6 Top fish and chip shops in the UK

Craving a crispy battered cod and a portion of vinegar-soaked chips? You are now. This classic dish has been a staple since the first fish and chip shop opened in England back in the 1800s, and we’ve been queuing round the block for it ever since. Whether you dunk your chips in curry sauce or smother them in gravy, or you’re partial to a saveloy or two, there are lots of top-rated chippies across the county where you can get your fill. To celebrate National Fish and Chips Day, we’ve pulled together a list of some of the very best fish and chip shops in the UK to get you started. Get in line at your favourite place, grab one of those funny little wooden forks, and get stuck into the ultimate Friday-night dinner…

Chez Fred, Bournemouth

Family-run Chez Fred has been serving up fish and chips in Bournemouth’s Westbourne village since 1989, and it draws a hungry crowd from Tuesdays to Saturdays. The restaurant’s lunchtime special gets rave reviews – for £12.50 you get cod, fishcake or halloumi served up with bottomless chips plus a buttered roll, mushy peas and a drink. There’s a specials board showcasing the catch of the day, and a takeaway option if you fancy wandering down to the beach to eat yours with a sea view.

Harbourside Fish and Chips, Plymouth

Thanks to its coastal location, there’s no shortage of amazing fish and chip shops in Plymouth. But if you’re mooching down by the harbour it’s well worth popping in to Harbourside Fish and Chips, which – as the name suggests – is right in the hustle and bustle of the harbour area. As well as classic fried fish and chips, the menu includes grilled options and fresh salads. Plus, they also serve fully gluten-free dishes via next-door Barbican Fish and Chips.

The Hip Hop Chip Shop, Manchester

Fancy some beats with your battered sausage? The Hip Hop Chip Shop serves both, and it’s an absolute must-visit if you’re in Manchester. Open Wednesday to Sunday, this chippy-turned-bar serves no end of battered goodness – from gherkins and onion rings to fish biters and halloumi. There are smaller portions for kids, and a range of pies including vegan options. You can grab a beer while you’re here, and the events line-up includes live DJs and record fairs.

The Mayfair Chippy, London

Another city with an abundance of amazing chippies, London is home to the full scale of fish and chip shops – from laid-back takeaway joints to swanky seafood bars. We love the location of The Mayfair Chippy, which is just off Oxford Street and perfectly placed for a shopping trip to Selfridge’s. It’s right in the heart of one of London’s poshest neighbourhoods, so the prices aren’t exactly rock-bottom, but they’re not ridiculous. The Mayfair Classic includes fried cod or haddock, chips, mushy peas and sauces for £21.95 and there are also oysters, crab and mussels on the menu.

The Cod’s Scallops, Nottingham

With branches in Birmingham and Nottingham, The Cod’s Scallops is popular with fish and chip lovers who like a bit of variety. The menu changes according to what’s just been caught, with up to 20 fish varieties on offer at any time. That means you can tuck into everything from jumbo king prawns to a Goan monkfish curry – with more familiar favourites on offer, too. And as if you needed any more convincing to give it a go, this place was crowned Fish and Chip Takeaway of the Year at the National Fish and Chip Awards 2020.

Drake’s Fish and Chips, York

Drake’s Fisheries have restaurants in York, Knaresborough, Harrogate and Ripon as well as takeaways in Leeds, Shipley and Bradford, so there’s no shortage of places to dine. Drake’s York has a prime location in the city centre close to the Minster and Shambles, so it’s well worth a stop-off if you’re sightseeing. The takeaway menu covers all the classics as well as fish and chips with a twist – like BBQ bacon chips and fish tacos – and battered chocolate bars. The dine-in menu includes a sharing seafood platter loaded with haddock goujons, breaded Whitby scampi, and mackerel pate, and there are gluten-free options available.