When I first moved to Athens, in August ’09, I picked up swing dancing. It was something I’d been wanting to try for ages, and Athens has a great, friendly swing scene. I’ve grown to love it, and last spring, I was invited to join Swung, the swing performance group. Now the girls of Swung have a neat tradition. Once a month, we get together to try out a new restaurant (or at least one that the majority of us have never tried), and we keep it a secret from the Swung guys. It’s a long story why.

Any way, our restaurant this month was The Royal Peasant, which is “a tiny piece of Britain offering snugness and familiarity” in the midst of Athens. They offer traditional British pub fare, a wide selection of beers, and, of course, a place to watch football. And not the American kind.

Last night was the first time I had ever been, and I loved it! I had the Shepherd’s Pie, but I tried a bite of my friend’s fish and chips. Oh. Em. Gee. They have the second-best fish and chips I have ever tasted. The only place that tops them is the little fish ‘n’ chips shop in Seahouses, on the coast of Northumberland, where the fish you are eating was swimming around in the Atlantic that morning. You just can’t beat that kind of freshness. They also served Avalanche Ale, which is the signature brew of Breckenridge Brewery, and that got me really excited. The Royal Peasant is the only place I’ve found in Athens where I can get that brewery’s beer.

So, in short, if you want delicious fish and chips in Athens, look no further than The Royal Peasant. Great food, great prices, cozy atmosphere. Can’t beat it.