Top-notch fish and chip restaurant

The Barbican may appear to be the back of beyond - a black hole in the heart of the City - but perfectly ordinary people do live and work around here.

Apart from the theatres and concert hall and the proximity to the financial district, one of the main attractions of the place is Fish Central, which holds its own with the finest fish-and-chip shops in town, and indeed a good many snootier restaurants.

People tend to be very snobbish about fish-and-chip shops, but Fish Central is just the place to dispel such delusions.

Though at first sight it appears just like any other superior chippy - a takeaway service one side and an eat-in restaurant next door - a glance at its menu lets you know that this is something out of the ordinary.

All the finny favourites are here, from cod and haddock to rock salmon and plaice, but there's a wholesome choice of alternatives, including grilled Dover sole and roast cod with sautéed potatoes.

These dishes are cooked to order, and a menu note prepares you for a 25-minute wait.

You can eat decently even if you are not in the mood for fish.

Try the Cumberland sausages, with onions and gravy.

If you think your appetite is up to starters, try the prawn cocktail - the normal naked pink prawns in pink sauce, but genuinely fresh.

Chips come as a side order, so those who prefer can order a jacket potato or creamed potatoes.

There are mushy peas, which are, well, mushy, and pickled onions and gherkins.

In keeping with its role as fish restaurant rather than fish shop there is even a wine list.

Champagne anyone?

Fish Central
Central Street, London, EC1V 8AP