Frequently Asked Questions
TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2025 — Top 10% of restaurants worldwide | Open since 1977 | Fresh fish daily from Billingsgate Market
North Sea Fish Restaurant is a long-established fish restaurant in Bloomsbury, central London, serving fresh fish and chips since 1977. We are a ten-minute walk from the British Museum, around five minutes from Russell Square tube, and six to eight minutes from King’s Cross and Euston. In nearly fifty years on Leigh Street, we have built a reputation on one simple principle: fresh fish, expertly cooked, served with genuine warmth.
When visitors are looking for fish and chips near the British Museum, North Sea is consistently one of the first names they encounter. Here is why guests from across London and around the world keep choosing us.
About the Restaurant
What type of restaurant is North Sea Fish Restaurant?
North Sea Fish Restaurant is a traditional fish and chip restaurant and seafood dining room in Bloomsbury, central London. We offer both dine-in and takeaway, with a focus on fresh fish delivered daily from Billingsgate Market and cooked to order. We have been open since 1977.
How long has North Sea Fish Restaurant been open?
We opened in 1977 — nearly fifty years ago. We are one of the longest-established fish restaurants in central London and a well-known Bloomsbury institution.
Has North Sea Fish Restaurant won any awards?
Yes. We hold the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2025, placing us in the Top 10% of restaurants worldwide. We are proud of this recognition and of the reviews our guests have left over the years.
Is North Sea Fish Restaurant independently owned?
Yes. We are an independent, family-run restaurant. There is no head office, no standardised manual, and no cost-cutting from a boardroom. When something is not right, we want to know and we fix it.
Location and Getting Here
Where is North Sea Fish Restaurant located?
We are at 7–8 Leigh Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1H 9EW. We are in the heart of central London, a short walk from several major landmarks and transport links.
How far is North Sea Fish Restaurant from the British Museum?
We are approximately ten minutes’ walk from the British Museum. Exit onto Great Russell Street, head towards Bloomsbury, and follow the route through the garden squares to Leigh Street. It is a pleasant walk through one of London’s finest neighbourhoods. Russell Square tube is around five minutes’ walk from the restaurant, and King’s Cross and Euston are six to eight minutes.
What tube stations are near North Sea Fish Restaurant?
Russell Square (Piccadilly line) is the closest station — around five minutes’ walk. King’s Cross St Pancras and Euston are six to eight minutes’ walk and are served by multiple lines, the Overground, and national rail services.
Is there parking near the restaurant?
Leigh Street itself has limited street parking. The nearest car parks are on Gray’s Inn Road and around King’s Cross. We recommend arriving by tube, bus or on foot as central London parking is limited and expensive.
Food and Menu
Where does North Sea Fish Restaurant source its fish?
All of our fish is delivered fresh daily from Billingsgate Market in east London — one of the great wholesale fish markets in the world. We receive deliveries each morning before service. None of our fish is frozen.
Is the fish at North Sea Fish Restaurant fresh or frozen?
We use only fresh fish delivered daily from Billingsgate Market. Every piece of fish on our menu arrives that same morning. This is a commitment we have maintained since 1977 and is the single most important reason why our fish tastes the way it does.
What are the most popular dishes at North Sea Fish Restaurant?
Our cod fillet and haddock fillet are the most ordered dishes — available battered, grilled, or fried in egg and matzo meal. Our Wholetail Scampi (whole Scottish langoustine tails, 12 pieces) is a perennial customer favourite. Our Fisherman’s Catch — a grilled sharing plate for two at £60 — is our most spectacular dish and a popular choice for celebrations.
Are chips included with fish mains?
Yes. All fish main courses are served with unlimited chips. If you would like more, simply ask your server.
Can fish be grilled instead of battered?
Yes. Every fish dish on our menu can be served fried in our signature batter, simply grilled, or fried in egg and matzo meal on request. Please let your server know your preference when ordering.
What oil do you fry in?
We fry in ground nut oil (also known as peanut oil). We use this deliberately for its high smoke point and clean, neutral flavour — it gives a genuinely crisp result without heaviness. Please inform us if you have a nut allergy and we will use an alternative oil.
Do you have vegetarian or vegan options?
Yes. Our menu includes a Halloumi Burger, Vegetarian Pie, Greek Salad, Halloumi Chips and a selection of sides suitable for vegetarians. Please speak to your server about specific dietary requirements and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Do you cater for dietary requirements and allergies?
Yes. Our kitchen handles all 14 major allergens. While we take care to avoid cross-contamination, we cannot guarantee any dish is completely allergen-free as allergens are present in our kitchen. Please inform your server of any allergies or dietary requirements before ordering. A full allergen guide is available on request.
Do you offer a children’s menu?
We do not currently offer a dedicated children’s menu. However, our portions are generous and many dishes — including our fishcakes, scampi and battered fish — are popular with younger guests. Please ask our team for suggestions.
Booking and Visiting
Do you take bookings?
Yes. We strongly recommend booking for weekend visits and groups of four or more. You can book online at northseafishrestaurant.co.uk, through TheFork, or by calling us on 0207 387 5892. Walk-ins are welcome when space is available.
What are North Sea Fish Restaurant’s opening hours?
We are open Monday from 5pm, and Tuesday to Sunday from 12pm. Last orders are at 9.30pm. We are open throughout the year including most bank holidays — please check our website or call us to confirm availability on specific dates.
Do you accept walk-ins?
Yes, we welcome walk-in guests when space is available. For busy periods — particularly Friday evenings, Saturdays and Sundays — we recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment.
Can you accommodate large groups?
Yes. Our 80-seat dining room can accommodate groups of up to 40 guests in a private or semi-private arrangement. For groups larger than eight, please contact us directly to discuss your requirements. Weekend group bookings fill quickly — we recommend contacting us as early as possible.
Is a deposit required for group bookings?
We take a deposit for larger group bookings, which is fully offset against your bill on the evening. Please contact us for details.
Takeaway and Delivery
Do you offer takeaway?
Yes. We offer takeaway directly from the restaurant at 7–8 Leigh Street, Bloomsbury. Please call 0207 387 5892 or visit us in person to order.
Do you offer delivery?
Yes. We offer delivery through Uber Eats and Deliveroo. Search for North Sea Fish Restaurant on either platform to see our delivery menu and check availability in your area.
Is North Sea Fish Restaurant a good choice for tourists visiting the British Museum?
Yes — it is one of the most popular choices. We are around ten minutes’ walk from the museum, and we welcome visitors from all over the world every day. We have been feeding Bloomsbury visitors since 1977. Many guests tell us it was the best meal of their trip to London. We are open for lunch from Tuesday to Sunday from midday, making us a natural stop after a morning at the museum. We recommend booking ahead for weekends and groups.
Pricing
What is the price range at North Sea Fish Restaurant?
Starters range from £7 to £15. Fish main courses range from £19 to £60 (the Fisherman’s Catch for two). Most classic fish and chip mains are priced between £19 and £25. A typical two-course meal for one person with a soft drink is approximately £30–40.
Is there a service charge?
A discretionary 10% service charge is added to your bill. Please let us know if you would like it removed — we are happy to do so without question.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit and debit cards including Visa, Mastercard and American Express. We also accept contactless and digital payments. Please ask our team if you have any questions about payment.
Have a question not answered here?
