YOU just can’t beat a quintessentially British meal of fish and chips.
It’s the most loved takeaway in the UK and with so many amazing chippies around the country we really are spoiled for choice, whatever region you live in.
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Scottish Fish and Chips award judge and head chef of Undercroft, Mayfair, Aldo Zilli, shares his accolades for some of our finest regional cod suppers, all around the country.
DARLINGTON
Yarm Road Fish and Chips, 366 Yarm Road, Darlington DL1 1XL
https://www.yarmroadfishandchips.co.uk/
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Local Lowdown: Twenty years experience behind the fryers means this chippy certainly knows a thing or two about serving up fish suppers.
Locals rave about the consistently great chips, reliably fresh fish from sustainable sources and friendly service.
Aldo says: “The ingredients are so secret that they won’t even share them with me so you’ll have to sample the amazing crispy batter used here for yourself.
“Nothing spoils delicious cod faster than a soggy outside but coatings here always stay crunchy even with all the salt and vinegar tipped on top. Impressive.”
Aldo’s Pick: “Anything in the famous batter – the homemade spam fritters (£2.10) are something different to try.”
BRISTOL
Noah’s, 1 Brunel Lock Road, Bristol BS1 6XS
https://www.noahsbristol.co.uk/
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Local Lowdown: Eat in and enjoy riverside views or takeaway your favourite order at this family run Bristol chippy where quality, fresh British seafood is at the heart of the daily changing menu.
Everything is made in house and alongside traditional cod and haddock in crispy batter you’ll also find seasonal catches from local coastal markets such as Brixham Hake.
Aldo says: “The selection of seafood here is something else but make sure you don’t leave off the sides when you order as the accompaniments are just as good as the fish.
“The chips, made from sacks of British spuds, should definitely be dipped into a pot of homemade mushy peas or my choice: Madras curry sauce.”
Aldo’s Pick: The Lock Keeper’s Lunch menu, peas, tartare sauce and a mug of tea with your fish and chip portion. (£12.95).
DURHAM
Bells Fish and Chips, Finchale Road Durham, County Durham
https://www.bellsfishshop.co.uk/
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Local Lowdown: Residents love the taste of the fish and chip suppers served up by family-run Bells which has grown from one chippy to a few venues in Durham.
It’s all cooked the traditional way in beef dripping but veggie oil portions are also available if you prefer.
Aldo says: “For me what matters about this chippy is that they really care about great service as well as serving up a tasty portion of fish and chips.
“They’ve worked hard to create a nice ambience which I know takes consistent attention to detail.”
Aldo’s Pick: Classic cod and chips (£10.50). Go hungry beforehand as portions are big.
HORNSEA
Whiteheads Fish and Chips. 6 The Greenway, Hornsea, East Yorkshire.
https://whiteheadsfishandchips.com/
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Local Lowdown: Run by the Whitehead family and their team for over 25 years, Whiteheads is passionate about sustainability and sourcing the best possible ingredients – and chips are made from spuds from ten minutes down the road!
Stroll down to the water to enjoy al fresco by the nearby Yorkshire Coast.
Aldo says: “You just can’t beat steaming, fresh fish and chips eaten on the seafront! This family run chippy really take pride in the ingredients they use and serve up generous portions.
“Milk free batters and separate fryers for those with gluten intolerances makes this a safe choice for anyone with specific health or dietary needs too. A nice touch.”
Aldo’s Pick: “Of course I love fish but with spuds grown up the road try a Chip Butty (£3.30).”
GAINSBOROUGH
Upton Fish and Chip Shop, 24 High Street, Upton, DN21 5NL
http://www.uptonchippy.co.uk/location.htm
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Local Lowdown: Fish from nearby Grimsby has been cooked on the same coal range at this tiny traditional chippy since 1948. Check times in advance as it’s only open for six hours a week (Friday and Saturday).
Aldo says: “When a place has been cooking traditional beef dripping fish and chips for over 70 years and still has queues out of the door every weekend you know they have completely nailed it.
“It’s incredible that they still cook their cod on a coal fired range – you can’t get more authentic or traditionally British than that.”
Aldo’s Pick: It’s got to be Grimsby haddock, chips and mushy peas. (£9.50)
TYNEMOUTH
Longsands, 27 Front Street Tynemouth, NE30 4DZ
https://www.longsandsfishkitchen.com/
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Local Lowdown: This award-winning chipper is situated in the small village of Tynemouth. Eat in or takeaway but locals love taking their food down to the nearby seafront.
Aldo says: “The location of this chippy, right by the water on the North Coast, is as good as their produce.
“It’s also good to have the options of smaller portions. I don’t always want a huge serving of chips and I like you can choose how much you want to order.”
Aldo’s Pick: A Chip Stottie, (£5) – fluffy golden chips in a traditional regional Geordie bread bun.
WALES
Shipdeck, Newport Rd, Trethomas, Caerphilly, CF83 8BR
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Local Lowdown: Regulars weren’t surprised when this Welsh chippy snared the UK fish and chip takeaway of the year top spot award for 2024.
The family run food hero opened in 2019 and works hard to source the best and most sustainable ingredients along with successfully becoming an almost entirely plastic free business.
Aldo says: “As a fish and chip awards judge I can vouch for the incredible taste and love that goes in to the meals served up by this family business – even the kids get involved!
“A winning formula of incredible fresh fish, local potatoes and a real passion for produce and pleasing customers. There’s even a Vegan ‘fish fillet’ on offer.”
Aldo’s Pick: Homemade Cod and Parsley Fishcakes, (£2.80) made fresh daily.
TORQUAY
Saltwater, 2 Victoria Parade, Torquay.
https://saltwatertorquay.co.uk/
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Local Lowdown: This harbourside chippy prides itself on the freshness of its fish bought daily from Brixham Market. Eat in or takeaway and watch out for the catch of the day.
Aldo says: “Having breadcrumb coating around your fish instead of traditional batter tastes just as delicious as well as being a bit healthier and here you can choose between both.
“I’d generally order fish but if you like sausage and chips or even a burger, the ones on this menu are from an award winning local butcher, so maybe even I’d make an exception!”
Aldo’s Pick: Sausage (£2.75) either battered or plain, and chips (£3.95).
MANCHESTER
The Village Chippy. 37 Bloom St, Manchester, M1 3LY
https://www.thevillagechipshop.co.uk/home
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Local Lowdown: Friendly service, generous portions and great value have made this a go-to for many Manchester chip lovers.
Aldo says: “This is simply a great local village chippy, right next door to the shop, like we all wish we had up the road to call in at on the way home on Friday night.
“Everything is fresh and delicious whether it’s fish and chips or pie and mash, or if you’ve got room left, even a scoop of Cheshire ice
cream.”
Aldo’s Pick: Cod Fish Finger Sarnie with tartare sauce (£5.95).
ST ANDREWS
Cromar’s Fish and Chips, 1 Union Street, St Andrews KY16 9PQ
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Local Lowdown: Opened in 2013, this award winning chip shop in the small city of St Andrews tries to support and sustain the local fishing industry.
Haddock is a bestseller while quirkier Scottish regional dishes include the classic deep fried Mars Bar or battered haggis.
Aldo says: “There’s many amazing fish and chip shops in Scotland but this place is one of my favourites. The fish from the local coast couldn’t be fresher and sacks of spuds are delivered daily.”
Aldo’s pick: The freshest Scottish Scampi (£9.90) you’ll ever eat.
REIGATE
Seasalt, 41 Lesbourne Road, Reigate, RH2 7NU
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Local Lowdown: Everything is fried to order in this family run Reigate chip shop but regulars – including Aldo – reckon it’s well worth the wait.
Aldo says: “There’s no way I couldn’t include my very own local fish and chip shop!
“Take it from someone who knows, the chips here are amazing, fluffy and perfectly cooked, the fish is perfectly seasoned and fresh as anything. My whole family loves a treat from here.”
Aldo’s Pick: I love the cod bites (£9) or try my daughter’s favourite, Calamari (£12.95)
BRIGHTON
Bardsleys. 23A Baker St, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 4JN
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Local lowdown: In the same family for four generations this Brighton chippy, now located a ten minute walk from the seafront on Baker Street, has been going since 1926. Eat in or takeaway.
Aldo says: “This is not just a regular chippy, they also do amazing seafood specials and everything can also be grilled or poached if you don’t want it battered.
“I am careful about my cholesterol so it’s ideal for making healthier choices.”
Aldo’s Pick: I’d order whatever the seafood special is that day. It changes regularly so you know it will be fresh and delicious. Or Skate and Chips is something slightly different to try here. (£15.99)
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