What’s your go-to order down the chippy? Cod and chips? Scampi? Perhaps a battered sausage? What about mussels, oysters, and crab? The Mayfair Chippy has spun the Friday night staple on its head, offering all the classics but with an extensive seafood menu to accompany. Intrigued? Sceptical? I was both, so I headed to The Mayfair Chippy to check it out for myself; read on for my review.
Location, location, location
The Mayfair Chippy has two outposts: the original in Mayfair, which opened in 2015 (and boasts a coveted 1AA Rosette), and one in Knightsbridge, which opened in 2024. Both pride themselves on creating a welcoming atmosphere, inspired by the classic chippies of yesteryear. The decor is light and airy, with chequerboard floors, sea-themed artwork, and cosy booths; Knightbridge even has some outdoor seating for warmer months.
I visited the newer Knightsbridge branch, and I loved the interiors. It was the tables, with their individual, unique tiles, that captured my heart the most. I want one in my house! Everything was monogrammed too – from the backs of chairs to the chip paper – which demonstrated The Mayfair Chippy’s attention to detail.
Review: the food at The Mayfair Chippy
On our visit to review The Mayfair Chippy, we opted for a three-course meal. I know: three courses at a chippy?! This was a new experience indeed. The restaurant prides itself on holding sustainability and freshness at the heart of every dish, and they change their menu with the seasons to ensure they are serving responsibly sourced seafood. It’s worth noting that The Mayfair Chippy’s menu features a range of vegan and gluten-free options too.
The starters blew me away. No joke, my partner and I cleared both plates clean. I wanted to say “we don’t need fancy starters for a fish and chip dinner”, but I realise now, we do. The Cornish crab on toast was a work of culinary art: the refreshing flavour (with a very slight hint of spice), the combination of textures, and the lightness of the dish made it utterly moreish. The battered prawns, again, were super light, and the prawns themselves were big and fresh. I loved the batter on them; it wasn’t oily and it had a satisfying crunch, without overpowering the prawns.
The mains were nice – not as heart-stoppingly delicious as I’d found the starters though – but we enjoyed the TMC lobster and crayfish roll. The roll itself was clearly made with a lot of love, and the filling was both generous and tasty. For a return trip, I’d probably go classic cod and chips for the lovely batter. The sauces served at The Mayfair Chippy are all made in-house; you can add the likes of tarter sauce and HP Gravy.
The desserts were back on top form; I’ll be dreaming about that thick, rich, indulgent chocolate mouse, and that soft scoop of sea salted caramel ice cream from Hackney Gelato for weeks to come…
The drinks
The cheerful chip shop dishes and sensational seafood are perfectly complimented by a drinks menu of British gin, wine, spirits, and craft beer – not your typical ‘can of Coca Cola’ chippy choice, eh (though you can get a glass of coke, if you wish). The Knightsbridge branch even has a dedicated gin and cocktail bar on-site.
I opted for a pineapple mojito, which clearly demonstrated The Mayfair Chippy’s attention to detail once again: it was well balanced and had added touches like lime to ensure the pineapple flavour wasn’t overbearingly sweet. Although I didn’t order one, the Bloody Mary selection piqued my interest, as did the dessert cocktails. Something to look forward to on a return visit.
To conclude this review of The Mayfair Chippy, yes, it is posher than our usual chippy down the road, but I’d argue it’s worth it. If you’re after an old classic with a little extra pizzaz, or venturing out shopping at nearby Harrods, I strongly recommend a visit. You’re guaranteed good food, good service, a lovely environment, and you’re sure to leave full.