Town crowned UK’s ‘chippy capital’ with 93 fish and chip shops | UK | Travel
Folk living in this coastal haven understand perfectly what it’s like having exceptional fish and chip takeaways practically on every corner – they’re absolutely everywhere.
Following thorough analysis by Suomikasinot, Britain’s chippy capital has been revealed by calculating how many establishments operate per 10,000 inhabitants. Scarborough emerged victorious, boasting the nation’s highest density of fish and chip shops, cementing its status as a must-visit location for genuine food enthusiasts, according to findings.
It comes as little shock that a seaside locale topped the rankings, but during the study period, Scarborough was home to a remarkable 93 fish and chip outlets. Local residents enjoy an embarrassment of riches, with a fish retailer positioned on nearly every street, and it’s precisely this feature that attracts numerous tourists to the region.
Claiming TripAdvisor’s coveted number one position for delectable seafood is the Lifeboat Fish Bar. Frequently witnessing queues snaking outside, this traditional family-owned establishment sits along the seafront, adjacent to the lifeboat station.
A delighted patron commented: “Looked on TripAdvisor for the best-rated fish and chips shop in Scarborough, and this was the one. We arrived just after it opened at 12pm and were so glad we did, as we were lucky to get a table. (People started queuing outside.)”.
“The food was delicious; the light bite of fish and chips was the perfect size, and the kids’ portions weren’t far off. Great price, service and food. Will definitely go again.”
Another highly regarded venue is Catch 55, serving as both a sit-down restaurant and takeaway option, and featuring prominently among the town’s top fish and chip establishments.
One recent diner remarked: “Friendly welcome to the restaurant; immensely enjoyed our fish and chips and local beers. The homemade tartare sauce was delicious, accompanied by haddock cooked to perfection. The restaurant being clean and tidy made this a pleasurable experience – thank you we will be back!”.
Beyond its impressive array of chip shops, Scarborough presents numerous attractions for those seeking a coastal retreat. The beach alone serves as a major draw for British holidaymakers eager to enjoy the sunshine, and justifiably so – its vast sandy expanse provides stunning panoramas.
Those same panoramas can be admired from an elevated vantage point aboard the Observation Ferris wheel. Standing at 105 ft tall, the wheel is complemented by an 18-hole mini golf course, ideal for families seeking entertainment before indulging in their fish and chips.
One visitor described their beach experience, noting: “Lovely beach in a traditional old English seaside town. Clean sand and all facilities close by – bars, chip shops, amusements, toilets, seaside stuff, etc. Very picturesque and photogenic place.”
Coming in at second place as a hotspot for fish and chip shops is East Lindsay, a district home to popular seaside resorts such as Skegness and Mablethorpe. Despite boasting 89 chippies in total, it falls just short of the top spot, with an estimated ratio of one shop per every two miles of coastline.
The bronze medal goes to another beloved seaside destination, Blackpool, which hosts a grand total of 84 chip shops. The research revealed that the majority of the top-ranking locations are coastal towns, capitalising on their access to fresh seafood. However, inland towns like Rossendale and Burnley also made the list.








