What is Olleys Fish Experience?

Olleys Fish Experience is a dine-in fish & chippy in Herne Hill, South London. Gluten free fish and chips are served daily and Olleys is a Free From Eating Out Gold Award winner.

When I was a kid fish ‘n’ chips was still *the* British national dish for takeout. This predated the chicken tikka masala takeover. Sure, there was pizza too, but that was a bit exotic. Maybe opt for that if you are back from holiday from some foreign place.

As an adult following a plant based diet fish and chips is a super rare treat but I know what I like . . .

• Fish must be Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified sustainable
• Batter must be light and flaky or thin, crisp and crunchy
• Chips should be thin and crispy too unless I am using them to mop up leftover mushy peas, in which case thicker cut and soft is *okay*
• There must be mushy peas, this rule is simple but crucial
• Ketchup is okay but the Belgians know better, chips are best accompanied by mayo!

Free From Menu

Since 2018 every day is gluten free day at Olley’s thanks to investment in separate equipment for the gluten free frying. A separate gluten free menu is available online and offers huge variety. On my visits staff have been friendly and welcoming and demonstrated familiarity with coeliac and other allergies. Most dishes are also dairy and egg free.

Food Glorious Food?

On my  first visit I ordered the house special Cilla Black Experience of haddock, king prawns, scallops, onions, chips and a wedge of lemon. Then in a moment of madness I ordered more. Hey, let me have the biggest dish on the menu and additional sides of grilled veggies and mushy peas please? I blame Cilla Black for not including the absolutely essential mushy peas within her experience. Madness.

Everything was prepared well and very enjoyable to eat. Soft and succulent fish was complimented well by lemon and tartare sauce. Grilled veggies were lightly oiled and not overcooked. Mushy peas were neither too sweet nor salt. A very satisfying fish & chips dinner.

Are there gluten free beers? Yes! There are several. Cheers for beers!

Olleys Fish Experience Recommendation

Given the comfort of the seating, service and quality and quantity of food value for money is very good indeed. Emphasis on sustainable sourced fish is very welcome. Harry himself is clearly an enthusiastic host and very keen to cater gluten free.

How keen? Here is a lovely human touch. Harry the owner initiated a chat with me and on learning I was coeliac talked enthusiastically about gluten free bread. He was excited that following a recent reformulation he found Genius Multi-Seeded to be ‘just right’. In response to some scepticism, I am no fan of Genius bread, he attempted to convince me by sending over a free plate. Nice try Harry, nice try, but there are better breads!

Go to Olleys Fish Experience!

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