It’s official, the race for first plaice has begun. The country’s top 10 fish and chip shops have been revealed and the winner will be crowned the 2019 champion at Seafish’s annual Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Awards on 24 January. This year’s competitors boast much more than just delicious food, they have been judged on sustainability, innovation, marketing, staff training and customer service – they are true all-rounders.
Angel Lane Chippie is a new entry on this year's shortlist. With strong ethical values, they responsibly source sustainable haddock and cod from the icy cold waters of the North Atlantic, and a reasonably priced menu, we can see why this Cumbrian chippy soared into the finalists.
We saw Captain’s Fish and Chips grace the shortlist last year. They are a third-generation, family-run business which opened in 1998 and are kept alive by the passionate Tony Forgione and his brothers Luigi and Libby. They have some exciting dishes to be tried on the menu including cod roe, rock eel and skate.
Another chippy to have re-emerged on the list from last year, Dolphin Takeaway was Northern Ireland's No. 1 Fish and Chip Shop in 2018. Fried fresh to order, Dolphin’s battered cod is utterly delicious, a customer complimented “the fish is coated in a light, tasty batter – a real treat with chips.”
Located right on the Falmouth seafront, Harbour Lights is a Cornish gem, priding themselves on being family-friendly and their quirky interior. All of their fish is responsibly sourced, we love the sound of the MSC triple threat: MSC Cod, Haddock & Plaice, served with unlimited chips and a wedge of lemon and tartar sauce, of course.
This local chippy in Devon is proud to call itself ‘the home of the battered chip’. Krispies is lovingly owned and run by Tim and Kelly Barnes who dedicate themselves to delivering outstanding quality and service. They also founded the Putting Fish First campaign, encouraging people to not only include more fish in their diet, but make sure it's responsibly-sourced.
Low’s Traditional Fish & Chips has been serving up Britain’s favourite cuisine from their home in the Westhill Shopping Centre in Aberdeen for the last 30 years. They are a family-run business; 15 years ago the business was taken over by the owner Clifford's son, David Low, who has evidently achieved great success.
Mister C’s has been running in Selby for 35 years, and they still use the same batter recipe from the very first day they’ve been open. We’re sure people would murder to know the secret to the crispy batter that coats their MSC certified Icelandic cod and haddock.
‘London’s most fashionable chippie’, Olley’s is an independent fish and chip shop situated opposite Brockwell Park in London. They boast a particularly varied menu, which includes lemon sole, salmon, hake and sea trout. This is the first time the shop has entered into the top 20 of the National Fish and Chip Awards.
One of the oldest on the list, Papa’s Fish and Chips has been running since 1966. They have six branches, three in Hull, two in Scarborough, plus the nominated shop in Cleethorpes. The accoladed outlet sells delicious sustainable fish and chips to customers with phenomenal views from the main promenade.
The baby on the list, The Crispy Cod has only been running since 2008, yet they are the go-to destination for locals seeking a quality takeaway in their area. The shop prides itself on selling the freshest and finest food possible, and it comes at great value, with their award winning fish and chips clocking in at just £4.50.