Fish and chips remains a British favourite, but its quality can vary significantly depending on the establishment in which it is prepared.
We’ve done some legwork and found out which restaurants and takeaways our members and team of lifestyle managers – with knowledge of various parts of the UK – recommend. For more suggestions wherever you’re visiting, call a lifestyle manager.
The Ashvale
Great Western Road, Aberdeen AB10 6PY (and throughout northeast Scotland)
Lifestyle manager and native Aberdonian Claire Johnston asserts that this chain of fully licensed restaurants lives up to its motto, ‘Fit fine’, which in the local dialect means ‘very tasty’.
‘They don’t use animal fat, so the food isn’t greasy or stodgy like in other places. The batter is thick and crispy, and as you slice into it the white flakes of cod fall apart beautifully.’
Claire also recommends the white pudding supper – chips served with a battered roll of oats, suet and spices. Or for something different, order yellow haddock with a fried egg.
Fish and Chips at 149
149 Marton Road, Bridlington YO16 7DJ
Opened in 2008, this smart shop won the 2011 National Fish and Chip Awards. Using locally farmed Maris Pipers, line-caught haddock and sustainably sourced Icelandic cod, it’s known for generous portions served in a box, thick flaky fish in crunchy dry batter, and mushy peas that are soaked overnight. Queues are famously long – ask us to call with your order to avoid the wait. You can’t eat in, but there is a free car park with sea views.
Seniors
106 Normoss Road, Blackpool FY3 8QP
This bright restaurant decorated with local art is in Normoss, a residential area that’s slightly off the beaten track of the Golden Mile, so few tourists end up here. However, it’s worth seeking out for its 13 varieties of daily changing fish that can include red snapper and brahma brahma, often offered as complimentary tasting portions alongside the signature John Dory. Opening times can be short so ask us to check that it’s open.
The Green Man
7-8 Leigh Street, London WC1H 9EW
Many believe that London’s culinary might falls short in this category. According to our team, exceptions include the Fish! Kitchen in Borough Market; North Sea Fish, Russell Square; Golden Union, Soho; and ‘posh’ brands Sea Fish in Islington and The Sea Cow, East Dulwich.
The winner, says lifestyle manager Andy Scott, is the Green Man pub on Riding House Street, Fitzrovia. ‘I’ve been eating fish and chips once a week for several months, trying a different place each time. So far, this is the best. The choice of at least 30 ciders is a bonus, as are the minted mushy peas.’
D Fecci & Sons
Oxford House, Lower Frog Street, Tenby SA70 7HS
D Fecci & Sons has been frying fish to a family recipe since 1935, using only locally sourced potatoes and fresh fish from Milford Haven. Programme manager and travel enthusiast Hannah Merrick says: ‘Fecci’s is close enough to the town’s splendid beaches to grab your haddock ‘n’ chips and bag a spot while it’s still piping hot. It’s worth a visit any time of year – I’ve even been there on a rainy October afternoon and sat on one of the covered seats on The Esplanade, gazing out to Caldey Island.’
Magpie Café
14 Pier Road, Whitby YO21 3PU
Whitby is famous for two things: vampires and fish suppers. This seaside town was the setting for Dracula and has plenty of fish restaurants to choose from, but it's the Magpie Café that’s won almost as much renown as Bram Stoker’s classic gothic monster. Its light beef-dripping batter and thick, crisp chips once prompted Rick Stein to name it the best chippy in the land, and it regularly draws hungry diners from all over the country.
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