Fish and chips fans are spoiled for choice in the UK, as we have a whopping 10,500 ‘chippies’ scattered across the country. Here are 20 of the best!
Marlboro
Local mackerel in a bap or tempura is the draw at this third-generation family restaurant, perhaps with a pea fritter, or chips, cheese and curry sauce, and steamed pudding to finish. 46 St Thomas Street, Weymouth DT4 8AW
Middle Street Fish Bar
It is open Wed-Sat, for three hours and takes cash only, but locals swear it serves the best fish and chips on the Kent coast. 78 Middle Street, Deal CT14 6HL
Downstairs at No 1
Take your fish, chips and burgers to go and eat them on the pier, or head Upstairs for popcorn cockles, mackerel, scotch eggs and prawn curry. 1 New Street, Cromer NR27 9HP
Lighthouse Fisheries of Flamborough
Award-winning because they do things properly: fish is sustainably sourced; chips triple cooked; crab cakes are locally renowned; and there are nods to modish tastes with poutine, too. High Street, Flamborough YO15 1JX
Shakey Shakey Fish Bar
As well as all the traditional favourites, it’s one of the first chippies in the UK to offer a full vegan and gluten-free menu. (In London, Sutton & Son offers vegan fish made from marinated banana blossom.) 75 High Street, Ramsgate CT11 9RJ
Colmans Fish and Chips
Award-winning family business, going strong since 1905. There’s a meal deal for seniors; fish can be poached; and there’s Pol Roger to drink, if you’re feeling fancy. 176-186 Ocean Road, South Shields NE33 2JQ
Anstruther Fish Bar (pictured)
From sustainable fish to free-range eggs and Scottish wine, local and responsible is the name of the game. The Scottish lemon sole and locally landed prawns come battered or crumbed; ice-cream is made in-house; and all meals eaten in come with bread and butter and a hot drink. Classic. 42-44 Shore Street, Anstruther KY10 3AQ
Fish Central
There are more options than fish battered or in matzo meal, but they’d be the wrong choices. At lunch, expect black-cab drivers, pensioners and Friday office friends; on weekends, the vibe is lights off, saucepans banging, staff singing happy birthday to locals. 149-155 Central Street, King Square, London EC1V 8AP
Chips @ No 8
Until recently, this well-regarded shop was a corner site, known for a giant mural of Mark E Smith, and frying in dripping (veg oil on request). Now, they’ve reopened next door in order to serve more people more efficiently, though the name’s the same. 6 Clifton Road, Prestwich M25 3HQ
Magpie Café
Are these the most famous F&C in the UK? Residents of Whitby and visitors are spoiled for choice with Trenchers and Hadleys also both frequently praised. 14 Pier Road, Whitby YO21 3PU
The Cod’s Scallops
Bringing the coast to the Midlands. Choose your fish, have it battered, spiced or baked with herbs; or perhaps homemade fish soup. Nottingham and Birmingham
Ship Deck
This re-energised small village chippy took home the gong for best takeaway at this year’s National Fish and Chip Awards and people travel from Cardiff, thanks to sustainable fish crisp-fried to order. Newport Road, Trethomas, CaerphillyCF83 8BR
Cheeky Maharaja
Avesh is a mobile street-food trader selling sustainable fish fried in a spiced batter and his version of cheesy chips – with paneer and a veggie masala gravy. West Midlands
Harbour Lights
There’s a community focus at this Cornish chippie: local hake is celebrated; MSC-approved choices are marked. If you eat in mains come with unlimited chips; if you eat out, beware the seagulls. Arwenack Street, Falmouth TR11 3LH
John Long’s
A Belfast tradition for more than 100 years, serving fresh fried fish suppers and homemade pasties (minced vegetables battered, Belfast style, not Cornish) in a traditional boothed dining room. 39 Athol Street, Belfast BT12 4GX
Frankie’s Fish and Chips
At the UK’s most northerly fish and chip shop expect rope-grown mussels various ways, langoustines and scallops, a breakfast menu, haggis puddings, chips with local cheese – and stretching vistas. Brae, Shetland ZE2 9QJ
Maggie’s Café
Head to the beach, by the black net huts, to a dining room looking out over the boats that only hours before may have unloaded the fish you’re about to eat. 8-9 Rock-a-Nore Road, Hastings TN34 3DW
The Carron
The origin story of legends is often hotly debated, but it’s thought the Mars bar was first deep-fried on this site in 1992. 1 Allardice Street, Stonehaven AB39 2BN
Caersws Fish Bar
A favourite of Gareth Ward, who holds two Michelin stars at Ynyshir. The owner is a preserver/forager/experimenter, so as well as the usual suspects, Tim Harrison specials might include a bhaji burger kombucha-tempura cockles, or elderflower fritters. Station Road, Caersws, Powys SY17 5EQ
Gower Seafood Hut
A tiny booth with a fabulous changing menu for alfresco dining – try the Cajun prawns and deep-fried anchovies. Southend Gardens, Promenade Terrace, Mumbles SA3 4DS
(Article source: The Guardian)
