Marlboro

Walk down St Thomas Street towards the seafront and you'll spot the queue snaking out of Marlboro before you even reach the door. This is the real deal: a no-nonsense chippy that's been doing the fundamentals brilliantly for years. You're getting thick-cut chips that actually taste of potato, fish that's been treated with respect, and batter that shatters when you bite into it. The place itself is unpretentious—order at the counter, grab your paper-wrapped parcel, and either eat it at one of the small tables or take it down to the beach where it belongs. Locals keep coming back because Marlboro doesn't overcomplicate things or charge London prices for what should be an honest, affordable meal.