You can’t beat a plate of classic British fish and chips after a long walk, wheel or cycle. But with so many options along the National Cycle Network, it can be hard to know where to go. With your help, we’ve put together a list of the best of the best to save you from decision fatigue after a fun day out and about.
With so many fish and chip shop options along the National Cycle Network, it can be hard to know where to go. Credit: Max Tillotson Home
In light of National Fish and Chip day, we asked members of our National Cycle Network Facebook group for their recommendations of some tried and tested chippies around the UK - and they delivered.
Here are just a few of the many fish and chip shops recommendations on or near to the Network that are worth pulling over for.
Dads Lane Fish Bar and Restaurant, Birmingham - Route 5
A stone’s throw from Route 5 in the south of Birmingham is Dads Lane Fish Bar and Restaurant.
Not only did Peter from our National Cycle Network Facebook group recommend it, but it's actually Tripadvisor’s highest-ranked chippy in Birmingham.
Dads Lane is more than a quick stop; it has a seating area inside so it's a great place to get some rest too.
They offer the traditional chippy fare, including curry sauce, and are known for their ‘crispy’ chips.
Five Star Fish Bar, Llandaff North, Cardiff – Route 8
Located just off Route 8, also known as the Taff Trail, is Five Star Fish Bar.
The takeaway restaurant, which boasts friendly staff, is a traditional chippy that serves good portions at decent prices.
Not only do they offer the usual fish and chips, but they also offer a variety of pies.
The Bay, Stonehaven, Scotland – Route 1
You'll find The Bay along a stretch of Route 1 on the Network, just south of Aberdeen.
This fresh and modern fish and chip shop has won national and international awards - so they must be doing something right.
It specialises in sustainable, local-sourced fish they stick to what they do best with a refined menu – including their award-winning fishcakes.
The Harbour Garden, Whitstable, Canterbury – Route 15
For more of an upmarket fare, The Harbour Garden is just the place.
More than just fish and chips, The Harbour Garden offers a variety of seafood, including oysters and crab.
Found on the north coast of Kent on the harbour of Whitstable you’re treated to some lovely al-fresco sea views while you eat.
It’s handily located by Route 15 - just off Route 1 - making it a great stopping point for plenty of rides.
Joanne, a member of our Facebook group, thinks it is a "joyous offering", so it’s clearly worth checking out.
Joanne, a member of our National Cycle Network Facebook group, called the food at The Harbour Garden, Whitstable, a "joyous offering". Credit: Joanne Warner
Port of Call, Hornsea – Route 66
Port of Call is the “best place to celebrate your completion of the Trans Pennine Trail”, according to Simon, a member of our Facebook group.
It’s located on the east coast, just north of Hull, Port of Call is also close to Route 1 and Route 66.
With seating inside and out, it also serves a wide range of ice cream, freshly made doughnuts and waffles for those wanting something sweet to wash down their chips; perfect after a long walk, wheel or cycle.
The Salthouse, Bangor, County Down, Northern Ireland - Route 93
Hailed the ‘Best Fish and Chip Shop of the Year’ in the annual Licensed & Catering News Awards in 2016, The Salthouse has been in Bangor, County Down for over twenty years.
It boasts a large menu, including options for children and meal deals, there’s something for everyone.
Plus, they put in the effort to look after the environment too by only sourcing their fish sustainably; reducing their food miles and using biodegradable and compostable packaging.
Fish and chips and a seaside view, does it get much better than that? Credit: Andy Li, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fish_and_chips_on_Brighton_beach_2023-05-23.jpg)
Stein's Fish & Chips, Padstow - Route 32
Following the largely traffic-free Camel Trail will take you finishes at the beautiful Padstow harbour, where Rick Stein’s Fish and Chips is your convenient post-ride treat.
Stein’s doesn’t just stick to the classics like cod and haddock, they also offer other species, like hake, sea bass and lemon sole.
There are gluten-free options and a couple of curry dishes as alternative options.
The Harbour View, Seaton Sluice, Whitley Bay - Route 1
Just north of Newcastle is The Harbour View, aptly named for its stunning coastal location.
This fish and chips shop and restaurant comes highly recommended with countless reviewers citing it as the best they’ve ever had, with some customers travelling rather far to visit.
Serving Icelandic cod and haddock fish they also offer a range of other meals including scampi, fish cakes, haggis and more.
Castle Fish & Chips, Criccieth, Wales - Route 8
For the traditional chippy experience at a reasonable price, Castle Fish & Chips is the place to go.
Found in the seaside town of Criccieth in Gwynedd, North Wales, it’s not far from Snowdonia National Park.
The family-run business has been running for over 25 years and is noted as being friendly, along with serving delicious food.
As Richard from our National Cycle Network Facebook group put it: “Sitting on the seafront, by the castle, after a day riding uphill and down dales (mostly uphill, or at least it felt it) through Snowdonia…glorious.”
Get in touch with our Storytelling team to share your recommendation.
