The UK’s ‘best fish and chip shop’ with 104-year-old magic recipe

A little-known fish and chip shop that’s not in a seaside town has been ranked among the best in the UK – and it has a 104-year-old recipe.

Belfast’s oldest fish and chip shop, John Long’s Fish & Chips, was recently ranked by The Times as the best fish and chip shop in the UK.

Located on Athol Street, just a few yards from the Grand Opera House, this hidden treasure is considered to be one of the city’s top seven wonders. It beat rivals in Cornwall, Anglesey and Aberdeen to reach the top spot.

For over a century, locals have flocked to John Long’s for their iconic fish supper, featuring the freshest fish from Kilkeel. Renowned for its light, crispy batter, the recipe has not changed in 104 years and continues to reel the locals in.

The shop is also famous for its homemade traditional pasties, a classic Belfast staple made of battered minced pork with onions and potatoes.

John Long, originally a grocer, converted his shop to sell fish and chips in 1914. At the time, Athol Street was a bustling area, populated by linen mills and workers.

A 100 years and only two owners later, Long’s remains a Belfast institution, continuing to serve the city with pride.

Walter Titrington took over in the 1970s, moving the shop a few yards to its current location. In 1996, the chippy was bought by its current owner, John Copeland.

In an interview with Belfast Live, Copeland said: “24 years ago, Belfast didn’t have any takeaway places.

“Around here, there was a lot more housing, a lot more trade. On Friday nights there used to be a queue around the corner.

“Things have changed over the years, everything was knocked down, then you had all the takeaway places opening.”

He added: “We’ve had to adapt to keep things going but haven’t changed much.

“We still sell the traditional fish and chips – fresh fish, fresh chips. That’s what the public are looking for.”

For £11, visitors can enjoy a fresh battered fish supper that has earned high praise not only from Belfast residents but also from celebrities, including Eamonn Holmes and the Game of Thrones cast..

Long’s has also featured in TV shows like Derry Girls, Mrs Wilson, and Dublin Murders, further cementing its status as a cultural icon.

So if you love a good chippy, John Long’s Fish & Chips is a must-visit destination in Belfast. Reel in a great meal and experience a piece of the city’s history.