Harden's survey result
Summary
A foundation story dating back to WWI helps enshrine this (slightly unremarkable-looking) chippy on Lisson Grove in London’s culinary history books and it has a strong fanclub for its “very fresh fish, not over-battered” rendition of the national dish. But “service can be indifferent” and even fans can feel that “there’s no atmosphere”.
Summary
This “institution” of a chippy on Lisson Grove is one of London’s most venerable for the national dish (with original origins dating back to WWI). It’s “always busy” with locals, tourists and taxi-drivers (“I envy the reduced prices they get!”) and – though it’s had its ups and downs over the decades – is currently riding high as a “top location for classy fish ’n’ chips”.
Summary
The very “essence of chip shop” – this century-old Lisson Grove institution serves “lovely fresh fish” with a “great choice” of preparation (“plain grilled or deep-fried in batter or breadcrumbs”) and “LOTS of chips – it’s bottomless and they mean it!”. “Staff can be a bit pressurised on a busy service, and not terribly engaged with customers”.
Summary
“Really good fish ’n’ chips, big portions, always tasty”; the not-so-secret recipe for this legendary family-owned chippy’s century – and more – of success. There are multiple cooking choices for the “lovely fish”, which can be grilled or fried with panko, matzo-meal and gluten-free options and is served with ‘bottomless’ chips. Despite its heritage, though, it’s been through various owners and refurbs over the decades – the interior is fine, but don’t go expecting quirky period charm.
For 34 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at The Sea Shell?
49-51 Lisson Grove, London, NW1 6UH
Restaurant details
The Sea Shell Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Great fish cooked in lmatzo meal"
"Ran out of cod and a few issue but all sorted quickly "
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £28.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £2.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 15.00% |
49-51 Lisson Grove, London, NW1 6UH
| Number of Diners: | |
| Required Time: | |
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑10 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑10 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑10 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑10 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑10 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑10 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑7 pm |
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