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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Paige Freshwater

UK's best fish and chip shop revealed - we visited to try 'unique batter formula'

Everyone claims their local chippy is the best - but there is only one who can legitimately claim that coveted title.

Whiteheads Fish and Chips in East Yorkshire won 2023 UK Fish and Chip Shop of the Year at the National Fish and Chip Awards in London.

The family-run business, in Hornsea, managed to batter the competition, beating more than 10,000 rival chippies throughout the UK.

But what is so special about Whiteheads? The food? The service? The setting?

After hearing about their win, I ventured down to give their award-winning fish and chips a try - and it quickly became clear to see why they came out on top.

Whiteheads Fish and Chips has been crowned the 2023 UK Fish and Chip Shop of the Year (Daily Mirror)

Located on The Greenway, the fish and chip shop provides customers with an option to dine in at their restaurant or take their order away to enjoy elsewhere.

I opted to take it away but soon regretted this decision when it started to throw it down.

At a cost of £10.05, I strongly believe this is one of the best haddock and chip dishes I have ever eaten thanks to the light yet crispy batter and chunky fish and chip duo.

The ratio between fish and batter was perfect - as sometimes you end up with more batter than fish, making you wonder why you even bothered.

The shop uses their own flour - and it took three months for them to perfect the recipe, which is obviously a secret.

Whiteheads Fish and Chips, on The Greenway, Hornsea (Daily Mirror)

When ordering a takeaway, the fish and chips is served up in a cardboard box rather than paper, which makes it much easier to eat, in my opinion.

There was no grease left behind in the box at the end - with the overall dish leaving you feeling nice and full, rather than bloated from eating fast food.

During my visit, I congratulated owner Geoff Whitehead on his win, with him saying: "It's absolutely fantastic for us and it's fantastic for the town as well.

"I'd also like to say it's going to be amazing for Yorkshire. Yorkshire has got another champion - and I believe Yorkshire is the capital of fish and chips."

Geoff Whitehead, owner of Whitehead Fish and Chips in Hornsea (Daily Mirror)

Geoff opened Whiteheads Fish and Chips in 1997 with his mum, Hazel, as his business partner - and has been blown away by the support they have received throughout the years.

He added: "I don't think you can ever stop learning. We're always on the hunt for new things - better technology. I think we have reached the pinacol but we will always continue and strive to do the best we can."

Reviewing the chip shop on TripAdvisor, one customer said: "We had been on a boat trip on the Mere and someone asked for the best fish and chips in Hornsea.

"Whiteheads was the top recommendation. We went to try it and now fully understand why. Excellent fish beautifully cooked. Staff really good, nice restaurant area plus takeaway."

Inside Whitehead Fish and Chips in Hornsea (Daily Mirror)

Another added: "We had haddock and chips. It was freshly cooked to order. The batter was light and crispy and the fish was very fresh. The chips were also lovely. Can't fault it."

A third customer said: "This place is by far the best fish and chips I have ever had, excellent service, great portion sizes and lovely clean restaurant, we love coming here."

One more added: "We travel on a regular basis (eight people in total), on arrival the staff are very courteous and welcoming. The food was second to none, outstanding quality of food and quality of service."

Do you have a story to share? Email paige.freshwater@reachplc.com.

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