Fish and chips are a quintessential British staple, with countless people often indulging in a “chippy” takeaway but when one man sampled London’s “cheapest” venue, he potted a problem
A man has sampled London’s “cheapest” fish and chips but quickly realised one heartbreaking problem. At one point, fish and chips were a tasty, cheap treat many locals indulged in on a Friday night after a hard week at work.
The dish is a hallmark of British culture and cuisine but with the ongoing cost of living crises, it’s getting harder and harder to enjoy a takeaway on a regular basis. The cost of fish and chips – once famously and reliably cheap – has, like many things, soared. Content creator Robbie, who posts online as @streetfoodanalysis, ventured to Knights Fish Bar in Norwood, London, to sample the “cheapest” fish and chips in the capital city. Owned by the same man for over four decades, there’s daily discounts every day.
A sign on the wall lists “lunchtime bargains” including cod and chips for £6.50, and chicken and chips for £5.
But fish and chips are quickly becoming a “luxury” meal that many people struggle to afford, with shop owners often increasing their prices in line with external costs.
In a video shared to YouTube, Robbie explained: “This is the cheapest fish and chip shop in London – the owner’s been working here every day for 45 years to keep costs down in a shop that hasn’t changed a bit and is one of the last in the city to use beef dripping.
“However, owner Gary says he’s the last man standing now that fish and chips has become a luxury food in the city and will soon just be for the rich.”
He then filmed Gary, who said: “So how they gonna survive this? It’s gonna be like luxury food, fish and chips.”
In the comments section, fellow YouTube users were keen to share their thoughts. One person said: “Robbie, the problem is we have too many food reviewers trying to tell us £25 is ok. It is most definitely not! A big thank you for finding these places for us!”
Another said: “Love the old school places to eat, they’re disappearing fast though sadly.”
A third shared: “Wow, I’ve been looking for one. Been all over. I’m originally from Ilford, Essex and when I’m over, I always search for a traditional chippy. Will give it a visit”.
A fourth commented: “I really hope this chippy goes viral this man deserves it and so much more”.
Someone else added: “This is my local and the fish and chips are amazing, I would definitely recommend”.
While another agreed: “What a legend! 6.50? Cooked in beef drippings?”
A further person added: “Imagine… what a state our poor country and the world is in. Deep fried food is considered luxury! Fish and chips used to be poor man’s food”.
The lunchtime special, where prices are cheaper, runs from 12pm until 2.30pm. The shop then reopens at 5pm until 10pm, but the discounted meals don’t run at this time.
Knights Fish Bar is located at 39 Knights Hill, Norwood, London, SE27 0HS.
