Moxies Fish Bar

London's Finest Fish: Fresh and Flavorful

Ah, the classic London fish and chips joint experience—does it ever fail to stir up a hefty serving of discourse? My recent visit to this rather quintessential yet polarizing little spot had me toggling between extremes of delight and mild despair. Let's start with what they do achieve gloriously: the fish. It's a culinary note well struck—a tale of crisp, golden batter that breaks open to reveal melt-in-the-mouth white fish, fresh without that clinging note of sorrow that plagues lesser rivals. Clearly, attention's bestowed upon their vinegar selection—thankfully none of that paint stripper you often endure. An extra squeeze of lemon atop defies the normal acceptance of greasy fingers, and instead invokes visions of beach pier walks on British holidays, sun slightly visible if you specially squint for it.

Yet, where waves of flavor crash comfortably, it seems some diners have drowned in a bit of logistical errancy—the service warbled a somewhat unpleasant tune. Consistently “excellent” staff descriptions from long-time customers stand juxtaposed against other tales invoking images of neglectful glances and smeared hospitality—and let's not embark on the odyssey of delivery hiccups. But if patience and a touch of assertiveness are commodities in your dining portfolio, then passing by here is an experience that, at times, boasts more hits than misses. It could easily reign in your gastronomic fables of the best fish 'n' chips in London—all contingent, you see, on who has drawn short straws on the fryer and phone duty that day. — Milo Tastemaker