oluwalana found it to be the best curry sauce he had ever had, with a perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and texture. The batter-to-fish ratio was ideal, with zero grease, and the hand-cut chips were the perfect thickness.
Owner and head chef on quality and freshness
After finishing his meal, Oluwalana spoke with the owner, Kerry Brennan, and head chef Adrian Cojoaru. Cojoaru explained that everything is made fresh daily, including the chips and all sauces, and the oil is changed every day. He said, 'Everything we do here is made fresh. The curry sauce is always a winner. We always change the equipment after about six months. We don't compromise on the quality of the ingredients we use.'
Kerry Brennan, who runs Golden Union, added, 'People always talk about the north having the best fish and chips, but it's about time London gets its shine. We don't scrimpe on care or quality here.'
A new standard for chip shop experiences
Oluwalana concluded that the service and food were both excellent, and he left with a spring in his step. He noted that Golden Union has set a new standard, saying he doesn't know how other chip shops will compare. The visit, he said, was the best decision he made at 2pm on a Wednesday afternoon.
