Located on the south coast of Cornwall, Falmouth is known for its maritime history,
eclectic arts scene and dynamic university population. It’s only
recently, however, that foodies have started putting it at the top
of their staycation hit list – and not least because of Arwenack
Street stalwart Harbour Lights, aka the 2019 Fish and Chip Shop of
the Year. Come for traditional-style cod and sweeping harbourside
views, but we warned: this place has an early closing time. Book a
table ahead to avoid missing out.

Any proper Londoner knows that Poppie’s is the best place in the
city to bag yourself a quality portion of fish and chips. London
lost a legendary chippie when its founder, born-and-bred Eastender
Pat “Pop” Newland, passed away recently, but his legacy lives on in
the restaurant group he founded – having worked his way all the way
up from starting out, aged 11, cutting up newspapers to wrap
takeaways in. Of the capital’s three thriving outposts – in
Soho, Camden and Spitalfields Market – the Old Compton Street
shop is our favourite. Taking inspiration from the 70s, the kitsch
decor features a Raleigh Chopper bike and a vintage jukebox. The
fish? Delivered daily from Billingsgate Market and prepared to
perfection by the talented in-house fishmonger, Salih.

Sustainable fishing methods are a priority at this Belfast-based
chippie, which fries up fish approved by the Marine Stewardship
Council – so no nasty Seaspiracy flashbacks. Set across two floors,
decor draws on a nautical theme: all lifebuoy-clad walls and
blue-washed panelling. Outside, you’ll find a spacious and inviting
courtyard, which makes for the perfect suntrap in the warmer
months. Serving gluten-free and veggie options, there isn’t much
this place doesn’t do, from tacos and linguine to burgers and
curry. We suggest starting with the salt-and-chilli squid, followed
by a hearty seafood chowder.

The brainchild of hotelier and chef-patron Eric Snaith, Eric’s
Fish & Chips first opened its doors in Thornham village in
2015. Its USP? Sensational homemade sauces and to-die-for
deep-fried sweet treats (think battered Oreos and Mars bars), which
have stolen the hearts of locals. After the successful opening of
two new locations, along with a wood-fired pizza restaurant, Eric’s
holds the crown for Norfolk’s best-loved hangout for top-notch
feasting. If the halloumi-and-spinach arancini is on the menu,
order it.

We’ve become a little bit obsessed with Pembrokeshire. Partly, for its coastal trails,
wildlife and golden beaches, but largely for its food culture. For
a true taste of the Welsh good life, we recommend making
Saundersfoot your base. You’ll want to make a daily pilgrimage to
Marina, on the harbour, where fresh grilled fish and crisp, salty
chips are served from noon until dark.Trying to behave yourself?
Grab a fish-stuffed salad.

Proof that simplicity is key, father-and-son Dave and Dan
Harding’s Angel Lane Chippie has collected 30 awards over the past
decade. Proudly housed in a building that’s been a fish house since
1928, this place is as old-school as they come. While it’s a long
way from fine dining, there’s beauty to be found in the small
details, from the pegboard menu to the sage-green facade and
shelves stacked with pickle jars. Love a good pasty? Don’t leave
without grabbing one of the flaky cheese and onion beauties. On the
move? Keep your eyes peeled for the Angel chippie van.

This Devonshire crowd-pleaser serves cod and haddock from
Norwegian and Icelandic waters, but also falafel burgers, jumbo
sausages and salads. On the hunt for gluten-free options? No
problem – there’s an entire dedicated menu for you. Nestled just a
stone’s throw from the harbour (the clue was in the name), these
chips are best enjoyed on the seafront.

Navy banquette seating, rope-strewn ceilings and black-washed
brick walls make for a stylish dining experience at Malt &
Anchor. Diners can expect all the comfort of a traditional menu,
but with a contemporary twist, with panko-coated calamari and
boutique beers having fast made this place a Cotswolds landmark.
For a laid-back lunch (and to avoid the evening rush hour), visit
for 1pm. Afterwards, take a wander around the town of Cirencester, a
historic market town packed with independent shops and
galleries.

Date night? This is where to go. Frying and grilling since 1961,
Seafresh is loved for its platters of Canadian lobster, seafood
chowder and steamed mussels. We suggest ordering the seafood heaven
option, designed to be shared between two. A divine assortment of
scallops, mussels, squid and king prawns, its title is well-earned.
If you’re not one for sharing, fear not: there are plenty of other
piled-high plates to choose from.

As the saying goes, “to taste proper seafood you have to be
beside the sea”, and this North Sea set-up is a case in point. With
just 52 seats, the quayside restaurant makes for an intimate
affair. As much as we love the bright and airy interiors, though,
there’s nothing better than eating fish and chips straight out of
the paper wrapping. Collect the goods and make a beeline for the
nearby harbour walls and breathe in lungfuls of the refreshing,
salty air as you feast.

Have you even been to Brighton without scoffing fish and chips? The short
answer would be no, the longer answer, we’d assume, includes a
squawking seagull or two. Bankers’ three stores might not be the
most design-driven of destinations, but their Iceland-sourced fish
and British-grown potatoes have seen them rule the Sussex
fish-and-chips scene for 90 years. We’ll be heading for the Hove
branch, and our order? The saveloy and chips, with an extra-large
serving of mushy peas – obviously.