Fish and Chips since 1871

A Timeless Tradition in the Heart of Covent Garden

"There is nothing more British than fish and chips"- Gordon Ramsay

Today Newsletter Presented By

Love London? Share the delight! Today’s newsletter celebrates the beauty, culture, and spirit of London, from its iconic landmarks, castles and historic streets to its vibrant traditions and flavours. Know someone who dreams of London too? Spread the magic by forwarding this to a friend - they’ll love discovering a little bit of London in their inbox!

Fish and Chips in London - Shutterstock

---

In today’s email: 

• Fish and Chips since 1871

• A Feast for the Senses

• Around The Web: What’s On in the Royal Parks; A Slice of Soho History;

  Visitors guide to Royal Palaces, Castles and Residences in the UK and more.

• From Social Media - London, England: Paddington Sculpture at Leicester Square

• Yum Recipes - Making "posh" Mushy Peas even BETTER than the chip shop

• Extra - Rock and Sole Plaice – Oldest Fish & Chip Shop in London

---

Fish and Chips since 1871

Established in 1871, Rock & Sole Plaice is popular with both locals and visitors.
British, sustainable fish is prepared using a 153-year-old traditional recipe,
often praised as the best fish and chips in London. Two floors of cozy indoor seating and an Al Fresco area offer dining in the heart of Covent Garden. During WWII, the basement served as a meeting point for volunteers aiding Londoners. Fish and chips rose to fame in the 1800s, inspired by French ‘pommes frites’. Earlier traditions paired fish with bread, linked to biblical customs.

Ray Fenner managed the shop from the 1920s to 1968, continuing a family legacy. His granddaughters, Anna and Rachael, shared his techniques with great care. Mary Goody, a former worker from the 1910s, upheld the highest standards. Traditional methods and recipes remain unchanged through generations. A true taste of British heritage, in one of London’s oldest fish and chip shops

The Rock & Sole Plaice in Covent Garden, London - Wikimedia Commons

A Feast for the Senses

From the narrow alleys of the East End to the elegant arcades of the West, London’s markets are woven into the very fabric of the city. They’ve been places of trade, community, and creativity for centuries—long before supermarkets and online shopping took hold. Today, they remain among the best ways to experience the capital’s diversity, energy, and soul.

Each market tells its own story. Some, like Borough Market, have fed Londoners for over 1,000 years, offering everything from artisan cheeses to fresh oysters under Victorian railway arches. Others, like Columbia Road Flower Market, bloom once a week with buckets of colour and a chorus of traders calling out deals. Whether you’re strolling past antique stalls in Portobello, hunting street food in Brixton, or browsing handmade crafts in Greenwich, there’s a buzz that only a market can bring

Old Spitalfields Market in the Whitechapel district - Shutterstock

---

Around The Web

What’s On in the Royal Parks

From family fun to guided walks and nature tours - enjoy events across history, nature, and wellbeing. Free and ticketed experiences available all year in London’s most iconic green spaces

A Slice of Soho History

Once a notorious brothel and lap dancing club, this spot on Great Windmill Street captures the spirit of 1950s Soho. Home to the legendary Nosh Bar for decades, it still draws curious characters and a nod to its colourful past

A Journey into the Unusual

Step inside The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, the country’s only museum of its kind. Discover a bizarre and fascinating collection of fine art, natural oddities, and the downright surreal

The Prime Meridian

The Prime Meridian at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich divides the eastern and western hemispheres. Covering 20,000 km from pole to pole, it passes through eight countries and three continents

The Ravens of the Tower

Meet the legendary ravens at the Tower of London, whose presence is said to protect the kingdom. Watch them display their intelligence and quirky personalities as they roam the Tower grounds

Visitors guide to Royal Palaces, Castles and Residences in the UK

The United Kingdom is home to some of the most iconic royal palaces, castles and residences in the world. From the towering turrets of Windsor Castle to the elegant interiors of Buckingham Palace, these historic buildings offer a glimpse into the lives of Britain’s royal family.

Buckingham Palace - Love to Visit London

---

From Social Media

London, England: Paddington Sculpture at Leicester Square

Yum

Making "posh" Mushy Peas even BETTER than the chip shop

Extra 

Rock and Sole Plaice – Oldest Fish & Chip Shop in London

Thank you for reading Love to Visit London— your support allows us to keep doing this work.

If you enjoy Love to Visit London, it would mean the world to us if you invited friends to subscribe and read with us.