Bristol Crowned the UK’s Fish and Chips Capital, Outshining Traditional Seaside Towns

Fish and chips have long been more than just a popular meal in Britain—they are a cherished symbol of the nation’s history and culture. From humble beginnings in London’s East End over 200 years ago, this beloved dish has become a culinary icon, famously sustaining the British public during wartime rationing and comforting soldiers before battle.

At its peak, the UK boasted around 35,000 ‘chippies’ spread across the country, serving millions of customers each year. Today, however, one surprising city near Somerset is leading the pack. Bristol has emerged as the nation’s fish and chips capital, outshining even the most famed coastal towns in recent research conducted by Betway.

Thanks to its prime location on the Bristol Channel, the city enjoys easy access to fresh seafood, which has helped it cultivate a diverse and thriving fish and chip scene. Expectations for this heritage dish have only grown, with pubs and restaurants across Bristol expanding their menus to showcase innovative takes on the classic meal.

Pioneering chefs like Heston Blumenthal have also elevated the humble chip to new heights, inspiring culinary creativity and reputation for excellence. Betway’s study highlighted Bristol’s impressive variety—with 149 different fish and chip offerings, including vegan options—scoring an outstanding 60.6 out of 80 in categories such as menu diversity and customer feedback on social media.

The city’s fish and chip shops are also celebrated for their visual appeal, perfect for food lovers eager to capture the moment on Instagram. Among them, Mario’s Fish Bar in Kingswood stands out, earning a near-perfect rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars and being named Bristol’s finest chippy.

Betway heralds Bristol as “the ideal spot to enjoy fish and chips with a stunning view,” cementing its newfound status as the ultimate British destination for this quintessential dish.