57 Clapham High Street,
London,
SW4 7TG
(020) 7720 5853
The ViewLondon Review
An upmarket chippie in the heart of Clapham, The Fish Club aims to bring the traditional fish and chips concept into the 21st century.
The Venue
Boldly situated on Clapham High Street, three minutes walk from Clapham North tube station, The Fish Club looks like an ultra trendy bar rather than a restaurant. Pebble-style floors create a realistic ocean feel and the long benches and tables on the ground floor area make you feel as though you are on the seaside.
The concept was constructed by two school friends, Steve Orme and James Thompson, who decided Britain's love for fish and chips could well be cultivated into varieties that are healthier and fresher. Steve appears to be the master of service, creating the welcoming feel, and James is an established chef with a passion for fish. There are two Fish Clubs in London, with the other located on St Johns Hill.
The Atmosphere
At the Clapham High Street branch things are quiet early on, but the later you stay the busier this place gets. There are plenty of people waiting to collect their takeaways and eating in the upstairs restaurant and the downstairs bar, and the crowd is young and lively. The staff are all young and friendly and are happy to explain to you what each fish is that’s on the large counter near the doorway, piled with a big mound of crushed ice and lots of very fresh fish. Their fish supplier is based on the Essex coast and everything you see is fresh that day. The Fish Club feels fresh and healthy as everything is cooked to order and just how you want it.
The Food
There is a subtle difference here to most fish and chip establishments, as you’re included in the choice, preparation and knowledge of your food. This is a refreshing change, especially with basic fish like cod depleting - all the fish here is line caught and sustainable. Starters include half a dozen Essex caught and hand picked oysters and potted shrimps which have a lovely rich, creamy texture along with the sweet tang of shrimp.
For mains, you are encouraged to choose your fish at the fish counter and the chef will prep it and cook it just how you want. And if that’s not enough to choose from, you can choose your batter (if you want it battered) for a choice of delicious fish that includes Dover sole, sea trout, skate, tuna, plaice and mackerel along with a large assortment of shellfish such as prawns, oysters and squid. Chips are all hand cut and you can also have sweet potato chips which are crunchy and delicious, a wonderful change from the norm. For the more health conscious, you can have your potatoes mashed or boiled.
The pollock (£7.50) with a tempura-like batter is sublime, an interesting alternative to cod with a much meatier texture. The batter is light and crispy - gone are the days when fish and chips was a heavy and stodgy food. All the sauces are homemade and for a generous dish full it will cost you 50p. Choices include mayo, sweet chilli and salsa verde.
Cleverly, there is a selection of food for the non-fish lovers, too. Steak pie (£7.95) and a choice of salads look very nice, especially the rocket and Parmesan salad. The portions are all very generous too. Like the fish choices, the pudding menu changes daily. There is homemade ice cream and also a daily homemade pudding. The homemade vanilla ice cream is divine, just like it should be, and at £2.95 the price is right too.
The Drink
The Berry Brothers rose at £12.95 is a perfect accompaniment to fish, mild, fruity and deliciously ice cold. A wide selection of fruit juices and teas are available at a pound or two each, and there is also Peroni available in a bottle for £2.95.
The Last Word
The concept and food of The Fish Club is great, fresh and innovative and rather unexpected. This is the future of fish and chips.
The Fish Club has been reviewed by 2 users