Stephen Peel has eaten at 120 fish and chip shops in the UK (Image: SWNS)
On a veritable odyssey dubbed the ‘Chippy Tour’, 62 year old Stephen Peel has dedicated himself, dining at an impressive two fish and chip shops weekly in a mission to uncover Britain’s premier chippies.
His gastronomic adventure was sparked by a desire to honour and preserve the quintessential British dish – fish and chips – amidst fears that the tradition could vanish as many shops are forced to shutter due to escalating costs.
Scoring these establishments on a scale of one to five, Stephen has meticulously judged each one based on customer service, cleanliness, presentation, and, crucially, the quality of the grub.
Top of the list for this seasoned connoisseur is Green Lane Chippy in Leigh, Lancashire, with The Old Forge Cafe in Bugle, Cornwall, coming in a close second.
According to Stephen, “I’ve tried quite a lot of chippies so far on this journey but it has never gotten old – I still look forward to eating them every single time.
“I just love a good old traditional fish and chips – there is nothing that beats it for me.”
He has maintained a simplistic approach to ratings, doling out scores up to five stars, ensuring an uncomplicated yet thorough evaluation process.
But Stephen’s reviews are comprehensive; he doesn’t stop at just appraising the food. The aura of the shop, client service, tidiness, accessibility, and aesthetic appeal all contribute to the overall score.
Stephen’s criteria for top marks are rigorous: “There is a lot that goes into getting a five star review – I also put a lot of pride into giving them.”
He adds, “All aspects of the experience affect the score – for instance how friendly the staff are as for me manners are important.
“How the shop is presented is also something I look out for too as I want to feel comfortable and welcome when I’m inside.
“Also those who sell other meals like kebabs and pizzas for instance alongside the chippy if the love for fish and chips doesn’t come first then it may affect the score.
“I’m sharing the joy and the history of these iconic places – I want to do it right.”
Stephen says to score a five it has to be “that good” people won’t be disappointed if they travel to visit it”.
The reviewer has said the chippy prices vary up and down the country.
He said: On average nationwide it cost around £10 for an average meal – up north it is a little bit cheaper as you normally pay £8 in my experience.
“But further down south you are looking to pay double the northern price.”
Chippy enthusiast Stephen embarked on his quest after his wife Susan’s barbershop was squeezed out by rising competition.
Residing in Penketh, Warrington, Cheshire, Stephen recalled: “It got me thinking, this surely can’t be the only business being affected.
“Fish and chips have always been my favourite since I was a lad.
“He quickly uncovered a significant decline in chippy shops, dropping from 30,000 to roughly 10,000 in the past three decades.
“It has become increasingly difficult for them to stay open with the raising prices.
“So I started The Chippy Tour to celebrate the iconic dish and to try my best to keep the buzz of having a chippy alive.”
He’s also sampled the UK’s most budget-friendly chippy – Mathews Chippy in Grimsby, Yorks, priced at a mere £3 – and he reckons it’s worth “a lot more” than its modest price tag.
Revealing his criteria for sublime fish and chips, he declared that the ultimate sign of satisfaction is an “empty tray and a full belly”.
Elaborating on what makes the perfect portion, he explained: “There is a freshness to the fish with no discolouration – for me it doesn’t matter if it is cod or haddock.
Stephen has been rating chippies based on their offerings (Image: SWNS)
“I have no preference on the colour of the batter but as long as it isn’t soggy underneath you are all good.
“It has to look fresh and clean – when you break open the batter there should be a sweet earthy smell.
“For the chips you are looking for the light golden colour.
“They need to be a little plump while crispy on the outside but not too firm in the middle but also not too overly soft – you are looking for the sweet spot.
“Finally I prefer it to cooked in beef dripping and not seeded oil – the flavours are much better this way.”
His top picks for accompaniments?
Sarsons vinegar and a curry sauce, without question.
Stephen has admitted that his journey has led him to several standout spots thus far.
Yet, it’s George A. Green Fisheries in Wakefield that has left the most lasting impression, earning his praise: “It has to go down as one of my all-time favourites-great food at great prices.”
Describing his experience, he said: “Encased within what resembles a crunchy protective shell was a succulent, fresh fillet of haddock.
“The fishcake, or Yorkshire fishcake, consisted of two tender slices of potato sandwiching delicious shredded fresh fish, once again enveloped in that crispy dark batter, cooked in beef dripping.
“Given the appeal of the batter and beef dripping, I couldn’t resist ordering a portion of scraps too.
“The potato scallops and the chips were equally delightful, with the chips boasting a buttery interior and a crispy exterior.
Stephen Peel has eaten at 120 fish and chip shops in the UK (Image: SWNS)
“The staff were pleasant and polite, contributing to the friendly atmosphere.
“The shop itself is clean and tidy, housed in a stand-alone building with tables and benches outside, and a large, free private car park at the rear.”
Among his other top picks is Wee Hurrie in Troon, Scotland, which he praised for its “incredible location right on a fishing harbour, so everything came out as fresh as could be”.
He also had high praise for Hooked@31 Fishguard, in South Wales, describing it as “incredible” not only for its “fantastic” food but also for its proximity to the harbour where you could savour your meal.
Stephen harbours a dream of sampling all the UK’s culinary delights one day.
He mused: “Wouldn’t that be wonderful if I could.
“I hope people continue to enjoy this lovely dish.”
Stephen’s top five chippies:.
1st Place – Green Lane Chippy – Leigh, Lancashire.
2nd Place – The Old Forge Cafe – Bugle, Cornwall.
3rd Place – Charlie’s of Mobberley – Mobberley, Cheshire.
4th Place – George A. Green Fisheries – Wakefield, Yorkshire.
5th Place – Hennighan’s, Machynlleth, Wales.