1. Quality of Fish and Chips
The heart of the experience lies in the freshness and preparation of the food.
- Fish: Look for flaky, moist fish encased in crispy, golden batter. Popular choices include cod, haddock, plaice, and rock.
- Chips: Thick-cut and fluffy inside, with a slight crunch. Bonus points for hand-cut or double-fried options.
- Batter Options: Traditional or gluten-free? Beer batter or matzo meal? A good shop should have a few choices.
2. Variety and Menu Options
A great chippy caters to a range of preferences:
- Alternative dishes like scampi, sausage, pies, or grilled fish
- Vegan or vegetarian options
- Sides like mushy peas, curry sauce, gravy, and pickled eggs
3. Sustainability and Ethics
Today’s savvy diners often care where their food comes from:
- Is the fish sustainably sourced (e.g., MSC-certified)?
- Do they use eco-friendly packaging?
- Are ingredients locally sourced or ethically farmed?
4. Venue Atmosphere and Cleanliness
Whether you’re dining in or grabbing a takeaway:
- Is the place clean and well-kept?
- Is there seating, and is it family- or pet-friendly?
- What do the hygiene ratings say?
5. Value for Money
Fish and chips should be satisfying and fairly priced:
- Are the portions generous?
- Are there combo meals or family deals?
- Do they accept card or digital payments?
6. Opening Hours and Convenience
Nothing’s worse than craving fish and chips only to find your local chippy is closed:
- Check for late-night or Sunday availability
- See if they offer online pre-ordering or delivery
- Look out for long queues or wait times during peak hours
7. Delivery and Takeaway Options
For those cosy nights in:
- Do they deliver via Just Eat, Deliveroo, or Uber Eats?
- What’s the delivery radius, fee, and speed?
- Are items packaged well to preserve crispness?
8. Reviews and Local Reputation
What are others saying?
- Google, Yelp, or Tripadvisor reviews are a great start
- Look for keywords like “crispy”, “fresh”, “quick service”
- Ask locals—they always know the hidden gems
9. Dietary Requirements and Allergen Information
It’s not just about taste:
- Are gluten-free options cooked in separate fryers?
- Is allergen information clearly labelled?
- Are staff knowledgeable and helpful?
10. The Little Extras
Small touches often set great chippies apart:
- Free lemon wedges or tartar sauce
- Choice of salt & vinegar, including malt or non-brewed condiment
- Loyalty cards or seasonal specials
Conclusion
A great fish and chips experience is about more than just the food. From sustainability to customer service, it’s worth knowing what to look for before diving into your next portion. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be well on your way to discovering a chippy that truly hits the spot.
Whether you’re eating in London or beyond, happy chipping!