Top 10 Fish and Chip Shops in Britain

Locating truly outstanding examples of Britain’s iconic dish is not as straightforward as finding exceptional cheese in Paris or exquisite sushi in Japan.

Originally a cheap and hearty meal for the 19th-century working class, today, the 250 million servings of fish and chips sold by over 10,000 British vendors, or 'chippies', are often disappointing: bland fish in soggy batter, limp chips, and sad packets of ketchup.

It’s no surprise that many first-time visitors to England and the rest of the UK are left puzzled by the fuss – not to mention searching for something strong enough to wash away the taste of stale cooking oil.

It’s unfortunate, because some places rise above the mediocrity, offering a truly exceptional experience and making the meal a worthwhile destination in itself.

Many are family-owned establishments that source local ingredients, creating a dining experience where the scent of the sea blends perfectly with the cozy warmth of the kitchen, all wrapped up in a delicious, paper-wrapped parcel.

Our list of the top 10 fish and chip shops in Britain concludes with the most recent winner of a prestigious national award.

10. Chez Fred (Bournemouth)

This iconic South Coast chippy showcases its dedication to quality at every step, from the thick-cut chips fried in rapeseed oil to the homemade mushy peas, a classic British fish and chip side.

The cod and haddock served here are certified sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council.

Ethical yet incredibly delicious, these are fish and chips done to perfection with a conscience.

Our recommendation: plaice fillet served with chunky chips and mushy peas.

9. The Company Shed (West Mersea, Essex)

If you visit this charmingly ramshackle seafood hut near the historic Roman town of Colchester, be mindful of the time – misjudge it, and you may find yourself stranded as the tide encircles the tiny island where this chippy is located.

But getting stuck here wouldn’t be the worst fate, as you can enjoy a fantastic selection of seafood, from native oysters at 80p each to crab and lobster rolls, cockles, prawns, and locally smoked salmon, all served at simple picnic tables.

Prices here are a fraction of what you'd pay in London, and you’re welcome to bring your own wine.

Our recommendation: the chilled seafood platter.

The Company Shed, 129 Coast Road, West Mersea, Essex; +44 1206 382 700

8. The Big Fish (Stratford-upon-Avon)

Owner Marina Angelides stayed true to her fishy roots (she once sang in a band called The Big Catch) when she opened this popular restaurant and takeaway.

Eschewing the typical retro or rundown style found in many chippies, The Big Fish features expansive windows and sleek, modern design curves.

The menu offers options for gluten and wheat-intolerant guests, but for those who aren’t as picky, the Big Fish Combo is a hearty choice: cod, whitebait, calamari, scampi, haddock goujons (breaded mini fillets), chips, coleslaw, and salad.

Our recommendation: wholetail scampi served with chips and salad.

The Big Fish, Unit 3, Maybird Shopping Park, Stratford upon Avon; +44 1789 204 202

7. Rock and Sole Plaice (London)

With high prices and subpar quality, London’s West End has become a notorious fish and chip trap for tourists.

The legendary Rock and Sole Plaice is a rare gem – this Cypriot-owned chippy near Covent Garden has been dishing out perfectly crispy battered cod, golden chips, and mushy peas since 1875.

The walls adorned with West End theater posters give a glimpse of the famous actors who frequent this spot: both Peter O’Toole and Anthony Hopkins dine here when in town.

Our recommendation: classic cod and chips served with mushy peas.

Rock and Sole Plaice 47 Endell St., London; +44 207 836 3785

6. Latimer’s Seafood Deli (Sunderland)

Owner Rob Latimer, a former fisherman, runs this unique blend of fishmonger and chippy at this location.

Fresh squid, lobster, crab, and langoustines sit alongside the usual fried offerings on the menu.

Our recommendation: the catch of the day.

Latimer’s Seafood Deli, Shell Hill, Whitburn, Sunderland; +44 191 529 2200

5. Burton Road Chippy (Lincoln)

This modestly named chippy in the charming city of Lincoln has become a local icon, almost as famous as the mischievous imps said to have escaped from the city’s grand cathedral during medieval times.

The go-to fish here is battered haddock – while cod reigns in the south, haddock is the fish of choice in the north of Britain.

Each dish is fried fresh to order, with nearly all the menu items prepared from scratch right on the premises.

Our recommendation: haddock, chips, and scraps (those delicious crispy bits of batter from the fryer).

Burton Road Chippy, 169 Burton Road, Lincoln; +44 1522 575 201

4. Whetstone Fish Bar (Leicester)

Located deep in the heart of the Midlands, far from the coast, this chippy shines for its dedication to top-notch ingredients – fish is delivered fresh daily from the Grimsby docks, ensuring every bite is the best.

The fish cakes here are massive, the size of tires, and this spot is perfect for trying a local tradition: pouring rich gravy over the chips before digging in with your fish. (Surprisingly tasty!)

Our recommendation: haddock, chips, and gravy.

Whetstone Fish Bar (no website), 63 Victoria Road, Whetstone, Leicester; +44 116 286 6866

3. Magpie Cafe (Whitby)

Before opening time, expect a long line at this classic sandstone spot by the harbor in Whitby, a peaceful fishing town in Yorkshire.

What makes this cafe special is its wide range of fish, including rare and sustainable options like gurnard, pollock, and hake, served alongside traditional cod and haddock in a charming, oak-beamed upstairs dining area.

If the place is packed, you can always grab your meal to go and enjoy it sitting on the harbor wall.

Our recommendation: crispy fried pollock, served with chips and mushy peas.

Magpie Cafe, 14 Pier Road, Whitby; +44 1947 602058

2. Seniors Fish and Chips (Thornton, Lancashire)

Located in the heart of classic fish-and-chip country, in a small northwestern town filled with narrow Victorian streets, Seniors has been drawing crowds since 2006 with its car park-side location.

In addition to haddock and cod, they also offer sea bass and plaice for a wider variety of choice.

If you're determined to stick to your health goals, the staff will gladly bake your fish instead of frying it, so you don't have to break your diet.

Our suggestion: fish goujons, steak pudding, and chips.

Seniors Fish and Chips, 91 Fleetwood Road North, Thornton; +44 1253 858585

1. The Bay (Stonehaven)

Is this truly the best fish and chip shop in all of Britain?

The winner of this fiercely competitive award, judged on everything from customer service to sustainability and hygiene, hails from a coastal fishing town in Scotland’s far northeast.

The Bay’s intriguing specialities include deep-fried black pudding – a rich mix of pig’s blood, oatmeal, suet, bread, and potato. Located by the harbor, it also serves haddock fresh from the North Sea and mackerel caught by family members.

Our recommendation: haddock and chips with a side of black pudding.

The Bay, Beach Road, Stonehaven; +44 1569 762000