Find the best fish and chips on your summer staycation

Nothing says summertime in the UK like fish and chips and what better way to enjoy it than alfresco with friends and family. Flaky white fish in a crispy batter, thick fluffy chips and magnificent mushy peas, all doused in salt and vinegar – it’s the ultimate feel good food.

Whether you are visiting a cottage on the South East coast, taking a campervan around the North Coast 500 or indulging in a luxurious hotel for the weekend, there is a fish and chip shop nearby to tempt your taste buds and give you a flavour of summer. 

Love Seafood is on a mission to inspire the nation to fall in love with seafood and what better dish to highlight than delicious fish and chips. Check out Love Seafood’s round up of the best fish and chip shops in some of the UK’s most popular holiday hotspots.

Devon: The South East coast has always been a firm favourite for UK holiday makers. Did you know that Dartmouth bathes in 1652 hours of sunshine a year – 10% more than the average for England? With its endless beaches - it’s a surfer’s paradise and the rolling countryside that goes on for miles means the great outdoors beckons every day. It’s also a haven for fish and chip lovers with plenty of fabulous chippies to choose from.

Rockfish in Dartmouth is one of the best fish and chip shops in the UK. Environmental sustainability is at the heart of the business. They catch all fish locally on the Rockfisher, their very own boat. What’s more there is an exciting and inspiring menu with every dish prepared and cooked on site by the chefs.  Enjoy fish and chips in the restaurant with a beer or glass of wine inside, or outsidewith views over the Dart.

Pembrokeshire: If you are heading to the Welsh coast for a summer holiday then there are plenty of fish and chip shops to choose from and the town of Fishguard is a great place to start. Sitting on the mouth of the River Gwaun, the town has the allure of the sea, towering cliffs and mysterious valleys and is perfect for outdoor lovers with its adventure sports and plentiful walks.

The clue is in the name with Hooked@31 in Fishguard. Its classic combo of fish, chips and mushy peas will have you hooked and wanting more. They even make their own desserts with the team creating their own ice cream on site with local milk and Welsh cream – so make sure you leave a little room.  The best place to take your Hooked chippy is down to the quay, with a perfect view of the yachts docked in the bay.

Southend of Sea: A day trippers paradise, Essex’s favourite staycation location is the ultimate fun packed destination for families, friends and couples alike. With its beautiful beach, pier, fun parks and amazing bars and restaurants, there is something to keep every member of the family entertained.

Found in Westcliff, Oldhams is a local favourite and has some brilliant reviews.  With sustainability high on the agenda they only source their fish from the North East Atlantic and the majority of their packaging is recyclable or compostable – even their wooden cutlery! The family run chippy offers a dine in option to enjoy your supper with a glass of wine, or takeaway which is just a short walk to the beach front so you can tuck in where fish and chips taste best.

Belfast: The Northern Irish capital is the perfect city break. Located on the east coast and overlooking the Belfast Lough, this city has plenty to offer. Take a trip to the Peace Walls to gain anunderstanding into the complex history of the city and discover the home of the Titanic at the visitor attraction that tells the story of the most famous boat in history. Be sure to check out the Cathedral Quarter and stroll through the glass and chrome building lined streets.

Fish City in Belfast are MCS Gold members and have won numerous awards, including being voted the UK’s healthiest and most sustainable fish and chips restaurant and takeaway in 2018. The fully licenced restaurant has a classic fish and chips menu to enjoy in their indoor dining area, or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can sit in their terrace area where you can enjoy a chippy and a pint of Guinness. With first class service, fish and chips from here is the best in Belfast.

Norfolk Coast: With 90 miles of coast on the East, there is plenty to get up to on the Norfolk coast. The Blakeney National Nature Reserve is one of the best seal spotting locations in the South, and the highest point in East Anglia, Beacon Hill, has stunning views over the area. The beaches along the coast are dog friendly, and welcome four legged friends year round, perfect for the whole family.

French’s Fish and Chips in Wells-next-the-Sea on the north of the coastal region, has been in the business for nearly 100 years. They pride themselves on being traditional but with a difference. Thespecials board, which changes daily, features freshly caught fish in addition to their classic dine in or takeaway menu. Your chippy tea can be enjoyed with a stunning panoramic view over the famous Quay nearby year round.

Nottingham: The city famous for being home to the outlaw Robin Hood has a wide variety of activities to be enjoyed. A perfect blend of rich history, and modern creativity, the central Midlands city offers a bit of everything. Top of the list has to be a visit to the legendary Sherwood Forest, closely followed by Nottingham Castle. For a deeper delve into the history and culture take a trip to the City of Caves, exploring the UK’s largest network of caves hidden beneath the streets of the city.

The Cod’s Scallops is located just outside the city centre and is by far the best place to grab a bite to eat after a long day of exploring. The 2019 national title winner at the National Fish and Chip Awards aims to deliver a fish and chips concept like no other. Their menu offers over 20 species of sustainably sourced high quality fish, cooked fresh to order, with the option of classic batter or baked in garlic, lemon and herbs. With a hardworking and dedicated crew and fantastic food, there is no doubt as to why this chippy has acquired legendary status, much like the landmarks it shares a home with.

Cumbria: The north west region is home to the Lake District. Known as a walker’s paradise, the area is host to world famous breath taking lakes and mountainous fells that were carved out by glaciers during the Ice Age that peaked 21,000 years ago. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is scattered with quaint villages and historic castles for exploring, as well as The World of Beatrix Potter, so there is certainly something for everyone.

Shap Chippy in Penrith serves off the scale fish and chips!. They hold a National Federation of Fish Friers Quality Award – which is only given to the best of the best. With sustainably caught Norwegian cod among other environmentally friendly features on the menu, their oil is triple filtered twice daily and combined with perfect consistency batter, so it’s no wonder this chippy ranks so high. A collaboration with Cumbrian Apple Juice, Shapple Juice made with apples squeezed 3 miles from the chippy, and is available for customers to wash down their delicious fish and chips with.

Largs: Scotland’s west coast is bustling with culture and history, and the seaside town of Largs is no different. Discover the Viking heritage in the area, check out the artistic Kilburn Castle, or hop on a ferry over to the island of Millport for the day. With typical arcades and amusements at the seafront, you’re never short on things to do.

The Fish Works in Largs is not to be missed. This chippysources all its seasonal produce from the day boats of the Scottish East coast town of Peterhead and is cooked to order in line with their eco policy. They also serve delicious langoustines landed on the Largs Pier – talk about local. The fish and chip shop is located on the promenade and has gorgeous views over the Firth of Clyde – ideal for a dinner spot.

Blackpool: Ah Blackpool, the age old British beach holiday, loved by families for generations. With its central location on the west coast, it’s easily accessible from almost anywhere in the UK. It is of course famous for the Blackpool Tower, where you can find the Strictly favourite ballroom, and the Pleasure Beach, the UK’s most iconic Theme Park. This is a classic staycation site.

Seniors in Blackpool is a multi-award winning chippy with two locations in the town, one with a dine-in option. Both are a short drive from Blackpool South Pier, so you can get stuck into your fish feast with views of one of the UK’s most famous beaches. 

Whitley Bay: This traditional seaside resort is popular with family’s year round. With its golden sands and safe bathing waters, you’ll feel like you’re in another country on the north east beaches of the area. Popular attractions include the white lighthouse on the tiny island of St Mary’s, which can be accessed by a walk across the causeway at low tide, and Spanish City, which is considered Whitley Bay’s answer to the Pleasure Beach.

Fisherman’s Bay is found right on the promenade and serves traditional fish and chips. This chippy, with 25 years of experience, won the 2021 Good Foods Award and is MCS certified. Taking care to use sustainably sourced fish, this fish and chip shop delivers the British classic, and all the trimmings too. The outdoor seating area means customers can watch the world go by at the beach front while they munch on their fish supper.

With these fantastic Fish and Chip shops peppered across the country, the UK is definitely the ultimate location for staycations this summer.

For more information on fish and chips you can visit www.LoveSeafood.co.uk

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