On my right are the glitzy lights of Harrods, lighting up Knightsbridge, the iconic store that sells everything from Chanel and Champagne to teddy bears and tech. On my left is the architectural splendour of the Victoria and Albert Museum housing ancient statues, walls decorated with recognised paintings and regular contemporary exhibitions which are so popular they require pre-booked tickets. Facing me is The Mayfair Chippy serving five-star fish and chips – very quintessentially British.
But this is not a normal fish ‘n chip establishment. When I visited, it was three weeks old and there wasn’t a spare table or chair in sight. Forget any paper wrapping or chips piled high falling off a plate. Here the menu is extensive, the presentation is appertising and the beverages so varied, it’s like dining in a classy upscale brasserie. The restaurant is laid out over two storeys, one with an airy atrium. On entry and exclusive to Knightsbridge, is The Mayfair Chippy’s Gin Bar, stylishly decorated in tilework, which serves wines, cocktails and beer while in the mornings it transforms into a Blood Mary Bar. The Butchers Bloody Mary is crammed with Absolut Vodka, tomato juice, Tio Pepe Sherry, lemon, spice mix, celery salt, Oxo, crispy bacon, pork scratchings and a stuffed olive!
On the menu
There is a selection of classic dishes with of course fresh seafood direct from Cornish shores. The stand out favourite is The Mayfair Classic, an attractively presented display of fried cod or haddock with chips, mushy peas, tartar & chip shop curry sauce, or you can swap with HP gravy. The vegetarian version features halloumi. Fish is fried in beer batter but is also available free from alcohol and gluten. For meat lovers, there is shepherd’s pie made with braised lamb shoulder HP gravy and greens. Desserts are hard to resist with sticky date pudding with toffee sauce & Madagascan vanilla gelato and apple & blackberry crumble with vanilla custard hazelnuts, amongst others.
The menu is extensive with snacks and small plates; think Cornish salt and pepper squid, crispy oyster mushrooms with black garlic & truffle mayonnaise, treacle cured salmon and heritage beetroot salad. Sandwiches come in the form of a Lobster & Crayfish Roll, one of the popular choices. And of course a selection of shellfish with mussels in white wine, garlic & parsley or curried coconut cream with sourdough toast, crab on toast or in a salad with watermelon and Carlingford oysters (3, 6 and 12) served with shallot vinegar, lemon and Tabasco.
From the bar
The wine list features English wines and classic cocktails such as a Cosmopolitans, Mai Tai and Kir Royale as well as a wide range of gins. Driving or not a fan of alcohol, then choose a mocktail such as a Moscow Mule made with soda, mint lime and cane syrup or a pineapple mojito created with pineapple soda, mint lime and cane syrup. Pair with bar snacks such as fried white bait or coronation chicken fitters with mango & onion chutney. And why not treat yourself to a dessert cocktail such as the popular Lemon Bon Bon with vanilla vodka, limoncello, butterscotch and lemon or a Werther’s Original with caramel vodka butterscotch and Baileys.
The Mayfair Chippy is a luxury fast-casual restaurant with an emphasis on fish, chips, shellfish & British classic dishes – Britain’s culinary favourite at its best. The Mayfair Chippy Knightsbridge serves brunch, lunch, and dinner 7 days a week with a small heated outdoor seating area and a takeaway service available.
Address
The Mayfair Chippy Knightsbridge
138 Brompton Road
Knightsbridge
London
SW3 1HY
Opening Hours
Sunday to Thursday
Lunch/Dinner 11am – 10pm
Fridays & Saturdays
Lunch/Dinner 11am – 10.30pm
Brunch available daily from 10:30am-12:30am
