Fish and chips fans are spoiled for choice in the UK, as we have a whopping 10,500 fish and chip shops scattered across the country.
But not all chippies are created equal, so it’s worth doing your research before ordering your paper-wrapped meal, to avoid disappointment.
And if you need a little help working out where to go for some truly scrumptious fish and chips, you’re in luck, as a ranking has narrowed down your options to reveal the ‘best’ of the bunch.
According to analysis of Google, TripAdvisor and Instagram data by Betway, there are 12 shops in the UK that stand out from the rest.
The scores are based on views of each shop on Instagram, hashtags and overall rankings on TripAdvisor.
And while fish and chips have long been considered a seaside staple, you might be surprised to learn that it’s actually a London eatery that’s claimed the top spot.
The UK’s best fish and chip shops
- East Coast, Musselburgh, Scotland, and Fish Lounge, London
- Frankie’s Fish and Chips, Brae, Scotland
- The Bearded Sailor, Pudsey, Leeds
- Jacksons, Newton Abbot, South Devon
- Noah’s, Bristol
- The Proper Fish and Chips Co, Exmouth
- Brockley’s Rock, London
- Hobson’s Fish & Chips, Soho and Peckish Fish and Chips, Cornwall
- #Fish, Edinburgh
- Saltwater, Torquay, Devon
- Croft Street Fisheries, Leeds
- Lighthouse Fisheries Of Flamborough, Yorkshire
The Fish Lounge in Brixton Hill, came in joint first place with East Coast, a chippy in Musselburgh, a coastal city in Scotland.
Tripadvisor reviews of East Coast in Musselburgh, which describes itself as a ‘modern’ fish and chip shop, score it an average 4.5 stars.
One visitor, rockca78, said: ‘Deliciously fresh food which was beautifully presented. Really good and friendly service. Very enjoyable family meal out. We will definitely go back for another visit.’
Meanwhile, Fish Lounge has an overall rating of 4.5 stars too, although only 25 people have left their reviews.
‘Great service, lovely seating area and fantastic cod and chips at a reasonable price,’ wrote olicollins. ‘Up there with the best fish and chips I’ve ever had (and I grew up in a coastal town!)’
Other top offerings were dotted around the UK, with another London shop making the ranking, alongside multiple appearances from establishments in Leeds and Scotland.
Though you might associate Cornwall or Brighton with fish and chips, the former only appears twice on the list, while the latter doesn’t rank at all.
Peckish Fish and Chips in Cornwall shares its eighth place spot with Hobson’s Fish and Chips in Soho — we wonder what they have to say about that.
If you’re wondering what Betway knows about fish and chips and would prefer a ranking from the experts, you might be interested in something more official.
The Fry Awards send thousands of mystery diners out to fish and chip shops across the UK, finding 60 outlets of exemplary standards.
For 2024, a London chippy also made it into the top five for their rankings. The best fish and chip takeaways according to judges were Ainsworth’s Fish & Chips in Caernarfon, Angells Fisheries in Newark, Anstruther Fish Bar in Anstruther, Auckley Friery in Auckley, and Batterfly Fish and Chips in Surbiton, South West London.
Alternatively, those that prefer something a little fancier for dinner can also really make a meal out of it with a bougie fish and chip experience at Harrods. But be warned, it will set you back £37.
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