10 TOP FISH AND CHIP TAKEAWAYS BY THE SEA

We take a look at some of the nation’s best places to enjoy a good old-fashioned seaside favourite

1 D. FECCI & SONS, PEMBROKESHIRE

Situated in the heart of

Tenby, this family-run restaurant and takeaway, founded in 1935, is a must-visit for Coeliac sufferers. Fecci’s uses separate utensils and fryers, offers an array of gluten-free sauces and vinegars, and makes its batter uniquely from rice flour. Locally grown potatoes are freshly cut on the premises and all the fish is sustainably sourced and cooked to order. Grab yourself a homemade fishcake and some chips for a tasty fish supper on the harbour (visitpembrokeshire.com).

2 BEACH BUOYS, MARGATE

Spicy salt-and-pepper squid, cockle popcorn, beerbattered pickles and vegan banana blossom and chips; just a few of the weird and wonderful delights taking Margate by storm at brand new street-food-style fish and chip shop, Beach Buoys, which opened in March. Founded by Nadine and Simon Morriss, owners of awardwining local seafood restaurant Buoy and Oyster, the menu also stars a list of classics featuring cod, skate, sausage and fishcake bites served up with freshly cut chips – cooked twice in British rapeseed oil. Orders operate via click and collect, which allows locals and day-trippers to book a beach feast up to a month in advance (beachbuoys.co.uk).

3 MAGGIE’S CAFÉ, HASTINGS

Fish suppers don’t get more atmospheric than a trip to Maggie’s, nestled within the iconic net shops of old Hastings town. For take-outs, the café menu can be ordered from by phone – featuring cod, haddock, wines, beers and knickerbocker glories.

Its sister eatery, ‘Maggie’s at the Boat’ sits in the same pebbly stretch of beach offering more of a street-food take on the classics; think herb-battered dab fillets in soft brioche buns, smoked fish chowder and catch of the day specials landed by the local fleet. Watch this space for Maggie’s roving fish and chip van (maggiesfishandchips.co.uk).

4 THE LITTLE SALTEE, CO WEXFORD

Taking a seat at Kilmore Quay with freshly cooked supper from the Saltee chipper has become the stuff of foodie dreams in Wexford – and this small but mighty takeaway has a string of awards – including Irish Takeaway of the Year 2019 – to prove its mettle. Choose from monkfish medallions with homemade tartare sauce, crumbed fillets of lemon sole or a signature fish

box, packed with battered cod bites, pepper squid, tempura prawns and panko-breaded squid. If fish isn’t your bag, there are pizzas, burgers and loaded chips so no one goes hungry. Staff recommend phoning and ordering in advance to avoid disappointment (thelittlesaltee.com).

5 ATKINSONS FISH & CHIPS, MORECAMBE

Atkinsons Fish and Chips is a prime example of a classic chippy moving with the times. Fish is sustainably sourced and MSCcertified, spuds are grown just 20 miles down the coast at Pilling and takeaways are all served in biodegradable boxes. The flagship café and takeaway is just a short hop from Morecambe prom, and customers can choose from an array of takeaway specials including freshly battered haddock for two with chips and mushies to share, mini fish and chips plus pies, curry, pickled eggs and battered halloumi bites (atkinsonsfishandchips.co.uk).

6 SEASMITHS FISH + CHIPS, CORNWALL

This family-run takeaway in Porthtowan opened two days before lockdown in March 2020. Re-opening proper this May for click-and-collect, orders at this tiny artisan eatery have gone through the roof. Alongside lightly battered, sustainably sourced cod and haddock, there’s a changing menu of fish fresh off the boat, homemade sauces, pickles, fish fingers for the kids and an array of sparkling San Pellegrino drinks (seasmithsfishandchips.com).

7 STEEL’S

CORNER HOUSE, CLEETHORPES

Traditionally, a visit to Cleethorpes on the Lincolnshire coast isn’t complete without a visit to Steel’s Corner House – which first opened in this seaside town way back in 1946 – where customers can gather in an old-fashioned booth for freshly battered haddock, chips and mushy peas with a pot of tea and a plate of buttered bread.

Over the last 12 months, Steels’ click-and-collect service has meant that everything from homemade fishcakes and scampi to the famous homemade beef pies can be enjoyed al fresco, overlooking the pier – just watch out for those pesky hungry seagulls. Pre-order your own fishy feast at steelscornerhouse.co.uk.

8 THE FISHERMAN’S KITCHEN, HAMPSHIRE

Just a short walk inland from Clarence Pier and Southsea Castle, The Fisherman’s Kitchen is a restaurant, takeaway and delivery business offering some of the tastiest fish and chips in the Portsmouth area. Riffs on classic fish and chips (both the cod and haddock are MSC-certified) include calamari tacos, battered halloumi sticks and, if you’ve still got any room, freshly battered banana fritters complete with ice-cream, sprinkles and caramel sauce. Gluten-free options are no problem, takeaway packaging is recyclable and there’s a 10% discount for NHS and emergency services workers too (thefishermanskitchen.co.uk).

9 SEA SALT + SOLE, ABERDEEN

Panko crumb langoustines, rock turbot, monkfish scampi with sriracha and lime dip and even black pudding and doughnuts are all orders of the day at the awardwinning Sea Salt + Sole on the coast of Aberdeenshire. The Bridge of Don site, which sits three miles shy of North Donmouth Beach, opened in 2019 four years after the first restaurant launched inland at Dyce. Owners Rikki and Gillian Pirie work alongside reputable fishermen to ensure fish is boat-fresh and sustainably sourced, serving up double-cooked chips while providing a comprehensive menu of gluten-free swaps on the classics. Order online for collection (seasaltandsole.co.uk).

10 CARLO’S FISH AND CHIPS, ALNWICK, NORTHUMBERLAND

Nestled under majestic Alnwick Castle and Gardens, a trip to Carlo’s is perfect if you fancy a tray of piping hot, succulent fish and chips after a day spent exploring the Northumberland coast. Established in 1989, Carlo’s is famed for its generous portions and is one of the top chip shops in the UK, holding the National Fish Frier’s Federation Quality Award for consistently high standards in food and service. Save space for a mouth-watering scoop of handmade gelato with flavours including bubblegum, pistachio and white ripple cookie dough (carlosfishandchip.co.uk).