Seemor
Simply The Best Fish Bar HaggerstonB+Worth Trying
157 Hackney Rd, London E2 8JL
· Fish & chips restaurant, Fish and chips takeaway, Restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (240 reviews)
Classic cash-only chippy with generous portions, friendly banter, and standout chips/cod; great value, but occasional quality lapses on chicken and rare hygiene misses.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Simply The Best Fish Bar delivers strong food quality anchored by reliably crisp cod and exceptional chips, paired with genuinely warm and attentive service that keeps regulars returning for years. Outstanding value for money with generous portions near £10 makes this competitive with respected local favorites. However, occasional consistency lapses on chicken, rare food safety concerns, and the takeaway-only format prevent grade A territory—this is a proper neighborhood chippy, not a destination establishment.
Restaurant Summary
A proper East London chippy that feels warm and bustling at the counter, with staff who crack jokes and keep the line moving. Portions are big, the chips are the star, and the cod is reliably crisp and fresh. One diner summed it up: "Large cod, fluffy chips, and a price that makes you smile." It is takeaway-only, cash-only, and most people head to the nearby park. The cooking is classic British comfort food with no-frills execution: crisp-battered cod or haddock, thick chips, pies, chicken, and saveloys. It leans traditional rather than inventive, which suits the regulars who have been coming for years. Expect a few rough edges during rushes, but the value-for-money is outstanding for what you get. Families do well here thanks to simple, kid-friendly options at very low prices. Cod bites, fish cake, chip roll, and plain chips are easy wins, and portions stretch across small appetites. There is no kids menu per se, but the actual items fit the bill; just remember it is takeaway-only, so a bench or the nearby park becomes your dining room.
At a Glance
- Excellent value with generous portions and low prices
- Lively, friendly counter service that regulars love
- Chips and cod consistently praised
- Occasional quality issues on chicken and rare hygiene complaints
- Cash-only and takeaway-only may not suit everyone
What Sets It Apart
- cash_only_old-school_chippy
- self_serve_seasoning_station
- longtime_local_regulars
What People Love
- Big, golden chips with the right crunch and fluff
- Crisp cod that tastes freshly fried
- Friendly, humorous staff at the counter
- Prices that feel like a rare deal in London
Points of Concern
- Occasional negative reports on chicken quality or dryness
- Isolated hygiene issues reported (one hair, one illness claim); frequency appears low but noted
- Cash-only and no seating limit convenience
- Busy periods can mean longer waits and slightly uneven execution
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter Only
Average Cost£9-14 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Cod and chips £6.50-8.00 plus a fish cake £1.50 makes a filling budget meal
- Haddock and chips £7.20 for a slightly different fish profile
- Chip roll £2.00 for ultra-budget snack
Perfect For
- A quick, satisfying takeaway before or after the Museum of the Home
- Budget-friendly weeknight dinner with classic comfort food
- Picnic in the park with hot chips and a fresh fried cod
- Locals craving an old-school chippy experience
Location Insights
Area: Urban East London corridor with creative studios and long-time locals; daytime bustle with steady footfall.
Safety: Generally safe with typical inner-city caution at night; bright frontage and regular traffic.
Nearby: Near Museum of the Home and Regents Canal; parks within short walk for outdoor eating.
HackneyA dynamic and eclectic neighborhood with a thriving food scene, featuring independent restaurants, street art, and a mix of traditional and contemporary dining experiences
Hackney RoadA bustling street corridor blending historic East End character with modern urban renewal, featuring trendy cafes, vintage shops, and innovative dining establishments
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–22:00
Tuesday11:00–22:00
Wednesday11:00–22:00
Thursday11:00–23:00
Friday11:00–23:00
Saturday11:00–23:00
Sunday
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