The UK's best fish and chip shops 2017
Lovefood Team
26 January 2017
The top chippies in the land
The winners of the 2017 National Fish & Chip Awards have been announced. The awards are considered to be the Oscars of the fish frying industry with 62 shops battering it out to be crowned the best in the land. Did your local bag a spot on the coveted list?
And the winner is...
Kingfisher Fish & Chips in Plympton, Devon has been crowned the best fish and chip shop in the UK after wowing a panel of judges with their frying skills. Shop owners Nikki Mutton and Craig Maw said: “We are absolutely elated! We’ve entered this award three times now, coming second last year, so to go all the way is amazing – I guess three really is a charm." It was also voted the best chippy in South West England.
Second place: Burton Road Chippy, Lincoln
This family-run business boasts over 30 years’ chip shop experience, and is also this year's Eastern England regional winner. TripAdvisor soundbite: “We came on national fish and chips day and it was crowded with people queuing for ages. Well it was worth it and I would heartily recommend this place for a good meal. Friendly staff as well.”
Third place: Miller's Fish and Chips, Haxby
In third spot this year was this North Yorkshire chippy where you can eat in or take away. TripAdvisor soundbite: “The service was friendly and efficient and we can honestly say that the fish and chips were the best we have ever eaten, crisp batter and delicious flaky fish.” It was also voted best chippy in North East England. Now let's take a look at the other regional winners who didn't make the top three.
Best takeaway in Scotland: Fochabers Fish Bar, Fochabers
Fochabers Fish Bar, a family-run fish and chip shop, serves the local community of Fochabers and surrounding areas. It currently scores 4.5 bubbles on TripAdvisor. TripAdvisor soundbite: “You can see how they are winning awards, as the Fish & Chips were absolutely fantastic; the best we have ever had. And you really need to try their onion rings.” Not only did Fochabers bag a regional win, but it was also awarded the NFFF Quality Award Champion Award.
Best takeaway in Wales: Hennighan's Top Shop, Machynlleth
Since opening in 1982, the family-run business has gone from strength to strength. TripAdvisor soundbite: “Wow. Best fish and chips I have ever ever had. Mushy peas amazing. Staff wonderful and friendly. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.”
Best takeaway in Northern Ireland: The Dolphin Takeaway, Dungannon
The Dolphin has a 4.5 bubble rating on TripAdvisor. TripAdvisor soundbite: “Dolphins lives up to a very high standard when it comes to preparation of each meal – all food is freshly cooked to order – the fish is coated in a light, tasty batter – a real treat with chips.”
Best takeaway in North West England: Hodgson's Chippy, Lancaster
All the food at this family-run chippy costs under £4. TripAdvisor soundbite: “My advice? If you are a lover of fish and chips, you cannot let your life slip by without visiting Hodgson's Chippy. Go on! You owe it to yourselves. You will never eat fish and chips anywhere else.”
Best takeaway in the Midlands: Oldswinford Fish & Chips, Stourbridge
Oldswinford Fish & Chips is one of the longest-established takeaways in Stourbridge and has been owned by the same family for more than 38 years. TripAdvisor soundbite: “Clean premises, friendly staff, decent choices and generous sized fish together with good chip portion sizes.”
Best takeaway in London & South East England: Henley's of Wivenhoe, Wivenhoe
Owner David Henley has 25 years of industry experience under his belt. You can select your supper from the wet fish display and have it cooked before your eyes. TripAdvisor soundbite “Great chips. Good range of fish, Cod, Haddock, Plaice, Rock Eel, Skate. Big fresh cuts. You pick the fish and they batter it fresh. Oil was changed regularly so the batter came up light and fresh. Friendly staff.”
Best takeaway in Central & South England: Godfrey's Fish and Chips, Harpenden
This eat-in and takeaway restaurant has a 4.5 rating on TripAdvisor and is number one for restaurants in Harpenden. TripAdvisor soundbite: “Even though it’s a fish and chip shop it has more to offer. Homemade pies, battered halloumi with sweet chilli sauce. The staff are very friendly and the service reasonably quick.”
The rest of the shortlist
Didn't spot your favourite chippy in the top 10? Read on to see if it made the shortlist for this year's awards.
Cromars Classic Fish & Chips, St Andrews
Cromars Classic Fish & Chips was established in St. Andrews in 2013. TripAdvisor soundbite: “A lovely, small restaurant serving traditional and modern fish and chips. The specials menu is always a treat and the service is friendly and quick.”
Low's Traditional Fish and Chips, Westhill
Low's Traditional Fish & Chips was founded 25 years ago by Clifford Low and 13 years ago the business was taken over by his son David. TripAdvisor soundbite: “We’ve been a few times and never disappointed. Love the food and quick service. Will be back soon.”
Forehill Café, Ayr
This family-run business is a long-established traditional fish and chip shop in Ayr. TripAdvisor soundbite: “Hidden gem. Best fish and chip in Ayr in my opinion, crisp batter and chips and fresh fish.”
Palombo's of Balloch, Balloch
Ernie Palombo set up this family-run business back in 1967 and it’s still going strong. TripAdvisor soundbite: “I ordered plain fish and chips, and it was a good choice. Crispy, thick cut chips, not a trace of sogginess, and a lovely light batter on a generous portion of fish. Very good meal and the price was reasonable.”
The Plaice To Be, Kilmarnock
This fish and chip shop in Kilmarnock was opened in 2000. TripAdvisor soundbite: “Best chippy in Kilmarnock in my opinion, everything’s freshly cooked in front of you, would highly recommend it to anyone.”
Andrews Fish Bar, Welshpool
Andrews Fish Bar opened in 1982. TripAdvisor soundbite: “It was the best fish (cod) in a long time. Good quality fish with an even better batter, fried perfectly. Nice service.”
Simply Fish & Chips, Denbigh
This shop was opened in 2009 on Rhyl Road by Catherine and Lewis Jordan. TripAdvisor soundbite: “The fish and chips of my dreams… All the usual stuff… mushy peas etc. All top quality, better than the usual chippy.”
Simply Fish & Chips, Rhyl
The Rhyl branch of Simply Fish & Chips is also owned by the Jordans, but here you have the option of eating in as well as taking away. TripAdvisor soundbite: “Great fish and chips for both eat in and take away. Spotlessly clean and tidy, yet still inviting and comfortable for those who like great fried fish in a cafeteria style. I can't fault the place. Good food at competitive prices, served by enthusiastic and well-trained staff.”
Hikary's Fish Bar, Neath
In 2014, family-run Hikary’s claimed the title of best fish and chip shop in South Wales. TripAdvisor soundbite: “Sometimes you have to queue, but the wait is definitely worth it. Award winning fish and chip shop. I have never had a bad meal and I purchase from there quite often.”
Hooked@31, Fishguard
This Pembrokeshire shop prides itself on being Fishguard’s only award-winning chippy. TripAdvisor soundbite: “Full marks for Hooked at 31 for the fish and chips we had on holiday. The fish had lovely batter and the chips were just great.”
Penaluna's Famous Fish & Chips, Hirwaun
Penaluna’s has won widespread acclaim for its fried delights. TripAdvisor soundbite: “This place definitely lives up to its award winning name. I've never had fish and chips like it. We travelled over an hour to see how good it was left feeling completely satisfied. Amazing service and amazing food. Hands down, the best chip shop.”
Fish City, Belfast
Fish City is one of the newer entries on the shortlist, as it only opened in 2013. TripAdvisor soundbite: “The attention to detail is great, nothing missed. I had the cod supper, my friend the haddock chowder and I can say I’ve been to Michelin guided restaurants and have received nothing near what I received here.”
Raffos, Belfast
Raffos has a chain of chippies across Belfast but the Andersonstown Road branch made it onto the shortlist. TripAdvisor soundbite: “The best fish and chips I have eaten. Cooked fresh for you, so there’s a wait. Try the scallop potatoes, they are to die for.”
Spinnaker, Kilkeel
This relatively new County Down establishment still seems to be something of a well-kept secret as it doesn’t feature on TripAdvisor, although the owners claim 65 years of fishing industry heritage.
Superbites, Crossmaglen
Superbites was opened in 1989 by owner Gerard McMonagle, who has 30 years’ experience in the food and takeaway industry. TripAdvisor soundbite: “Not your average takeaway. Guaranteed a great feed and value for money. Have been many times and will visit again.”
The Friary, Carrickfergus
This Carrickfergus chippy has made the shortlist for the second year running. TripAdvisor soundbite: “This chip shop is the best in Carrick, great food for great prices. This is now the chip shop I would now go to.”
The Frying Squad, Bangor
In less than 10 years The Frying Squad has grown and grown. TripAdvisor soundbite: “The fish served is fresh, tasty and most importantly not too oily. Have been back numerous times and would have no hesitation to recommend it to one and all.”
Fish and Chips At 149, Barnard Castle
The Bridlington branch is a past award winner and now the Barnard Castle shop is picking up the plaudits. TripAdvisor soundbite: “Ordered Haddock & Cod both with chips to eat out. Both cooked to order & were very tasty. Lovely white fish with crispy batter. Very reasonably priced.”
Pantrini's Fish and Chips, Whitley Bay
A family business that’s been in the heart of this seaside town since 1989. TripAdvisor soundbite: “We both had the Best Cod skinless and boneless Fish and Chips tonight and it was fantastic. Huge portions and very fresh. Staff were very friendly and helpful. We would highly recommend dining here.”
Pantrini's Fish and Chips, Whitley Bay
This branch of the Pantrini family business is in the Whitley Lodge Shopping Centre, but clearly also serves up top-class fried food.
Papa’s, Hull
Papa’s Hull claims to be the world’s largest fish and chip restaurant and also boasts an on-site museum. TripAdvisor soundbite: “The fish and chips were good and definitely some of the best I have ever had. The value was great.” Although Papa's didn't make it into the top 10, it did win the Marketing Innovation Award. And staff member George Papadamou was also awarded the Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year Award! Watch this space next year...
Whitby's Restaurant & Takeaway, Doncaster
Whitby’s has been picking up the plaudits and serves Whitby scampi, among other delights. TripAdvisor soundbite: “We travel 13 miles for their fish and chips, but this saves the 70 miles trip to Whitby. The fish melts in your mouth it's that fresh.”
Whiteheads Fish and Chips, Hornsea
This family business, run by Geoff Whitehead and his mum Hazel, is just a stone’s throw away from the Yorkshire seafront. TripAdvisor soundbite: “By far one of the nicest tasting fish and chips I have ever eaten.”
Pisces, Fleetwood
This coastal restaurant and takeaway has been open for 13 years. TripAdvisor soundbite: “This is a reliably high quality fish and chip restaurant with superb, freshly cooked fish – the haddock was excellent and the batter just right. All the normal extras – curry sauce and mushy peas – and efficient and professional service.”
The Fish & Chip Plaice, Garstang
The Fish & Chip Plaice was opened in 2000 as a family business by father and daughter Ken Blondel and Nicola Clark. TripAdvisor soundbite: “The nicest, cleanest, most pleasant chippy in the region by a mile. Tasty fish, lovely light batter and perfect chips. Lovely staff too. Can’t fault the “plaice”.”
Fylde Fish Bar, Marshside
Fylde Fish Bar has been voted “excellent” by over 300 TripAdvisor reviewers… and counting. TripAdvisor soundbite: “This fish and chip shop and cafe is one of the best I have ever been to. The quality of the food is second to none and the service is also brilliant, I would highly recommend it.”
Papa’s, Warrington
Sister site of the Hull branch, this Papa’s was previously voted one of the top 10 best fish and chip shops in the UK, winning the Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Merseyside category. TripAdvisor soundbite: “Very friendly and happy staff, serving the best fish and chips around. Just a pleasure to eat here, and the mushy peas are up to the same standard.”
The Big Blue, Warrington
The Big Blue opened in the summer of 2010 and has won acclaim in particular for its hake and mushy peas. TripAdvisor soundbite: “In my opinion, the Big Blue consistently provides the best fish and chips in Warrington. The fish is always freshly cooked and the portions are huge, I'm not usually a lover of batter but the Big Blue's is delicious. The chips are gorgeous and they have improved the consistency of their mushy peas.”
Chesters, Chesterfield
This family-run business has been around in different locations since the 1960s. TripAdvisor soundbite: “Always an excellent product, served by friendly staff in a comfortable modern restaurant. You will not find any better Fish and Chips anywhere.”
Seafish Restaurant, Ripley
Seafish Restaurant’s dishes have been perfected over 30 years at the fryer. TripAdvisor soundbite: “Recently swapped from another local fish and chip shop... and not disappointed. Good size portions of excellent fish with tasty batter... and little grease, with very nice chips. Keep it up!”
Catchems End, Bewdley
The owner of Catchems End, George Georgiou, has been at the family-run fish and chip shop for 30 years and is regularly seen getting stuck in cutting and frying the fish. TripAdvisor soundbite: “This is one of the best chippy's I've been too. The chips are superb, nicely cooked and very hot. Fish tastes great with lovely light crisp batter. Friendly staff and always freshly cooked.”
The Golden Carp Chippy, Redditch
This year, the Golden Carp Chippy was awarded the National Federation of Fish Friers Fish & Chip Quality Award.
Winyates Chippy, Redditch
This takeaway shop was established in 1995 in the Winyates family's hometown of Redditch by family member Theo. TripAdvisor soundbite: “Decent portions, not a long waiting time, always great service, pleasant staff. whenever I’m in Redditch I’ll always go to this chippy.”
The Cod's Scallops, Wollaton
This eat-in or takeaway restaurant was established in 2011. And if you fancy something different, you could always try their “posh fish pie”. TripAdvisor soundbite: “My family love this restaurant. The batter they use for the fish is "heavenly"...so light and fluffy! My daughter (age 15) begs us to have fish and chips here all the time.... the fish is just not as good anywhere else!”
The Elite Fish & Chip Company, Sleaford
The Elite Fish & Chip Company have been in business for over 40 years, with three restaurants and takeaways to date. TripAdvisor soundbite: “I was last here before I left the RAF in 2007 and visited this week. I am pleased but not surprised to see that it has maintained the high quality of the food and service and gone from strength to strength. Still the best fish and chips in the county bar none.”
Grosvenor Fish Bar, Norwich
The Grosvenor Fish Bar is a long-established chippy with 90 years of frying experience. Some of their specials include 5 Quid Squid (crispy squid rings with garlic alioli and chips), a Big Mack (a crispy mackerel fillet with lettuce and tartare in a roll) and Looney Toony (tuna steak in a roll with lettuce and wasabi mayo). TripAdvisor soundbite: “The choice of fish was vast including shark, the fish and chips were excellent and we will definitely go there again, highly recommended.”
My Plaice Fish & Chips, Gorleston
When you visit the seaside town of Gorleston-on-Sea, a trip to the local family-run award-winning fish and chip shop sounds like a must. TripAdvisor soundbite: “Wonderful freshly cooked fish. Delicious chips. A wonderfully charming lady at the counter to welcome you and take your order.”
Traditional Fish & Chips, St Neots
This chip shop has a wide variety of fish available, including cod, rock, plaice, haddock, skate, pollock, crispy cod bites, roe, fish cakes, cod fish fingers and scampi.
Olley's Fish Experience, Herne Hill, London
This eat-in or takeaway restaurant established in 1987 offers you grilled, steamed or fried fish. Grilled fish can be prepared with or without a paste (coriander, paprika, garlic and olive oil) and steamed fish can be prepared with or without a garnish (ginger and spring onion). The Observer said: “Be prepared for some of the best fish and chips in London, if not the country.”
Poppies Fish & Chips, Shoreditch, London
Pat ‘Pop’ Newland started in the fish and chip industry back in 1952 at the age of 11. TripAdvisor soundbite: "Came in for an inexpensive dinner with a friend and was surprised at how fresh and tasty the fish and chips were. Ordered the standard size which was more then enough, even for me. The large was ginormous, and in fact, I saw a few people sharing the large plate."
Poppies Fish & Chips, Camden Town, London
Pop’s second restaurant can be found in the heart of Camden Town. TripAdvisor soundbite: “If you really want to try great British fish and chips this is the place to go. I was craving a nice skate and chips and Poppies more than satisfied my expectations. Service is amazing and the effort they make is really impressive. Love it!!”
Papa's Barn, Ditton
Papa’s was set up in 1966 by Photios Papas, but Papa’s Barn is now run by Michael and Theo Papa-Adams. The eat-in and takeaway restaurant has a 4.5 bubble rating on TripAdvisor, along with a Certificate of Excellence. TripAdvisor soundbite: “Like other reviewers, we have a number of local fish and chip takeaways nearby, but always use Papas. We have also eaten in the restaurant. Always freshly and beautifully cooked, with lovely crisp batter."
Seafare St. Johns, Woking
Seafare St. Johns manager Jonny has nearly 20 years’ experience in the industry and took over this shop in 2015. TripAdvisor soundbite: “This is my first review however it was needed. I came in around 8 and ordered some food! What perfect fish and chips it was, chips were divine.”
Arlesey Fish and Chip Shop, Arlesey
Arlesey Fish and Chip Shop was voted the best fish and chip shop in Bedfordshire in 2015, and one TripAdvisor traveller said it was “well deserved”.
Ridgeway Fish Bar, St Albans
To go the extra mile, this chippy makes its fishcakes from specially-selected cuts of cod and haddock, mashed potato, herbs and seasoning with homemade garlic mayo for a bit more 'Oomph'. TripAdvisor soundbite: “Our family favourite on a Friday. Haddock and chips is smashing. Polite and friendly staff. Immaculately clean shop. Interesting info about the produce.”
J Henry’s Fish & Chips, Southampton
J Henry’s opened in 1988 in the heart of Southampton’s Hedge End. Over the 25 years of trading it has won various awards, including regional runner-up in the Fish & Chip Shop of the Year competition.
Sonny's Traditional Fish and Chips, Fair Oak
Sonny’s is the latest addition to the Lee family’s Hampshire chippy empire. The takeaway has a 4.5 bubble rating on TripAdvisor and has a Certificate of Excellence. TripAdvisor soundbite: “Cod and chips is our usual and the chips are well fried and very tasty. The fish is delicious, with lovely thin crisp batter and lovely fresh white cod inside.”
The Codfather, Southampton
The third establishment on the shortlist from the S Lee and Sons Family Group opened in 1999. The Codfather has also appeared many times on the Fish & Chip Shop of the Year shortlist.
Dornan's Fish & Chips, Brixham
Dornan’s was awarded a Certificate of Excellence in 2016 by TripAdvisor and much of its fish comes from nearby Brixham. TripAdvisor soundbite: “Very well cooked, cracking light batter and best fish and chip shop chips I have had for a very long time.”
Krispies, Exmouth
Krispies is owned and run by Tim and Kelly Barnes. As part of their Putting Fish First campaign, they have had seasonal menus including Krispies August special (locally-sourced lemon sole) and Krispies July special (locally-caught sea bream). So it's not really a surprise it won the From Field to Frier Award for sustainability. TripAdvisor soundbite: “The fish and chips were fantastic. Lovely crispy batter on the fish.”
Ashley’s Fish & Chips, Southbourne
Ashley’s has a 4 out of 5 bubble rating on TripAdvisor. TripAdvisor soundbite: “Best cod and chips I’ve ever had!! Lovey polite service – so delicious we went back a few nights later – blow the diet!”
Bennett's on the Waterfront, Weymouth
Bennett’s fish is SeaPure Fishery certified, which helps to promote sustainable fishing, and you can choose from 12 different types of fish. TripAdvisor soundbite: “I absolutely adore Bennett's Fish & Chips, the taste of their specials and traditional menus are fantastically tasteful!! My family and I love to go there every year, just to buy their Delectable Spam Fritters, which are an absolute favourite of mine!”
Bishopston Fish Bar, Bristol
Fry Magazine named this chippy as one of its Top 50 fish and chip shops in the UK, and it was also awarded Area Winner in the Independent Takeaway section in 2015 and 2016. TripAdvisor soundbite: “A 'fish supper' is a large battered cod, chips, mushy peas and a lemon wedge (classy!). I can honestly say that this is the best fish and chips I've ever had. The chips were great, but the fish really made it amazing.”
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