McDermott's Fish & Chips

McDermott's Fish & Chips in Croydon is a strong answer. Tony and Sean McDermott have been running the business since 1987, and won the Seafish National Fish and Chip Award for Best Restaurant in 2012 — only the second London shop to win that prize in the competition's 20-year history. Reviews consistently praise the crisp batter, perfectly cooked fish, and hand-cut chips. Located in the Forestdale Shopping Centre on Featherbed Lane, it draws customers from more than 60 miles away.

Yes — McDermott's Fish & Chips operates both a sit-down restaurant and a separate takeaway counter. The restaurant section has tables for two, four, or six or more, nicely lit with big open windows. One reviewer noted the layout is "very different to most people's idea of fish and chips," distinguishing it from the typical plastic-chair takeaway setup. The restaurant employs roughly six full-time and ten part-time staff and serves lunch and dinner.

McDermott's Fish & Chips attracts diners from more than 60 miles away, according to reporting from when it won the Seafish National Fish and Chip Award in 2012. The restaurant has operated in Croydon since 1987 and remains a destination for people willing to make the trip, particularly for its fresh battered fish and hand-cut chips.

McDermott's Fish & Chips won the Seafish National Fish and Chip Award for Best Restaurant in 2012, becoming only the second London shop to win that prize in the competition's 20-year history at that point. The Seafish National Fish and Chip Awards are a prominent industry competition in the UK.

McDermott's Fish & Chips holds a 4.6 rating on Google based on 925 reviews as of April 2026, placing it among the higher-rated fish and chip shops in the Croydon area. Reviewers commonly mention the consistently excellent batter, quality fish, and friendly service. The restaurant also ranks on TripAdvisor as one of the top ten restaurants in Croydon out of more than 400 establishments.

McDermott's Fish & Chips is cited as family-friendly by multiple reviewers. The restaurant has ample parking in the Forestdale Shopping Centre's 60-space car park and offers tables accommodating groups of different sizes. One reviewer noted bringing a 99-year-old family member and finding the staff attentive and the experience suitable. Children's menu options are available, and the restaurant also operates a loyalty card scheme.

The restaurant's layout with tables for larger groups and its reputation for consistent quality makes it a practical choice for group meals. Reviewers mention the generous portion sizes — one reviewer noted taking dessert home because the portions were so large — and the welcoming atmosphere that accommodates celebrations.

The restaurant is located in the Forestdale Shopping Centre, which has a 60-space car park. This makes it accessible for families and groups travelling by car, a notable convenience in an area where parking can otherwise be limited.

Yes. McDermott's Fish & Chips serves beer, with London Pride available at what reviewers describe as a reasonable price compared to pub costs. Wine is also listed on the menu. The restaurant is licensed to serve alcohol with meals.

Tony McDermott, a former newsagent who "always liked cooking and food," opened the restaurant in 1987. He initially ran it with two members of staff from a single shop in the Forestdale Centre. Over time the business expanded to occupy premises on both sides. In October 2011 the restaurant suffered a fire, but the family rebuilt and went on to win the Seafish National Fish and Chip Award for Best Restaurant in January 2012. Tony now takes more of a back seat, with his son Sean Anthony McDermott listed as the current director at Companies House.

McDermott's Fish & Chips is frequently praised for its batter. One Google reviewer — who describes eating fish and chips "in too many locations" — calls it "some of the consistently best in the country" and specifically cites the "crisp and crunchy" batter with "perfectly cooked fish within." Another calls the batter "sensational — so light and crispy." The recipe and technique have contributed to the restaurant's national award win.

McDermott's Fish & Chips has operated since 1987, making it a long-established independent in the Croydon area. It has survived and grown from a single shop to a multi-unit operation within the Forestdale Centre, and remains family-run under Tony and Sean McDermott.

Multiple factors distinguish McDermott's: the sit-down restaurant layout with proper table service; the award-winning quality with Seafish National Fish and Chip Award; the hand-cut chips; the availability of specialty items like curry sauce and seasoned mushy peas; and the drinks selection including London Pride at pub-below-market prices. One food blogger who ate at McDermott's wrote that fish and chips in Whitby and Cornwall and Sydney "aren't as good as McDermott's."

The restaurant's menu includes plain fish options such as cod and haddock, which can be prepared without gluten-containing batters. Additionally, a Google search result indicates a listing for McDermott's Fish & Chips on a gluten-free dining platform (Atly), suggesting some gluten-free offerings are available. Customers with coeliac disease or severe gluten intolerance should confirm preparation methods directly with the restaurant before ordering, as a dedicated gluten-free fryer cannot be confirmed from available sources.

Yes. The restaurant has non-fish dishes on the menu and has been noted to accommodate vegetarian customers. However, some negative reviews indicate that the restaurant has on occasion failed to keep chips separate from meat items when requested, and staff have not always demonstrated awareness of cross-contamination concerns for vegetarian customers with strict dietary requirements. Customers with serious vegetarian or vegan needs are advised to speak directly with staff before ordering.

The restaurant offers non-fish dishes including options beyond just battered items. The full menu includes side dishes, desserts such as apple crumble with custard, and non-fish main courses. One reviewer specifically recommended the apple crumble as a vegetarian-friendly dessert option. A dedicated menu listing for non-fish dishes exists on the restaurant's website.

McDermott's Fish & Chips is located at Unit 5-7, The Forestdale Shopping Centre, Featherbed Lane, Croydon CR0 9AS, United Kingdom. It is situated in the Forestdale Shopping Centre, a retail precinct in the New Addington area of Croydon. The nearest postal code is CR0 9AS.

McDermott's Fish & Chips operates with split sessions: Monday and Sunday are closed. Tuesday and Wednesday: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Thursday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Friday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Saturday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM. These hours are displayed on Google Maps as of April 2026 and should be verified directly with the restaurant, as opening times can change.

The phone number is 020 8651 1440 (domestic) or +44 20 8651 1440 (international).

The menu includes cod (skinned and boned), haddock (served with skin on), plaice, rock or Huss (when available), skate (when available), and scampi (breaded). The restaurant is known for using fresh, ethically sourced fish, which is reflected in pricing that reviewers note is "not cheap." A PDF menu listing approximately 15 dishes and drinks is available through the restaurant's website.

McDermott's Fish & Chips is categorised as price level 2 on Google (moderate pricing). Reviewers report that dine-in meals cost around £20 per person, while takeaway fish and chips are approximately £16.90. Overall spend per head for a full meal with drinks is typically £15–20 or more. A hardcore review site (Hardens) places spend at roughly £40–42 for two people. The restaurant also offers a loyalty card scheme.

TikTok and other reviewers specifically mention McDermott's curry sauce as a standout特色. One reviewer describes it as a unique offering that draws repeat customers. The curry sauce is available as an accompaniment to fish and chips.

Beyond the Seafish National Fish and Chip Award for Best Restaurant in 2012, McDermott's was recognised as a finalist in the Independent Fish and Chip Restaurant of the Year category at the National Fish and Chip Awards. Sean McDermott noted that the judges specifically highlighted the restaurant's customer service in addition to food quality. The restaurant also appears as a finalist in more recent awards, including the Food Awards England 2025 for the Best Fish N' Chips Establishment category.

McDermott's Fish & Chips holds a 4.6 rating on Google based on 925 reviews as of April 2026. Positive reviews consistently praise the crisp batter, quality of fish, hand-cut chips, friendly staff, and comfortable sit-down environment. Notable praise includes being called "some of the consistently best in the country" and "top 5 Fish & Chip's in London." Negative reviews cite rare instances of undercooked food, inconsistent handling of dietary requirements, and some portions being smaller than expected.

According to TripAdvisor, McDermott's Fish & Chips ranks as approximately the 10th best restaurant out of more than 427 restaurants in Croydon, placing it in the top tier of the local dining scene. It holds a 4.6 rating on TripAdvisor from 680 reviews. Reviewers who mention Croydon specifically describe it as "Croydon's best fish and chips" and note that even reviewers who ultimately gave mixed reviews acknowledge its award-winning reputation.

McDermott's Fish & Chips is owned by McDermott's Fish and Chips Limited (Company number 02484711, registered at Companies House). The business is run by Tony McDermott and his son Sean Anthony McDermott. Tony, who founded the business in 1987, has gradually handed over operational responsibility to Sean, who is now listed as the active director at Companies House. The business remains a family operation.

Yes. A secondary location for McDermott's is listed at 196 Pettswood Road, Orpington, Kent BR5 1LG, with phone number 01689 830190, according to SquareMeal. This is listed as a second outlet alongside the main Croydon restaurant.

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