Fish and chips is one of the most iconic meals in the country and on national fish and chip day, Yorkshire had the honour of being named the best place in the country to enjoy this dish. The county was found to have 1700 fish and chip shops which is much more than any other county in the country according to data from the National Federation of Fish Friers. However, it’s not just numbers that favour the county, the area also hosts some of the best-known spots to enjoy fish and chips in the country including the Magpie Café in Whitby, the Wetherby Whaler and North Beach Fish and Chips in Bridlington.
Representatives from each of these spots were at the renowned Chelsea flower show last week where they showcased the tradition of seaside fish and chips. This was at the Welcome to Yorkshire garden. The chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, Sir Gary Verity said when speaking about Yorkshire that the region had the best to offer in the whole world when it came to fish and chips. He also expressed his delight at having some of the best friers in the region showcasing their work at their garden in Chelsea. He also added that when it came to ways of rounding off the half-term break, there was nothing that could top going out for some good, old-fashioned fish and chips.
The owner of The Magpie, Ian Robson, is hoping that they too will be able to go back to serving the popular delicacy in Whitby soon. His business has been closed for some time now after a recent fire. Fish and Chip shops in Yorkshire are visited by more than one fifth of the people in Yorkshire and more than half of those who visit these shops buy fish and chips that they then take home to eat as a family. It’s estimated that each year, at least 80% of the residents of this area will visit a fish and chip shop at least once.
Fish and chips first appeared in the 1860’s and by 1910 they were a fixture of the food industry in the UK. Traditionally, fish and chips consists of fried battered fish that is served with hot chips. The simple preparation, convenience and great taste make fish and chips one of the best fast foods around.