Marking Fish and Chips Day at The Bow Bells Cafe In Romford.

By Ruth Kettle-Frisby – Guest Writer and Community Activist

Ruth is passionate about fostering positive change within the local community and regularly contributes insights and stories to The Havering Daily.

Today – the first Friday of June – marks National Fish and Chip Day 2026, and what better way to celebrate than to spotlight Romford’s own Bow Bells Café, located in Romford Shopping Hall in the historical Market Place.

This wonderful local establishment is family-run, and radiates positivity, community warmth, and big-hearted traditional east-end charm all year round.

Bow Bells is in many ways a hidden Romford gem, and yet people flock here, creating an atmosphere that’s buzzing with intergenerational inclusivity. 

Indeed, they pride themselves on catering for the elderly, children and everyone in between, with optional small plates as well as vegetarian dishes and full-English breakfasts among their quality home-made fare.

Infectiously spirited regular, Brian Stanford, who is 92 years young, effuses that Bow Bells Café is the “best in Romford”.

Open every Tuesday to Sunday, in their own words, “whether you’re popping in for a coffee and cake or something more filling, Bow Bells offers great food, quick service, and a relaxed, local atmosphere.”

My personal plea – if I may – is that on this most hallowed Fish and Chip Day, you don’t overlook their utterly mouth-watering pie, mash and liquor: moist, rich, comforting, flavoursome…and up there with the very best.

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