What
Sutton & Sons renound fishmongers and fish restaurant in Stoke Newington has branched out with a new restaurant in Islington.

Where
356 Essex Road,
London
N1 3PD

Experience
When I first moved to London from rainy Manchester I really missed a good fish supper. Despite being famous for fish and chips, London was lacking something. How times have changed. I invited fellow Northerner Tom to try out newly opened Sutton & Sons Islington restaurant on a rainy night (to remind us of home).

The front of the restaurant is a traditional fish and chip shop take-away bar, and the back hosts a quaint restaurant for eat-in diners. The décor a perfect blend of shiny, new and modern metal crossed with authentic dark wood and simple menus.

It was a last minute thought to order a starter to share, but I was so glad we did. Sweet, salty, crisp Tempura batter enclosed our huge, juicy king prawns. They were the tastiest prawns I have eaten since childhood. The only bad thing was that I had to share them with Tom. I sipped a chilled, crisp glass of house white wine which complemented every mouthful.

Being a traditional lad, Tom ordered a Traditional British Haddock and Chips. This was no basic fish and chips; this was fresh fish in a light, melt in the mouth, batter with golden hand-cut chunky chips. The Catch of the Day menu caters for the more refined palette. The choice included grilled sea bass, a lobster burger and grilled mackerel, but I couldn’t resist the tuna burger. Inside the burger was a gigantic pink tuna steak topped with pesto and salad. If I had to change something about the dish, I would perhaps add less pesto but the fish was divine, which is expected from a restaurant who stocks up with Billingsgate fish twice daily.

The Essex Road venue was transformed from an old chippy. It was charming to see the old regular punters pulling up a pew at Sutton & Sons. They loved the new menu and were excited to taste their way through it. We felt so welcome, like locals ourselves.

I left regretting I’d forgotten to order one of Mrs Sutton’s pickled balsamic shallots. Oh well, I guess I’ll have to go back for a fish supper…

Cost
King Prawns in Tempura Batter £4.50
Traditional British Haddock and Chips £9.95
Mushy Peas £1.95