Well, indeed, maybe it was an easy mark. But still, "fish and chips" was a thing here in the US in the 1970s to 1990s at least, and I still remember "Long John Silver's" with great nostalgia. (Not sure a Brit would care for it, but at least it was freshly fried.)

Mushy peas, on the other hand, are probably unsalvageable. Except, maybe, with a nice curry sauce... :-)