Two UK fish and chip shops both named UK’s ‘best’ just 0.3 miles apart

A seaside town in North Yorkshire is home to two of the best fish and chip shops in Britain – and they’re just metres apart.

The pairing of fish and chips has long been considered a British staple with the golden fried combo so deeply entrenched in our culture – and no more so than in Whitby.

Those looking for the most codtastic chippies should look no further than this seaside town where two fish and chip shops, just a six minute walk away, were named the UK’s best.

Earlier this year, Fry Awards announced The Magpie Café and Trenchers in Whitby as two of the prestigious top 10 and the Express.co.uk team spoke to both chippies about what makes their dishes so special.

Owned by Ian Robson and his wife Alison Slater since 1990, the Magpie Café has long been at the heart of Whitby with the chippy opening at their current location on Pier Road in 1939.

The Magpie Café isn’t a traditional fish and chip restaurant, while it offers all the chip shop classics, it also boasts a more extensive seafood menu. Starters include king prawn tails in garlic butter, calamari, poached salmon and homemade Whitby crab bisque.

Mr Robson believes their “quality” is what makes their chippy one of the best in Britain

He said: “I think the big thing is we only use fresh fish and fry the traditional way in beef dripping and always put quality first.

“Whitby has long been labelled the home of fish and chips, although I am sure other areas may disagree.

“Myself and Alison have owned the chippy since 1990, before us it was Alison’s Parents (mid 1960’s to 1990) and before them her grandparents (mid 1950’s to mid-1960’s).

Head chef Paul Gildroy first came to The Magpie aged 12 for a weekend job buttering bread. After leaving school he went to catering college in Scarborough and, after gaining experience in The Lake District, returned to The Magpie in 1993.

Situated on Whitby’s iconic harbour side a visit to the coastal town wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Trenchers on New Quay Road. With options including seafood salads, crab, lobster, fresh fish, homemade pies and lasagnes, the menu again offers more than the average chip shop and something for everyone.

Andrew Wilkinson, General Manager of Trenchers said the chippy are “thrilled to be named among the top 10 restaurants in the UK alongside the Magpie”.

He told Express.co.uk: “We are thrilled to be named among the top 10 restaurants in the UK alongside the Magpie.

“It’s a testament to the high standards and dedication present in Whitby’s culinary scene. Healthy competition drives us to continually improve and offer our customers the best possible experience.

“We’re proud to be part of a community that values quality and excellence in fish and chips.”

Mr Wilkinson believes the chippy’s staff is what sets Trenchers apart from others.

“The main thing that sets Trenchers apart is our staff, many of whom have worked here for decades”, said Mr Wilkinson.

He continued: “From our regulars to customers who were just visiting Whitby for the day, we receive hundreds of emails and messages on social media each week, expressing gratitude and praise for our team.

“Another thing that sets us apart is the quality of our product. Rather than cooking in vegetable oil, we use the more traditional method of frying in beef dripping. We also use locally-sourced, fresh produce to ensure the highest quality product.

“The quality of our product has earned us many prestigious awards throughout the years, including being named One of the Top 10 Fish & Chip Restaurants in the 2024 Fry Awards, One of the Top 10 Fish & Chip Takeaways in the 2024 Fry Awards and No.1 Fish & Chip Restaurant in the UK at The National Fish and Chip Awards 2019 (by Seafish and NFFF).”