The 2012 Summer Olympics begin this Friday (July 27th) and end on August 12th. While you may not be able to take the family to London to enjoy the Olympic Games, you can still celebrate by eating British food at the best local spots. Below are five of the best British food establishments in NYC. (I have eaten at three of the picks. Now, I just need to visit a ChipShop and Myers of Keswick…)
1. A Salt & Battery
112 Greenwich Avenue
New York, NY 10011
(212) 691-2713
This Greenwich Village shop is famous for its British Fish and Chips. While the space is pretty tight and not recommended for leisurely family meals, it is a great spot to order take-out. After eating there in the past, I realized that British fish and chips (French fries) are heavier on the stomach than what I was accustomed to. It tasted great going down though! Since my visit, it has been great to read that the shop has switched to locally grown sustainable produce and added some staple British groceries to their shop.
2. ChipShop NYC
The Park Slope ChipShop
383 Fifth Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11215
(718) 832-7701
The Atlantic ChipShop
129 Atlantic Avenue
Brooklyn, NY
(718) 855-7775
Customers give high marks to both of these fun, kid-friendly Brooklyn ChipShop outposts. They are especially known for their deep-fried fish and ships, British beers and weekend English breakfasts. Oh yes, they are also highlighted for their fried Twinkies. (I don’t know. That just might be too much of a good thing!)
3. The London Candy Company
1442 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10128
(212) 427-2129
I love this little Upper East Side candy shop. I went there for a press event when it had just opened and thoroughly enjoyed my introduction to English candy. (You can see my June 2011 London Candy Company post to learn all about the difference in British candies and top sellers. Also, if you want to throw a British themed party in honor of the London Olympics, you can just swap out “Wimbledon” for the “Olympics” and use most of the ideas on the How To Host A Sweet, British-Themed Wimbledon 2011 Party post.
4. Myers of Keswick
634 Hudson Street
New York, NY 10014
(212) 691-4194
When it comes to ethnic grocers, Manhattan’s Myers of Keswick is top of most “traditional British food store” lists. This intimate, family shop specializes in British treats (meat pies, sausages, etc.), groceries and household items. Walker’s Crisps anyone?
5. Tea & Sympathy
108 Greenwich Avenue
New York, NY 10011
(212) 989-9735
When I lived down in Chelsea, this was my favorite tea spot to visit. In addition to being one of my favorite spots for afternoon tea in NYC, Tea & Sympathy also serves some amazing British comfort food overall. In fact, when I wanted to make a savory shepherd’s pie, I turned to Tea & Sympathy for inspiration. (Yes, they are that good!) Please note that the shop is not spacious. It’s not the best place for a full family meal, but it is ideal for a special mom and child outing.
These are my top picks. If I have missed an exceptional spot, please let me know in the “Comments” section. Thanks!
{Except for the London Candy Company photos, all of the other images are courtesy of their respective sites.}
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