But away from the grand buildings that have stood the test of time are the more humble old placess like the oldest pub still serving pints and the oldest fish and chip shop still running today.
Fish and chips have long been a staple of British cuisine, as millions tuck into the delicious meal every week.
Eating perfectly battered fish , crispy and soft vinegar-soaked chips with a side of minty mushy peas and even some curry sauce makes the dream meal.
@rockandsoleplaice #londonrestaurants #londonfood #londonfoodblogger #londonfoodblog #londonfoodie #coventgarden #reelsinstagram #londonbylondoners #london4all #londondoodscene #londonfoodguide #reelitfeelit ♬ original sound – Rock And Sole Plaice
Although London is home to a dozen fish and chip shops all claiming to be the best, only one can claim to be the oldest.
Rock and Sole Plaice in the Seven Dials was founded back in 1871, 153 years ago, and remains in the same spot.
The chippy says its basement once served as a meeting place for community volunteers to plan where provisions would be distributed throughout London to the displaced people during the Blitz in WWII.
Although not the first fish and chip shop to open in London (it was the third) it is the longest remaining and has now served over six generations of Londoners with the “finest fish and chips”.
Rock and Sole Plaice share that locals to the chippy were often workers from Covent Garden market from local factories and warehouses.
The chippy still serves traditional meals, including cod loin with chips (£21), lemon sole with chips (£22) along with plaice and chips (£22).
You can also get sausages, chicken goujons, pies and sides like coleslaw, pickled onions and gherkins.
In fact, Rock and Sole Plaice offers “London Style Sides” for £6, offering onion, coleslaw, gherkins, boiled egg and pickled onion, perfect with a plate of fish and chips.
On Tripadvisor , the spot has a rating of 4/5 with more than 2,000 reviews including one fan who shared: “One of the Best Fish and chips in London! Fresh and tasty food …extremely nice and professional service…Really worth a try!!”
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Another added: “I was not aware it was one of the oldest place to serve fish & chips in London. It offers the chance to sit both inside and outside.
“Great selection and variety of fish. Staff is nice and prices are good for where the restaurant is positioned.”
Meanwhile, another patron wrote: “Stopped here on the way to the British Museum, it was totally worth both for the taste of the food and the friendliness of the staff.”