UK's top 10 best fish and chip shops revealed as underrated spot comes out top
The British dish of fish and chips has become a beloved tradition at the beach, and now the very best destinations to enjoy the hearty meal have been revealed
The best fish and chip shops across the nation have been revealed, and there's one underrated spot that's taken the lead.
The comforting dish of crispy battered white fish and thick-cut golden chips is widely considered the UK's unofficial national dish. It's traditionally seasoned with salt and vinegar, while many add mushy peas, gravy, or curry sauce to their iconic British supper.
While there are fish and chip shops dotted across the nation, the hearty dish wrapped in paper is commonly enjoyed by the seaside and has become a staple of any beach day out. As one of Britain's most beloved traditions, the UK's best seaside towns for fish and chips have been revealed, and it's just in time ahead of the summer holidays.
To uncover the UK's best fish and chip destinations, Simply Sea Views analysed 50 coastal towns across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, ranking them on customer ratings, reviews, density, seafront locations, independent ownership and National Fish and Chip Award recognition. From this, they found that Hunstanton in Norfolk was ranked as the best.
The Victorian seaside resort town nestled along the Norfolk coast is affectionately known as 'Sunny Hunny', famed for its striped cliffs and traditional seaside fun. It's brimming with attractions, independent shops, and sprawling golden-sand beaches, making it a popular holiday hotspot for those seeking an escape by the coast.
Now, it's earned recognition as the best destination for fish and chips, after Simply Sea Views highlighted its exceptional density of fish and chip shops, strong customer ratings, independent businesses, and seafront locations.
While Hunstanton has a population of around 4,500 residents, the town is home to eight dedicated fish and chip shops and was revealed to have the highest concentration of chippies in the research. The experts noted that every shop is independently owned, and four of which can be found in a prime location on or next to the seafront.
The results may come as a surprise to some and might just settle the debate between the north and the south. Only four of the top 10 fish and chip destinations were situated in the south, while six were located in the north, as Yorkshire cooked up a storm.
UK's best fish and chip destinations
- Hunstanton, Norfolk
- Whitby, North Yorkshire
- Hornsea, East Yorkshire
- Scarborough, North Yorkshire
- Blackpool, Lancashire
- Skegness, Lincolnshire
- St Ives, Cornwall
- Portrush, Northern Ireland
- Swanage, Dorset
- Bridlington, East Yorkshire and Penzance, Cornwall
Matt Fox, CEO at Simply Sea Views, said:"Everyone in the UK has a firm opinion about where to find the best fish and chips. It's one of those debates that people take surprisingly seriously.
"What surprised us most was the success of smaller seaside towns. Hunstanton isn't the first place most people would name when asked where to find the country's best fish and chips, but the data makes a compelling case.
"Whitby's reputation is absolutely deserved, Yorkshire's dominance is remarkable, and Cornwall's ratings are incredibly strong. Ultimately, what this research shows is that some of Britain's best food experiences can still be found in the small seaside towns that have been serving fish and chips for generations.
"For anyone planning a coastal escape this summer, there are plenty of destinations here worth adding to the itinerary."
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