National Chip Week London
Ah, the chip. Even though it’s rivalled by kebabs, tikka masala and American fast food burgers, the sturdy chip will always hold a place in London’s heart. National Chip Week London, a weeklong celebration of the king of all takeaways, is taking place from 12th – 18th February 2007 and people all across the city are celebrating by… eating more chips – it’s made from potatoes, so it has to be healthy, right?
When
12th – 18th February 2007
Where
London, various locations. See feature for more info.
Potatoes first became popular in Europe about 200 years ago, about the time when French restaurants started serving up pommes frites. The formula remained the same until the 60s, with the invention of the frozen chip. Although health opinions have remained mixed on the chip, there’s no doubt that people all over London love to eat them.
Chip factsAccording to National Chip Week London organisers, one in three Britons eat chips on a weekly basis. There are 8,500 fish and chip shops across the UK, which sell more then 277 million portions of chips a year – mostly made of Maris Piper potatoes. London’s love affair with the chip was apparent even more than 50 years ago – Minister of Food Frederick Lord Woolton declared that fish and chips were the only food that wouldn’t be rationed during the Second World War.
Chips and healthAssuming they’re not deep fried in vats of oil, covered in salt and eaten for every meal, chips aren’t even that bad for you. They’re the healthiest of most popular takeaways – an average portion of cod and chips has at least a quarter of the fat and a third fewer calories than takeaways like chicken tikka masala and pilau rice or sweet and sour pork with egg fried rice.
Celebrate National Chip Week LondonAnd what’s the best way to celebrate National Chip Week? By eating chips, of course. Chef Ed Baines is serving up some new takes on the traditional snack at his Chelsea gastropub, The Ifield, from spicy Mediterranean flavours to the amorous aphrodisiac styles of chocolate chips. Nearest tube: West Brompton.
>Click here for venue information.Eat chips in LondonNeed somewhere else to go that serves worthy chips? Here's a list of other London restaurants that are participating in National Chip Week.
National Chip Week London runs from 12th – 18th February 2007.