The Golden Hind, London W.1.

This is a typical English “chippie” (a fish and chip take-out) but this one is also a nice restaurant right in the middle of Marylebone. The place has been run for many years by a series of friendly Greek owners, whose names are all listed on a plaque on the wall, and has been so successful that last year they took over the adjoining café. So now they have a serious dining room, with old photos of the neighbourhood on the wall. It is always chock-a-block, but luckily they do take reservations.
They don’t have a liquor licence so its bring your own bottle of wine or beer which always involves a frantic returning of glasses to the neighbouring pub at the end of your meal – when you might perhaps participate in the pub sing-a-long which takes place on Thursdays and Fridays every week!
The menu is straightforward and predictable, but the fish is really excellent –fillets of plaice, haddock, rock salmon, skate and cod, as well as scampi, all usually served with chips and the ubiquitous “mushy peas”. There are also home–made fish cakes and Greeks salads available. The puddings are of the English nursery variety – treacle pudding, spotted dick, bread and butter pudding etc., and of course loads of custard.
The average price is approximately £12 for a main course and dessert, plus whatever you decide to bring with you in the way of drink.
So don’t be put off by the outside appearance and try this very English experience!