The UK’s top 50 fish and chip shops named – see if your local chippy is on the list – Charm

The great British chippy tea is a family favourite on Friday evenings and now you can find out if you live near one that has been ranked in the top 50 in the country by experts

12:19, 14 Nov 2025Updated 12:19, 14 Nov 2025

The country’s best chippies have been revealed after battering their rivals to be crowned Codfathers of British cuisine. Just 14 of the 50 takeaways on Fry Magazine’s list are found by the coast.

Urban sprawls like Leeds, London and Manchester feature on the Fry Awards list, which was revealed after months of judging by mystery diners who rated eateries on criteria such as quality of food, cleanliness and value for money.

Only the operators with the highest scores earn an award. The pass mark this year for both the takeaway and restaurant categories was 96 per cent and above, although several were successful in gaining the full 100 per cent.

Among those that made the cut were The Codfather in Wakefield, West Yorks., a humble takeaway in a housing estate known for its Instagram videos.

Owner Ilham Shamchiyev had never heard of fish and chips when he moved to the UK in 2001 and told a local newspaper: “I remember walking past a chippy in Barnsley and seeing something orange behind the glass. I walked in and asked ‘what’s that?’ It was a fish.”

After working in a number of takeaways, he set up his own business in Barnsley, South Yorks., before opening a second branch in Wakefield, which has earned a place on the list.

And ten restaurants that stepped up to the plate have also been recognised, with the iconic Magpie Cafe in Whitby, North Yorks., making that list.

The seafront restaurant has been dubbed a “must visit” for patient tourists willing to put up with the long queues outside.

One diner gushed: “Simply the best seafood I’ve ever eaten, perfectly cooked, spiced and seasoned dishes served beautifully – a must-visit for anyone in Whitby. Yes, the line is long, but there’s a reason, and it’s worth it!”

It comes as the humble fish and chips – widely regarded as Britain’s signature dish –is under grave threat with up to half of the country’s 10,000 chippies at risk of closure this year.

The beloved dish, which even avoided rationing during World War II, has been seen as a luxury in recent times with prices and overheads continuing to rise.

But organisers say the annual Fry Awards – now in its 13th year – celebrate the incredible achievements of fish and chip shops nationwide. Reece Head said: “These shops have shown resilience, adapting to today’s challenges with remarkable dedication.

“At a time when inflationary pressures are being felt, these businesses continue to stay positive and prioritise their customers, maintain exceptional standards, and find innovative ways to keep fish and chips affordable.

“Whether served in a restaurant, a takeaway, or from a mobile unit, the Fry Awards prove that quality fish and chips can be enjoyed anywhere.”

All takeaways, restaurants, and mobiles that entered receive their mystery dining report, while winners also receive a plaque to proudly display in their shops.