A London tour guide who has spent years showing American visitors around the capital has revealed his top recommendations for fish and chips, admitting that only two places in central London are worth visiting. Will Hide, a Blue Badge tour guide and freelance travel writer, completed an intensive 18-month training course to earn his prestigious qualification. He now knows the city inside out and says Americans are his most frequent clients, always craving one particular dish.
Will Hide's Top Fish and Chip Picks
Speaking to The Times, Hide explained: "When it comes to food, everybody wants fish and chips. My opinion? Nowhere in central London does them fantastically well, but Poppies in Camden or Rock and Sole Plaice in Covent Garden get the job done." He also noted that Americans are curious about other British classics, such as baked beans at breakfast, which are viewed with suspicion, and Greggs sausage rolls, which are gaining popularity across the Atlantic thanks to Instagram. Sticky toffee pudding in pubs is always a hit, he added.
Transatlantic Food Differences
Hide pointed out some enduring differences between British and American tastes. "Many miss iced tea and are surprised it's not popular here — something with which I can agree, being the only Brit I know who actually likes it. No one can fathom the fact we don't put three tonnes of ice in each drink, which apparently is a right enshrined in the US constitution," he said.
Common Mistakes American Tourists Make
The guide's comments follow advice from an American expat living in the UK. Travel blogger Kalyn Franke, who runs the Girl Gone London YouTube channel, moved from Florida 12 years ago. She listed several mistakes her fellow Americans make when visiting London, including buying paper tickets for the Underground instead of Oyster cards, hailing black cabs everywhere, and avoiding buses because they find them intimidating.
Why Buses Are a Better Option
Franke explained: "Visitors tend to be scared of London buses, not because there's anything to be scared of, but because the map and figuring out how the buses work is more difficult than looking at the well-designed Tube map. My top tip — the 453 is a great route that takes you past some of the most iconic London attractions, for a fraction of the price of a tourist sightseeing bus. Just remember to get on at the doors at the front!" She also advised against eating in touristy areas and reminded visitors that walking is often quicker.
Fish and Chips: Pub vs. Chippy
Like Hide, Franke touched on fish and chips, noting a key difference: "There's a difference between getting fish and chips at a pub and getting fish and chips at what is known as a chippy, which is basically a takeout place that only does fish and chips."
