Welcome to Rock and Sole Plaice
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47 Endell St, London WC2H 9AJ, United Kingdom Hotline: +44 20 7836 3785
Welcome to Rock and Sole Plaice, a treasured gem nestled on Endell Street in London’s vibrant Covent Garden. Often celebrated as the oldest fish and chips restaurant in the city, this establishment blends history with culinary passion, creating a delightful dining experience you won’t want to miss.
From the moment you step inside (or outside, should you choose to enjoy your meal al fresco), you’re enveloped in a cozy yet lively atmosphere. Guests can savor their meals amidst the charming hustle and bustle of one of London’s most iconic neighborhoods. With a commitment to quality and tradition, Rock and Sole Plaice offers a menu packed with tantalizing starters and expertly fried fish that are true to its legacy.
- Starters: Begin your dining adventure with tempting options such as Crispy Camembert or Calamari, each dish prepared to perfection and bursting with flavor.
- Fish & Chips: The true star here is, of course, the fish and chips. Choose from a selection of fish like the flaky Cod Loin or the slightly stronger Haddock. Each piece is encased in a light, crispy batter that does not overwhelm the delicate flavor of the fish within.
- Pies and Savouries: For those craving something different, the menu also features rich options like Steak & Ale Pie and Cheese, Onion, and Potato Pie, perfect for indulging after a long day of exploring.
Customer anecdotes consistently highlight the delightful crunch of the batter and the tender, buttery texture of the fish, immersing diners in an authentic British experience. Reviewers have lauded the generous portions of fishes, with many recommending it as perfect for sharing or as a hearty meal for one. The crisply fried chips are a worthy companion to your fish, though opinions vary on their crispness—some wishing for an extra crunch.
As guests have noted, the service can be hit or miss, with some reported instances of inattentive staff amidst bustling dinner rushes. Nevertheless, the charm of Rock and Sole Plaice more than compensates for these minor shortcomings. Whether you are a local craving a nostalgic meal or a tourist seeking a quintessential London experience, this restaurant promises to leave you satisfied yet eager for a return visit.
In a world of fleeting food trends, Rock and Sole Plaice stands as a crispy reminder of what traditional British cuisine is all about. While the ambiance may not be perfect, the flavors and history make this eatery a must-visit. So, grab a fork and indulge in a plate of soul-satisfying fish and chips—your taste buds will thank you.
Good food and the ambience s great. There is outside and inside seating... the only thing is the price is more if you eat inside versus carry out food. They charge more for seating in the restaurant to eat
Great fish & chips! 4/5 stars because the staff wasn't very welcoming or attentive & the ambiance could've been better. Chips were a bit cold but still delicious.
Walking through Covent Garden, we stumbled upon Rock & Sole Plaice and were intrigued by the sign out front that claimed it was London's oldest Fish & Chips restaurant. There wasn't any seating available inside the restaurant, but we were able to get seated right away outdoors. Among the four of us, we split a couple of plates of fish and chips (with cod) and mushy peas for a light lunch. Our food was brought out quickly, which was much appreciated given that it was very cold outside (the heat lamps weren't very effective). The fish was perfectly crispy and flaky - and the batter didn't feel too heavy or greasy. The chips were served thick, crisp, and piping hot with just the right amount of salt. The mushy peas, while living up to their name, tasted of fresh peas (neither bland nor overcooked) and were delicious. After inhaling our food, we left very happy and full. It's no wonder Rock & Sole Plaice has become a staple over the past couple of centuries!
The hostess was extremely helpful and attentive. We were seated almost immediately. We went to the second floor and ordered our food. Without a doubt this has been the best fish and chips I have ever tried. The fish was extremely crispy on the outside and super moist on the inside.
Since I was visiting London, one dish that I knew I absolutely had to try during my trip was the iconic fish and chips. After looking through various options, I set my sights on Rock and Sole Plaice which touts itself to be one of the oldest fish and chips restaurants in London. I didn't have a reservation when I got there, but I was able to be seated relatively quickly at one of the tables outside. For the food I decided to go with the Crispy Camembert and the Cod Loin for the fish and chips, which were both excellent picks. The camembert was very crispy on the outside, but was extremely rich and gooey on the inside. It paired well with the berry sauce that came on the side with it. For the Cod Loin, it was also really crispy on the outside but still tender and buttery on the inside. I don't get fish and chips that often, but I have to say that this is up there in terms of quality for the ones I've had. Overall I enjoyed my experience here and I don't think you can go wrong trying this place out!
Claiming to be London's oldest fish and chips restaurant, Rock and Sole Plaice is a cute little shop with very friendly wait stuff and very good food. We ordered just the one large cod loin and chips between the two of us, which I highly recommend as the dish comes with two huge pieces of fish. And lots of chips. (I especially recommend it if you're a tourist like we were and you've got a lot of other foods to try to. The fish was so crispy on the outside, yet buttery and soft on the inside. To the point, that some parts of the fish got a bit mushy, while cooking, but honestly I enjoyed that. The chips were pretty classic, I kind of wished they were a little crispier. If I were to come again though, I might try one of the pickled vegetable sides as everything with the fried fish and the fried chips just made us feel so heavy. The one plate was enough for us.
At the edge of Covent Garden is a pretty hyped up fish & chips joint. As it was a typical rainy day in London, we couldn't enjoy the patio but had to wait for one of the few indoor tables to open up. Not too long of a wait and we snagged a spot eager to try this establishment's famed fish & chips. We ordered two fish & chips (one haddock & the other cod), a kids version of the same and a steak & ale pie. Fish had a good batter, not super light but also not too dense and the actual meat was pretty flaky. We liked both fish versions. Chips were fine, not too memorable. I'd say pass on the pie; the steak was not very moist and I've had better pastry on a savory pie. Was the fish & chips mind blowing enough to make me crave it when I'm back home? No, but if the wait isn't too long and you're in the Covent Garden area & want fish & chips, this spot satisfies the craving.