'I tried the West London fish and chips named one of the best in London'
Is there any meal that better fits the term 'comfort food' than fish and chips? Whether it's been a long day, you're not wanting to cook, or put yourself through the rigmarole of sitting in a restaurant, or just a quiet night in beckons - there are few things more hearty and satisfying than a good fish and chip takeaway.
Luckily, for those living in west London, one of the country's best fish and chips shops is right on their doorstep. Stones Fish & Chips on Horn Road, Acton, was named as one of the UK's 50 best chippies by Fry magazine last year and is one of just two London chippies shortlisted in the upcoming National Fish & Chip Awards, alongside south London's Brockley's Rock.
Walking up to Stones' smart, electric blue shopfront on Horn Road, an awning is confidently emblazoned with "West London's Favourite Fish & Chips", above a window plastered with a five-star food hygiene rating, as well as just a few notices of its various awards. Inside is quite a spacious, cosy little eatery - which feels more like a café than a chippie - a few decent-sized tables and chairs.
READ MORE: London's 2 best fish and chip takeaways named in new awards
A glance up at the menu and there are a few fish options, namely haddock or cod, and chips in various sizes. I choose the large haddock and medium sized chips. It's important to note that unless you're paying cash, Stones processes all card payment orders via its website. And so, standing at the counter, I log on using my phone and choose my order. It's in fact a very efficient system, meaning you can easily order your takeaway online and go to collect it when it's ready.
It takes less than ten minutes for my order to be prepared, and oh my, how impressive it looks in a thick cardboard box - one beautiful long slab of haddock wrapped in gorgeous, orange, crusted batter, above a bed of thickly-cut golden chips. I'm not usually a salt and vinegar fan but my server has doused just the right amount on my chips to give the perfect level of zing.
I take one of the tiny little wooden forks, but not to worry, because - let's be real - who doesn't use their fingers at some point when eating fish and chips? The chips are big and beautifully browned off, with just the right type of crispy ends and corners. Inside, they're fluffy and al dente, and dare I say it, taste a lot like potato! It's easy to forget how good real chips are amid the spread of cheap, stick-like fries in virtually every restaurant. On a personal note, I like my chips particularly browned off and well done, but there's no reason you couldn't ask for that when making an order.
But the big seller here is the fish. My goodness, it's the best, freshest haddock I've eaten in years. Not to sound dense but it tastes like it's come from the sea! The batter is deliciously scrumptious and crispy, over the silvery fish skin with its slightly potent taste. And the haddock flesh is gloriously whiter than white, it's thick, it's chunky and it's juicy. If you're on a diet or not a heavy eater, one portion may well be enough for two people. But I'm neither of those things and, as this is a review after all, I feel it's my duty to gorge down the entire lot. Safe to say, I felt full for the rest of the evening.
London is full of restaurants and has a refined offer on just about any type of cuisine you can think of. In many ways, it's easy to come on top when you're the only competition. But fish and chips? The nation's favourite food, one which everyone has eaten since childhood and surrounded by competitors? It takes a special skill and dedication to quality to come out on top and deliver customer satisfaction in this way. If you're in west London for whatever reason, don't miss out - make this one of your bucket list meals while you're in the capital.
Stones Fish & Chips is located on Horn Road, Acton. To view its menu or make an order, visit its website HERE.
Stay up to date about London's hottest events, latest restaurant openings, and best deals with our Going Out Out newsletter. Sign up HERE!