Fish and chips is one of the UK’s most traditional and popular dishes, enjoyed at the seaside, at home or even just for a tasty treat, the dish is notorious across households across the country.
But getting the best fish and chips is important, the fluffiness of the chips and choice of fish is a deal-breaker, now making that tough decision has been made that much easier, as the top 20 fish and chips establishments across the UK have now been revealed.
In central and southern England Mike’s Traditional Fish & Chips in Eastleigh, Hampshire made it into the top twenty as did Walnut Tree Traditional Fish and Chips in Milton Keynes, Hertfordshire.
This is while in the east of the country, French’s Fish Shop in Norfolk topped the charts for those wanting to enjoy a seaside stroll with their favourite dish.
In the east Midlands The Cod’s Scallops in Nottinghamshire, which serves a wide selection of fish and shellfish daily, depending what comes off their very own boats, also made the top twenty.
The Top 20 Fish and Chip shops in the UK have been revealed! Is your local on the list? Top eateries across the country have battled it out for the top spot
Mike’s Traditional Fish & Chips in Eastleigh, Hampshire (pictured above) offers lunch time specials for those looking for a bargain
French’s Fish Shop in Norfolk (pictured above) has stunning panoramic views of the famous Quay making it a popular hot spot for tourists and locals
The Cod’s Scallops in Nottinghamshire (pictured right) was established in 2011 and was created by John Molnar and the Shap Chippy (left) is in Penrith
Londoners needn’t miss out of the tasty treat, as the capital also boasts one eatery in the top twenty. Belmont Bay Fish Bar in Harrow offers traditional fish and chips and for those who can’t get enough of their version, the eatery had even made their dish available on Deliveroo and also caters for private functions.
In the south East, Seafare Guildford in Surrey is your best bet for fish and chip satisfaction, with both the fish and chips being prepared daily on site, the traditional restaurant even offers gluten free options.
Over in the Midlands and the Fiddlers Elbow, Leintwardine in Herefordshire was also part of the top twenty and has previously managed to place in the top sixty in the National Fish & Chip Awards for two years in a row.
In Warwickshire the Chip Shed, also placed in the list, the restaurant also dedicates a pan to its gluten free customers every Tuesday from 5pm.
In Yorkshire the Hook & Line in Leeds offers a wide range of traditional fish and chips and even caters for those who don’t eat fish, with battered halloumi. Leeds made the cut twice and The Bearded Sailor also features in the list and has been hailed as ‘the best fish and chip shop in Leeds’ by social media users.
In the north west, usually known for its Roman walls, Chester also made the list with Fish & Chips @ Weston Grove. The company is committed to participation in the Sustainable Palm Oil City project in Chester and says that it works with suppliers to ensure that where palm oil is present, it is sourced from sustainable sources.
Belmont Bay in Harrow, London (pictured above) is the perfect treat for Londoners who want a taste of the sea side, without going all the way to the coast
In Surrey, the Seafare in Guilford was established in 1981 and has special offers including a family meal for just £18.50 and children’s meals
The Fiddlers Elbow, Leintwardine (pictured right) offer fish and chips as well as vegan dishes and even gluten free options, this is while the Walnut Tree (left) offers wholetail scampi
The Chip Shed claims it is ‘passionate’ about fish and chips and has locations in Warwickshire (above), Burton-on-the-water and Minchinhamptopn
The Bearded Sailor in Leeds (pictured above) has previously used Maris Piper potatoes from Me Furniss Farm in Newport
Elsewhere in north west and Shap Chippy in Cumbria has also firmly cemented itself as a favourite. With a dedicated team, the staff start their day at 6am in order to make sure all of their potatoes are peeled to make the perfect chips. Its owners Matt and Ashley, strongly believe in using locally sourced ingredients.
In Northern Ireland the Dolphin Takeaway in Dungannon is a top choice, it has also previously won Northern Ireland’s No.1 Fish & Chip Shop 2018, a title which it has held for three years.
The Frying Squad in County Down also made the list, describing itself as serving ‘criminally good food’, the shop has also previously won awards including the Best Takeaway in Northern Ireland.
In Scotland, Grampian seems to be the place to go for the best fish and chips. Carron Fish Bar in Stonhaven is one of the best, boasting brilliant customers reviews and if you want to have a cheeky dessert, you can even try a deep fried Mars bar.
The Carron Fish Bar (pictured above) has previously branded itself as the ‘birthplace of the world famous fried mars bar’
The Dolphin (pictured above) claims that it takes fish and chips ‘seriously’ and says that it ‘stays ahead of the shoal!’
In the north west Chester has its very own entry with Fish & Chips @ Weston Grove (pictured above) which has proved a popular place for locals
Hook and Line in Leeds (above) allows its customers to pop into store to feed their bellies and is also available on takeaway delivery sites
Also in Grampian, Low’s Traditional Fish & Chips was voted one of the best, having previously scooped awards such as the Best Fish & Chip Shop in Scotland 2019.
In the south west Fish ‘n’ Fritz in Dorset offers a warm welcome with a large seating area. Its website boasts that it ‘has always gone to great lengths to source the finest and freshest ingredients’ and that its ‘very popular batter is a trade secret, a recipe developed and perfected by us over a long period of time’.
While in Devon, Rockfish is the place to be to enjoy seafood with family and friends, located by the sea and waterside, it is the perfect setting to enjoy the British classic.
Last but by no means least, Wales also has two entries, one being the Hiks in Swansea which opened around seven years ago. It offers a range of meal deals included fish and even battered sausage.
In Pembrokeshire, Hooked @31 offers fish and chips with a view and its Facebook page even says it has expanded its menu to include waffles.
Lows (pictured above) in Grampian offers traditional fish and chips and is open all day for breakfasts, pies and sausage rolls
Fish ‘n’ Fritz in Dorset (pictured above) offers both sit in and takeaway options for its customers with some social media users branding it the ‘best fish and chips in Weymouth’
Rockfish in Devon (pictured above) allow visitors to enjoy delicious fish and chips while looking out onto the coastline
Hiks in Swansea (pictured above) opened about seven years ago and in that time has managed to establish a loyal customer base
Hooked @ 31 In Pembrokeshire (pictured above) offers a ‘new experience in fish and chips’ and also has Welsh ice cream on the menu
The Frying Squad (pictured above) has a food hygiene rating of five stars and has described its food as ‘criminally good’
The data was compiled by The National Fish and Chip Awards 2019 and the twenty featured are semi-finalists in the running for the Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Award, the flagship category in the 2020 National Fish & Chip Awards.
The awards are organised by Seafish, the public body that supports the £10bn UK seafood industry, The National Fish & Chip Awards are the UK’s premier awards for fish and chips businesses.
According to Seafish there are a number of ‘rigorous judging stages’ to overcome en route to being named the best fish and chip shop in the UK, including mystery shopper judging visits and full business performance audits of premises, followed by presentations to an industry judging panel.
Marcus Coleman, Chief Executive Officer at Seafish, said: ‘Fish and chips is the healthiest of the traditional takeaways, and we’re pleased to say that the quality on offer across the UK is just as healthy, if not more so, than it was when we launched these awards 32 years ago. It’s not easy to break in to the Top 20, so every one of these businesses should be celebrating today.
‘Our judges really do scrutinise every aspect of running a fish and chip business, so reaching this stage is a real achievement. If you see your local shop on the list, get down there tonight and show your support. Best of luck to all of them in the next round.’
The winner of the Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Award will be announced at The National Fish & Chip Awards’ 32nd anniversary awards ceremony in London on 23 January 2020.