The 12 Best Fish And Chips Shops In The U.K.
When it comes to quintessential British food, nothing beats a serving of fish and chips. The fried dish has become an integral part of the country's culture and culinary heritage. It is widely believed that fried fish was first introduced to the British isles in the 1800s by Jewish immigrants from Spain and Portugal who were fleeing religious persecution. The tradition of frying fish coated in flour and oil quickly gained popularity among the British population, and there was even a reference to the method in Charles Dickens' "Oliver Twist" in 1837.
The first recorded instance of chips being served in the region was in Oldham in 1860. That was the same year that the first fish and chips shop is believed to have been opened in London by Joseph Malin. Now, there are more than 10,500 of these establishments all over the U.K. outnumbering fast-food restaurants. Here are some of the best fish and chips shops in the U.K.
1. The Mermaid Fish Bar - Barmouth, Gwynedd (Wales)
The Mermaid Fish Bar has made quite a splash with its fish and chips in the idyllic seaside town of Barmouth in Gwynedd County Wales. The multiple award-winning eatery, which was the former home of The Victoria Hotel, has been serving customers a no-frills, tight menu of all your fried seafood favorites since 1964.
This family-owned operation is a pillar of culinary, excellence serving only the freshest and highest quality ingredients and fish caught by neighborhood fishermen. The Mermaid Fish Bar believes that "The Best Way is the Old Way," which is why it is also committed to world-class customer service with customers bragging that they offer "excellent fish and chips with a smile!"
It's not uncommon to find a long line out the door and down the block waiting to get inside this tiny chippie that offers counter service and a table or two. The Mermaid Fish Bar boasts a 4.5 rating on Trip Advisor. "We're regular visitors to Bermo and chips on the beach are a must! And this place never fails. Always cooked hot and fresh. The queue in the season is always worth it. And, as a former brummie, it's one of the very few places I can get battered Roe!" a satisfied customer wrote.
2. Morton's Ballycastle - Ballycastle, Co Antrim (Northern Ireland)
Recently crowned as the U.K.'s best seaside fish and chip shop by The Sunday Times, Morton's has gained a well-deserved reputation for its ultra-fresh seafood and outstanding service. Morton's catches its own fish, which is sold in a shop adjacent to the chipper. You'll find haddock, sole, prawns, lobster, and crab plucked straight from the waters behind the white covered takeaway stand.
You can enjoy your fish and chips from some picnic tables while you watch boats go in and out of the harbor. The fishmonger portion of the business was started by Johnny Morton almost 100 years ago. But with competition coming in from the bigger commercial operation, the family decided to open the chipper in 2005 to boost business. Morton's has since continued to be a family-owned and operated success.
This is another outfit where you'll likely find a line, but customers say that it's well worth it. Morton's has a 4.5 rating on both Yelp and Trip Advisor. "We got our fish and chips and onion rings and it was some of the best stuff I have tasted. If you are in the area I definitely recommend. Crispy tasty batter, fresh fish and yummy white fluffy chips! If you're in the area go there!" Colin W. wrote on Yelp.
3. The Magpie Cafe - Whitby, Yorkshire (England)
The Magpie Cafe, a renowned restaurant in Whitby, Yorkshire, has become a local institution and a must-visit destination for seafood lovers in England. Its consistently ranked as one of the top seaside cafes in the U.K. and among the best U.K. destinations for fish and chips.
The Magpie Cafe is a takeout and full-service dining restaurant housed in a historical structure that dates back to 1750. It was turned into the restaurant we know and love today in 1939. The iconic black and white building still retains its old-world charm with its views of the Whitby coast and St. Mary's Church. This is not your standard chip shop.
The restaurant does have a separate fish and chips menu, offering a variety of fresh seafood fried in traditional beef dripping and served with homemade tartar sauce, lemon, and thickly cut fries or a salad. The rest of its upscale menu offers high end dishes and a wine list to complement them. This establishment has 4.5-star ratings on Trip Advisor and Yelp. "I cried at the Magpie Cafe because I was overcome with all the beauty of Whitby: sights, tastes, sounds, and smells. The line starts forming before they open. They have gorgeous views of the harbor and the absolute best fish, chips, mashy peas, and sticky toffee pudding with custard! It's my favorite meal in England!" a customer wrote on Yelp.
4. The Bay Fish & Chips - Stonehaven, Scotland
The Bay Fish & Chips isn't only committed to providing customers with the best tastings fish and chips in Scotland. One of the cornerstones of The Bay Stonehaven's success is its unwavering commitment to using local, sustainably and responsibly sourced seafood to minimize its environmental impact. That way it can help protect the future of fish and chips for generations to come.
The chip shop has won several awards since it first opened in 2006. It's won so many, in fact, that it has a very long page on its website to list them all. The walls of this takeaway chip shop are also decorated with them. If you're looking to eat your food while it's piping hot, you can grab a picnic table outside.
The Bay Fish & Chips also has a 4.5-star rating on both Trip Advisor and Yelp. One customer wrote: "LOVE THE BAY! We visited twice during our trip because the fish and chips CANNOT BE BEAT. We just happened upon The Bay from Yelp and thank goodness we did because now it is the ranking for all fish and chips around the world. Be sure to arrive early because you'll wait in line but it is so worth the wait! Side note, the jumbo is HUGE but if you have a very large craving go for it!"
5. Anstruther Fish Bar - Anstruther, Fife (Scotland)
In 2003, Robert and Alison Smith took over the iconic Anstruther Fish Bar and Restaurant, situated on the beautiful harbourfront of Anstruther. Their expertise and passion for quality seafood as owners of a fish processing operation built by their family of fishermen, coupled with their commitment to customer service and sustainability, has made the Anstruther Fish Bar an award-winning favorite destination for food lovers from near and far.
This place has winner written all over it. (Literally: it's painted in several places on the storefront.) And those awards are apparently well deserved, because this place doesn't have a single one-star review on Yelp. Its super successful recipe is kept under tight wraps and is only known by four of the restaurant's expert fish fryers. Anstruther Fish Bar only uses fish sustainably sourced from Seafish Responsible Fishing Scheme, certified and produced by local suppliers.
Anstruther Fish Bar and Restaurant offers indoor dining and a takeout menu in its cozy Shore Street shop. "This is honestly the best fish and chips around. The batter is so light and crispy leaving a juicy but tender fish within. The chips are also crispy and not soaking in oil. We waited 30 mins to be seated as it's so popular all year round but I can assure you it's worth the wait. Go and get some!" a customer who left a 5-start rating on Trip Advisor wrote.
6. Oban Fish & Chips, Oban, Argyll & Bute (Scotland)
When it comes to experiencing the best fish and chips in Scotland, Oban Fish & Chips in Argyll & Bute frequently comes to mind. This famous eat-in and takeaway spot has gained recognition among locals, tourists, food critics, and celebrities alike. It's been featured on various television programs and received praise from prominent figures, like prominent British chef and television personality Rick Stein who said it makes "the best fish and chips I've ever tasted."
What sets Oban Fish & Chips apart from the rest is its extra crispy batter that looks like it was twice, or even thrice, dipped. In addition to offering some of the best fish and chips in the U.K., the couple that owns Oban Fish & Chip wanted to offer unique dishes that aren't typically found in a chippy.
This place also doesn't have any one-star reviews on Yelp and boasts a 4.5-star overall rating. "Absolutely the best place in Oban for fish and chips. Everything here is cooked to order, not held in a window waiting to be ordered. Many variations on the classic fish and chips from haddock to cod to the day's fresh catch. Additionally, there are large platters to be shared by multiple people that allow you to try multiple different items from the menu. The staff is very attentive and more than happy to meet any request," a fan declared.
7. Trenchers - Whitby, Yorkshire (England)
Among the numerous fish and chips shops that adorn the streets of Whitby, Trenchers stands out as a culinary gem with its award-winning menu. It was named the "Best Fish and Chip Restaurant" in the U.K. at the Seafish and National Federation of Fish Friers' 2019 National Fish & Chip Awards.
Trenchers' four decades of success have been built upon finding the right formula and only deviating from it in order to improve it. Much of its menu and suppliers have remained the same since it opened its doors in 1980. New modern options include a light and crispy gluten-free batter as an alternative to its signature wheat flour mixture. They also offer some vegan and vegetarian options.
Treachers has a 4.5 rating on both Yelp and Trip Advisor. "We recently visited Trenchers on a short break in Whitby and found the whole experience to be faultless. The ambience was lovely, the service from our waitress was friendly and efficient but most importantly the meals were absolutely spot on. We had medium haddock and chips and scampi and chips, both were hot, delicious and nicely presented and a generous portion," a thrilled customer wrote on Trip Advisor.
8. Môr Ffein - St Dogmaels, Cardigan (Wales)
Though it hasn't been in business long, Môr Ffein has managed to make a name for itself as one of the top chip shops in Wales. The current owners took over the restaurant, formerly Bowen's Chip Shop, in 2022, adding their own modern creative flair to the menu. The convenient location near Poppit Beach makes it a popular choice for those looking to indulge in a scrumptious meal after a day spent enjoying the beautiful Welsh coastline.
Môr Ffein carries a tight gourmet menu featuring Insta-worthy fish and chips that are fried until the batter is delightfully frizzled. It also serves Lewis pies, surf, turf, a slew of sides, and some incredible desserts. There's a children's menu and several vegetarian options. "This has got to be one of our favorite fish and chip shops (formally Bowen's). Their batter on the fish is lovely and appears to be less greasy than most, not sure how that works given they are deep fried, but really it is good. Chips excellent and a pretty good all-round experience," Poppit Sands Holiday Cottage's blog reads.
9. East Coast - Musselburgh, East Lothian (Scotland)
When it comes to fish and chips, few places can compete with the culinary offerings of East Coast Fish and Chips in Musselburgh, East Lothian. Known for its delicious, mouth-watering menu and top-notch service, this establishment has become synonymous with excellence in the world of traditional British cuisine.
Established in 1972, the family-owned business has earned a reputation for its offerings of cod or haddock, both of which are cooked to perfection. The fish is coated in a crispy, golden-brown batter that is both light and flavorful, while the chips are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. The result is a delectable combination that has patrons coming back for more.
East Coast Fish and Chips is a full-service dining establishment that also boasts an impressive menu of other seafood options like succulent prawns, tender calamari, juicy mussels, and flavorful scallops. "East Coast has a great reputation – and it's fully deserved. Their fish is absolutely amazing, and the chips are fab. Never fails to deliver a wonderful meal," a pleased TripAdvisor customer wrote.
10. Poppie's Fish & Chips - London
Poppie's does fish and chips so well that it decided to do it over and over again by opening up a total of three locations in London. The establishment is named after original owner Pat "Pop" Newland, who passed away in 2022, and is a beloved destination for those seeking a traditional fish and chips meal.
At Poppies Fish & Chips, diners can choose from a variety of fish options, including cod, haddock, and plaice. Each fish is cooked to perfection, with crispy batter on the outside and tender, flavorful meat on the inside. The kitschy 1950s decor compliments the cozy diner-like atmosphere.
While fish and chips are the main attraction at Poppies, they also offer other menu items to suit different tastes. Some options include saveloys, battered sausages, and even jellied eels – a true London delicacy. "It's hard to beat the classic fish and chips, and Poppies makes one of the best fish dinners in London. The decor is nostalgic of the 50s with a bunch of random items on the wall but the food delivers. Fish is fried to order, and the chips/fries are crispy on the outside and a creamy interior," a happy customer wrote on Yelp.
11. Cromars - St Andrews (Scotland)
Cromars, located in the heart of St Andrews, was opened in 2013 by restauranteur Colin Cromar with a vision of bringing a high-end fish and chips experience to the area using traditional methods and quality local ingredients. Its fish is cough daily by JKT Fish in Peterhead waters while its fries come from Ivan Wood and Sons in Ballingry. Its tartar sauces is made from a secret homemade recipe.
The menu serves up a delightful mix of traditional British fish and chip shop fare, as well as modern twists on classic dishes. For those who prefer non-seafood options, the menu features a selection of alternatives, such as pies, sausages, and veggie burgers, ensuring there's something for everyone. It's also known for its soft-serve milkshakes
Cromars offers takeour service, but also has covered outdoor seating with a heater that will keep you warm. Alternatively, you can always opt to take a five-minute walk and have a beach picnic. "Top marks for this fish and chip shop in the middle of downtown St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland. The portions are generous and every meal is cooked while you wait. Cod and chips for us, and my standard for excellence remains Magpies in Whitby ... but this chippie runs a close second. Hot, filling, and batter so light you might be eating nothing but fish. I'd go back in a heartbeat," a customer wrote on Yelp, where it has a 4-star rating.
12. Frankie's Fish and Chips - Brae, Shetland (Scotland)
After opening in 2008 in the tiny village of Brae, Frankie's Fish and Chips started scooping up accolades, including the National Fish & Chip Award and Good Catch Award, for its outstanding fish and chips. Its commitment to sustainability and ensuring that the fish served in the shop is sourced responsibly and with minimal environmental impact has earned it certification from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). Its mussels, king scallops, haddock, and brown crab, which make up 98 percent of sales, are MSC certified and caught locally in Shetland and delivered daily after being plucked fresh from the North Sea.
Frankie's even travels around to different schools to teach classes about the fishing industry and sustainability. And its efforts don't stop there. All of its takeout packaging is 100 percent biodegradable and free of plastic, and its scraps are composted. Frankie's Fish & Chips make sure that everyone can enjoy their establishment and offers a children's and senior citizens menu, as well as gluten-free options. Its restaurant is also wheelchair accessible.
"I had a wonderful Fish & Chip dinner here. It really was the best Fish & Chips I've ever had ... ever. Unfortunately, the crab claws & the chili scallop dishes were sold out by the time we arrived, which was around 7:45 pm. My friends had another of their scallop dishes, along with fish and chips, salad, and dessert. And everyone enjoyed their meals. Get there early! Good meal. Nice view. If you're ever in Brea, you must try Frankies!" a Yelp customer wrote.