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.