Unless you’ve been living under a rock you’ll know fish and chips are a big deal for the English, me included. But, what are the best fish and chip shops in the UK?
The Street Food Guy has done some painstaking research to bring you list of the 20 best fish and chip shops in the land!
Alas no entries from Sheppey, yet.
To read about street food in England click here.
Table of Contents
20. Seafare Guildford – Guildford, Surrey
Tucked away in Surrey, Seafare Guildford is known for its no-nonsense approach to fish and chips. Their crispy batter and generous portions will leave you more than satisfied.
19. Aldeburgh Fish & Chips – Aldeburgh, Suffolk
Overlooking the coast, Aldeburgh Fish & Chips serves up a fantastic takeaway meal. With locally sourced fish, cooked in beef dripping, they’ve earned a loyal following among both locals and tourists.
18. Papa’s Fish and Chips – Hull, Yorkshire
One of the biggest fish and chip restaurants in the world, Papa’s delivers on both scale and quality. The batter here is light and crisp, while the fish is sourced from sustainable North Sea stocks.
17. The Cod’s Scallops – Nottingham
A relative newcomer but already scooping up awards, The Cod’s Scallops in Nottingham serves sustainably sourced fish, which they bake or fry to perfection. Their innovative menu offers a selection of seafood beyond the classic cod.
16. The Magpie Café – Whitby, North Yorkshire
Right on the Yorkshire coast, The Magpie Café is a local legend. Famous for their flaky fish and giant portions, they serve up seafood in a beautiful setting with views across the harbour.
15. Sutton & Sons – Hackney, London
East London’s Sutton & Sons is a modern twist on the classic fish and chip shop. Here, you can tuck into everything from traditional cod to oysters, with options for vegans and vegetarians, too.
14. Frydays of Kendal – Kendal, Cumbria
Cumbria might be better known for its lakes, but Frydays of Kendal is proof that it has serious fish and chip credentials too. The shop prides itself on using locally sourced potatoes and fresh fish for that perfect bite.
13. Mister C’s – Selby, North Yorkshire
Family-owned and consistently winning awards, Mister C’s has been serving up some of Yorkshire’s finest fish and chips for decades. The secret? Their signature golden batter and fresh, hand-cut chips.
12. The Golden Hind – Birmingham
Birmingham might be landlocked, but The Golden Hind makes you feel like you’re by the seaside. A neighbourhood favourite, their portions are huge, and the fish is always tender and flaky.
11. Henley’s of Wivenhoe – Wivenhoe, Essex
Henley’s brings a traditional approach with a modern twist. They offer gluten-free fish and chips without sacrificing any of that classic crispy texture, making it a hit with locals and visitors alike.
10. The Fish Hut – Hatfield, Hertfordshire
The Fish Hut is all about freshness and sustainability. With a light, perfectly fried batter and thick-cut chips, it’s no wonder they’ve become one of Hertfordshire’s favourite chip shops.
9. Grimsby Fisheries – Leicester
Grimsby Fisheries has been a Leicester favourite for years, known for their generous portions and their use of traditional beef dripping for frying. Their cod and haddock are consistently some of the best in the Midlands.
Photo: Grimsby Fisheries
8. Rockfish – Brixham, Devon
Owned by celebrity chef Mitch Tonks, Rockfish in Brixham is a must-visit for seafood lovers. With fish fresh off the trawlers, this seaside spot offers melt-in-your-mouth cod and crispy chips you won’t forget.
7. The Smokehouse – Folkestone, Kent
Located by the harbour in Folkestone, The Smokehouse does classic fish and chips with a gourmet edge. Freshly caught fish, twice-cooked chips, and a stunning seaside view—what more could you ask for?
Photo: We Love Hythe Life Food Festival
6. Chipwick – Worthing, West Sussex
Chipwick, a family-run favourite in Worthing, has been frying up crispy golden fish and chips for decades. Their secret lies in the freshness of their ingredients and the perfect balance of crunch and softness in their batter and chips.
5. Fisherman’s Wharf – Padstow, Cornwall
Padstow is famous for its seafood, and Fisherman’s Wharf is one of the top spots for fish and chips. With locally caught fish and some of the best chips in Cornwall, it’s easy to see why this spot is beloved by locals and tourists alike.
Photo: Samuel De Leon Paez
4. Pier Catch – Brighton
Brighton is packed with fish and chip shops, but Pier Catch stands out for its fresh, local fish and perfect batter. Situated right on the pier, it’s the perfect seaside snack after a day on the beach.
3. Krispies – Exmouth, Devon
Famous for its ‘battered chips,’ Krispies in Exmouth is a unique take on the classic fish and chips experience. Their award-winning fish is always fresh, flaky, and cooked to perfection.
2. North Beach Fish and Chips – Bridlington, Yorkshire
Another Yorkshire gem, North Beach serves up some of the best fish and chips on the east coast. Their location right on the beach makes it the perfect place to enjoy your meal with a sea breeze.
Photo: Rea Frost
1. Quayside – Whitby, North Yorkshire
Taking the crown as England’s top fish and chip shop is Quayside in Whitby. Family-run and award-winning, Quayside is all about tradition—fresh fish, crispy batter, and golden chips, all served with a view of Whitby’s historic harbour. Whether you go for cod, haddock, or something more adventurous, every bite here is perfection.
Photo: Charlotte Gale
And there you have it the 20 best fish and chip shops in England, with the best in Lordswood only narrowly missing out. So, what are you waiting for? Oh perhaps a guide to eating fish and chips correctly? We got you covered.