Golden Union

I normally like my fish naked! I must admit, I generally like my fish naked. Well, maybe sometimes with a little pickled ginger skirt, a dab of wasabi on the back and a small soaking of soy sauce to season, but usually nothing more. So when I get invited to this big and lively fish and chip restaurant, I've got a ping of guilt. My haddock is wearing a rather fetching and beautifully puffy and crispy overcoat of seasoned batter that makes my usual plate of fish seem like a bunch of giggly cat walk rakes! I am at the Golden Union fish and chip shop in Poland Street, Soho and it's a Friday, so I am ignoring my internal friend the healthy one and have ordered my favourite haddock and chips. Our nice and friendly waitress brings my ice cold beer (it's a licensed chippy!)and takes my order so I Sit back and take in the surroundings. I could easily be sitting in any chip shop in the fifties as the decor is frighten familiar and rather comforting. Bring your parents or grandparents and with the smell of malt vinegar in the air, they will be feeling waves of nostalgia in no time. The tiled walls and Lino covered tables really set the scene. The fish we had was good and served with some fresh lemon to squeeze and a sprinkle of parsley. The chips are just as I want them to be with some small crunchy ones. My only niggle is the fish could have done with a short time to rest so any residual oil could completely drain off, but it's very busy and this place is awash with a mix of trendy Soho types and tourists, the latter no doubt curious to see what this fish and chip thing is all about. I am sure they will not be disappointed and I am nearly inclined to say never again to naked fish, but I miss naturalism!

Went here yesterday early evening with my Mum and two sisters after a bit of shopping. Mum fancied fish and chips and having eaten a takeaway from here I suggested we try the sit down option. It was just what we were looking for – very satisfying food, quick friendly service, spotlessly clean plus we spent around £15 per head. Two of us had the scampi which was tasty and the tartare sauce, which was homemade we were told, was delicious. Mum thoroughly enjoyed her cod and, living in a seaside town with a huge variety of chippies on offer, she said she was pleasantly surprised at the quality. Portions here are big too. I'll be going back.

I've been once to eat in and once for take away. It's a chip shop and for the most part it does exactly what it says on the tin. It was clean and bright and much more inviting in its appearance than most. The portions sizes were good and competively priced for the location. The quality and flavour of the chips suggested the oil HAD been changed recently (i.e they didn't taste like fish or anything else). Unfortunately, service was not with a smile and staff gave the distinct impression they would rather be somewhere else. Maybe I got them on a bad day.