The UK’s 9 best fish and chips shops by the sea

Café Fish, Tobermory, Isle of Mull

Once you’ve sailed over to Mull itself, find this white cube-shaped building at the far end of Tobermory’s rainbow harbour. Eat inside the tiny restaurant (there’s an upstairs too), or sit outside to stare over the water. Shellfish often comes straight from their own boat ‘The Highlander’. If you’re lucky, you’ll see a seal pop its head up. Luckier still, and you might spot the latest Tobermory cat stretching out on the beach. Takeaway available.

The Swan, Southport, Merseyside
This large U-shaped fish and chip restaurant has been around for 45 plus years, using local and sustainable produce where they can. Once you’ve located it down an alley at the end of Lord Street, sit happily in a booth to enjoy the table service. Curry sauce or gravy available, like all good northern chippies. Be sure to order a round of white bread for a chip butty. Takeaway available.

Aldeburgh Fish & Chips, Aldeburgh, Suffolk
Whether you pick the one at the far end of the high street, or the Golden Galleon in the middle, you’ll get the same standard of food, as they’ve been owned and run by the same family since 1967. It’s more a case of choose your queue… The Golden Galleon has a sit-in restaurant ‘The Upper Deck’, while Aldeburgh Fish & Chips is takeaway only. Eat on the sea wall, watching out for persistent seagulls (who also have great taste).

 

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Bardsley’s, Brighton, Sussex

Established in 1926, Bardsley’s is a family-run fish and chip shop renowned for friendly staff and top quality frying. The restaurant is committed to sourcing from sustainable suppliers, and grilled and poached fish are available alongside the classic battered. Though Bardsley’s is not directly on the seafront, but away from the madding crowd on London Road, it’s worth the detour. The décor itself makes sitting in a pleasure. Be careful when you turn up though, as the restaurant shuts between 3 and 4:30pm. And – whatever you do, don’t forget to ask for the onion vinegar! Takeaway available.

Peter’s Fish Factory, Margate, Kent

Peter’s Fish Factory was established in 1984, but there’s nothing dystopian about it. If you’ve ever been to Margate on a sunny day, you’ll find it easy to spot by the epic queue outside. But this is a meal worth waiting around for – the fresh flaky fish, crisp outside-soft inside chips, and sea view make for a 10/10 experience. Just stay away from those pesky gulls.

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Robertson’s, Whitby, North Yorkshire

Though the famous Magpie gets all the queues, the unpretentious and unassuming Robertson’s over the bridge on Whitby Bay is as good a Yorkshire chippy as you’ll find. The fish and chips are fried in vegetable oil, not lard, so suitable for pescatarians and there are options for vegans, too. The bread and butter, friendly service, top quality fresh fish and generous portions of chips make this a special experience. You can enjoy the takeaway atop the hill overlooking Whitby harbour, or eat in.

The Fishmarket, Newhaven, Edinburgh

This isn’t just a chippy. Describing itself as a ‘seaside eating house’, this swanky newcomer on the scene is the ultimate posh fish and chips experience. Gaze upon the sights of Edinburgh’s Newhaven harbour – maybe catching a glimpse of the iconic Forth Rail Bridge if you happen to be there on a clear day. The menu offers wildcard options, such as oysters and monkfish, as well as the chip shop classics of haddock and haggis (yes – try it battered, it’s seriously delicious). The Fishmarket caters to everyone; those looking for a fine dining experience as well as those after a quick bite to eat by the sea. Takeaway available.

Whelan’s Fish and Chips, Lytham St. Annes, Lancashire

A family run business set up in 1937, Whelan’s fish and chips has been visited by Gordon Ramsay and Rick Stein over the years yet, remains a favourite with the locals in Lytham St. Annes. Since it started, not much has changed and for all the right reasons: their fresh fish is sourced from sustainable stocks, they use local produce (wherever possible) and their staff are always welcoming. You can enjoy the traditional options or, be lucky enough to catch the gourmet fishcakes which often feature as a daily special. Eat your food in, or takeaway for a chippy tea on Lytham Green.

Cromars, St Andrews, Fife

If you’re yet to visit, St. Andrews (famed for it’s royally-attended university and glorious golf courses) is a gorgeous seaside town north of Edinburgh. If you’re lucky enough to be gracing its golden beaches, you’d be foolish not to pay Cromars a visit. Having been crowned Best Fish and Chips in Scotland several years running, this chippy is spectacular. The town-centre café itself has lovely outside seating and makes a great place to rest up after a day at the beach.