I found myself in Haddonfield, NJ with time to spare after taking my father to a medical…read moreappointment, which is how many small adventures begin. King's Highway has a charming little stretch of independent ambition, all tidy storefronts and quiet confidence. This is where you can find The British Chip Shop, which I had long intended to try, and at last my synapses and my hunger aligned.
The place was empty when I entered, which always feels like it could be either a warning or a gift. A voice from the kitchen promised to appear, and did, promptly and kindly, seating me by the window like a character in a underattended play. I ordered the daily special: Pork pie, mashed potatoes, mushy peas, and added a Tango orange soda for good measure. The pork pie arrived hot and full of purpose, the kind of food that knows exactly what it is. The mushy peas were fresh and honest. The mashed potatoes, however, seemed to have lost the will to live, bland and harboring a cold, defiant lump of butter at their center. The soda did exactly what it claimed, which is all one can ask of a soda.
Only later did I notice I could have swapped the peas and mash for chips, and for a few dollars more added cheese and curry sauce. This knowledge arrived to me too late, as most useful knowledge does. Next time, I will be wiser.
All told, an enjoyable, slightly pricey lunch with one unfortunate spud based misadventure. Still, if you find yourself wandering this lovely town, it is worth stepping inside. Four stars, because curiosity was rewarded, if not perfectly fed.