Whether the sun’s blazing or there’s a chill wind coming off the water, nothing beats sitting by the sea with a paper parcel of fish and chips balanced on your knees.
Britain’s coastline is dotted with chippies that have been serving the same simple meal for generations, some in cosy Formica-lined rooms and others in smart dining rooms with sea views stretching out in front of you. Here’s a full round-up of 26 spots worth the trip, gathered while touring the coast for our annual beaches guide.
No1 Cromer, Norfolk
This spot in Cromer covers all bases with an upstairs restaurant serving oysters and lobster, a sit-down chippy, and a takeaway counter round the side. Queues build fast for all three, so make sure you get there early, especially if you fancy the haddock and chips with a view of the pier.
Golden Grid, Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Scarborough has three historic chippies under the same ownership, but the Golden Grid stands out thanks to its grand old decor and homemade tartare sauce. Dogs are welcome downstairs, while the upstairs tables look out over the harbour and West Pier.
Sblash Fish Bar, Aberdaron, Gwynedd
Set just behind the beach, this family-run spot serves fish caught by the owner himself, with crab cakes and battered lobster tails on the menu if you get there early enough. Cod, haddock and hearty portions of chips are always on hand if the specials have sold out, and a local IPA makes a fine pairing.
The Fish Works, Largs, North Ayrshire
Right by the ferry pier in Largs, this hugely popular chippy sources its fish from day boats and its langoustines from local waters. Alongside the award-winning fish and chips, look out for battered langoustines, a haggis fritter, or a box of crab-loaded chips with lemon mayo.
Creel & Reel, Bamburgh, Northumberland
Operating from a food truck near Bamburgh Castle, this spot goes well beyond the usual chip shop menu, serving dishes like cod en papillote with chorizo ragu and whole turbot in Thai-style butter. The signature fishy fries, made with smoked haddock in cheese sauce over chips, are well worth trying.
Pier Point Bar and Restaurant, Torquay, Devon
Floor-to-ceiling windows and a marina-side setting make sunset here feel like something out of a much warmer country. It’s equally good for a sit-down meal, an outdoor table, or takeaway straight to the beach, and it was named Fish and Chip Shop of the Year at the Fishermen’s Mission Awards in 2025.
The Kimberley Inn, Findhorn, Moray
Describing itself as a seafood pub, this spot has a crackling log fire, stone and wood panelling, and views across the Moray Firth. Outside tables come into their own on a sunny day, especially when loaded up with seafood platters, vegan haggis fries and a round of ales.
Marlboro Restaurant, Weymouth, Dorset
Now run by the third generation of the same family, this Weymouth institution has kept its green façade and retro font since opening in 1974. The menu has grown to include crab cakes and tempura mackerel alongside the classics.
Giacopazzi’s, Eyemouth, Scottish Borders
This harbourside spot mixes battered haddock with a dose of Italian charm, right down to the pastel-coloured gelato sundaes on offer for pudding. The “Fish Tea” comes with tartare sauce, a pot of tea and bread and butter, a real throwback to how things used to be done.
Aldeburgh Fish & Chips, Aldeburgh, Suffolk
Frying in beef dripping since 1967, this spot has two locations on the high street, both turning out fish with a satisfyingly crisp batter. The windswept beach nearby makes an unbeatable spot for a picnic once you’ve got your parcel in hand.
Whelans Fish Restaurant, Lytham St Annes, Lancashire
Families are well looked after here, with a dedicated kids’ room complete with mini tables and a bargain menu at £7. For the best setting, though, head to Lytham Green nearby and eat by the windmill overlooking the Ribble Estuary.
The Wee Chippy, Anstruther, Fife
Overlooking the Firth of Forth and a seaweed-strewn beach, this family-owned chippy has been going since 1999 and draws a loyal crowd, especially on Friday nights. Nearly everything on the menu is sourced from within Scotland, and gluten-free options are always available.
Harbour Lights, Falmouth, Cornwall
Right on Customs House Quay, this waterfront spot has uninterrupted sea views and a queue to match its popularity. Standouts include Cornish hake, fizz and chips with a glass of prosecco on the side, and crispy calamari with chips for anyone getting a takeaway.
Finney’s, Benllech, Anglesey
Popular for click-and-collect fish suppers, this spot has perfected a naturally gluten-free batter for its haddock over the years. The homemade sides, including onion rings, coleslaw, and cheesy pea fritters are a good choice alongside your main if you’re extra hungry.
Colmans Seafood Temple, South Shields, Tyne and Wear
Set within a striking art deco seafront pavilion, this spot has been run by the same family since 1926. The restaurant serves Lindisfarne oysters and a crab and scallop lasagne, while the takeaway counter wraps up haddock, fishcakes and even prawn tacos.
Les and Rita’s Fish Bar, Rhyl, Denbighshire
Little has changed here since chip suppers first started being served 55 years ago, right down to the vinyl booths and Formica tables. A sit-down order of fish, chips, mushy peas and bread is the way to go rather than taking it away.
The Rocketeer, North Berwick, East Lothian
Set inside an old coastguard station overlooking a tidal pool, this spot is perfectly placed to catch the freshest fish landed at North Berwick harbour. It works equally well as a neighbourhood chippy or a proper seafood restaurant, serving local lobster and crab alongside the usual haddock and chips.
French’s Fish Shop, Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk
Running since 1921 and now in its fourth generation of family ownership, this quayside shop draws steady queues that speak for themselves. Most locals eat their cod and chips across the road on the quayside, though a sit-down option with a view can be found a couple of doors down.
The Haven, Lytham St Annes, Lancashire
Tucked down a backstreet off the South Prom, this cash-only spot has a tiny 24-cover dining room decked out with quirky prints and a cuckoo clock. Black pudding fritters are on the menu alongside the classics, and the whole place has a wonderfully old-fashioned feel.
Bennett’s Fish & Chips, Weymouth, Dorset
One of two chippies locals in Weymouth actually agree on, this sky-blue takeaway sits on the Melcombe side of the harbour. It uses recyclable cardboard packaging and, for anyone feeling nostalgic, still does a spam fritter.
Morton’s, Ballycastle, County Antrim
Run by two brothers whose family has fished from Ballycastle harbour for more than a century, this little shed-like spot began as a way to diversify when supermarkets threatened the family fishing business. It’s takeaway only, but picnic tables round the back make it easy to eat with a harbour view.
East Coast, Musselburgh, East Lothian
Run by a couple with deep roots in the chip trade, this spot blends Italian heritage with classic seaside fare. The restaurant menu leans into dishes like crab crostino and lobster spaghetti, while the takeaway sticks closer to home with cod, haddock and twice-cooked chips.
Steel’s Corner House Restaurant, Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire
A mock-Tudor spot just back from the pier, this chippy has served a pot of tea and bread and butter alongside its fish suppers since opening in 1946. The pudding list, featuring trifle, treacle sponge and spotted dick, adds an old school finish to the meal.
Fraser’s, Penzance, Cornwall
Sister restaurant to Harbour Lights in Falmouth, this spot takes sustainability seriously, buying only fish caught or farmed under strict environmental guidelines. The owners publish exactly where their fish comes from, so look out for pollock or hake landed just down the coast in Newlyn.
Fish Cottage, Sandsend, North Yorkshire
This is less chippy, more seafood restaurant, with marine-blue tiled walls and real cutlery on every table. Alongside cod and haddock and chips, there are oysters, a Whitby crab cocktail, and a fish tacos option, plus a takeaway hatch for anyone in a hurry.
Lewis’s Fish Restaurant, Seahouses, Northumberland
Just 70 metres from its main rival on the same street, this spot holds its own with locals split fairly evenly on which is better. If price is the deciding factor, Lewis’s tends to come in about a pound cheaper on cod and chips.
Making the most of a coastal chip supper
Wherever you end up, the formula rarely changes much: fresh fish, a decent batter, chips cooked until golden, and a view of the sea to go with it. Bring a Jack Russell if you’re worried about seagulls, and don’t be shy about asking locals which chippy they’d actually queue for, since that’s usually the best guide of all.
