Good Friday is here - and for many Mancunians that means a chippy tea is in order.
While some associate the Easter break with consuming large amounts of chocolate, for others, standing in line for a fish and chip supper is a signal that the bank holiday weekend has truly begun.
Fortunately, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to chippies in these parts, in fact, we’ve got more of them than you can shake your salt and pepper grinders at. There’s family-run institutions where they know your order before you’ve even stepped up to the counter, and there’s the new kids on the block, throwing new-fangled tricks into the mix, happily proving us chippy evangelists wrong with every crispy morsel.
Read more: The best fish and chip shops in Greater Manchester
And while it might seem like humble fare to some, many of our favourites sit at the heart of Greater Manchester’s communities, providing much more than just battered cod and chips. But the truth is, like many hospitality businesses, they’re struggling right now.
Just last night, Peter Singleton, the owner of Oldham’s Jack Spratt’s, a chip shop he’s poured his heart and soul into for 25 years, closed his doors for good after his energy bills went from £8,000 a year to £27,000 a year almost overnight. “This isn’t just a chip shop, it’s a community centre,” he told us. “And I mean that strongly. This place is vibrant and alive.”
With this in mind, and with Good Friday fast approaching, we thought it was about time to show our region’s chippies some love. Earlier this week, we asked M.E.N readers to tell us why their local fish and chip shop is the best - and what makes it outshine the rest.
With the results in and the votes counted, we can reveal that the winner is Hill’s Fish & Chips in Middleton. The traditional chippy on Oldham Road has been run by the Hill family for over 20 years, and as you may have guessed, it’s held in very high esteem by its customers.
The spot, which is one of the top 10 most ordered from spots in all of Rochdale was commended for its “outstanding service” and “friendly” staff, who “always support the community". Many highlighted how even amidst the cost-of-living crisis owner John is keeping prices down by offering deals, discounts and giveaways where he can.
One person who voted for Hill’s said: “The food is just TO DIE FOR. The fish is the best fish I’ve ever had…. And the fact they have BATTERED chip muffins?… Need I say more!”
While another added: “Amazing food and amazing staff who help out for people and families who are unable to afford chippy meals - fantastic deals at half price. It’s a little luxury for our families.”
Others raved about their homemade cheese and onion pie, “phenomenal” batter bap, “amazing” curry sauce, and “perfectly crispy” batter.
But, the entry that seemed to sum it up best read: “There is a reason why you have to queue up outside come rain or shine to get served and that is the food. Good Fridays are a sight for any passing motorist as they see the queue snaking to the end of the block.
“The food is always served with a smile and jovial joke if you’re a regular. Portions are massive and John’s homemade cheese and onion pie is the best. My mate lives in Stockport and calls in especially for the pie, making his 20 mile round trip for it.”
There was no question that we had to try it. So, with little hesitation I headed to Middleton to see what all the hype was about. Parking up on Kenyon Lane, the smell of fresh fish and chips wafted through the air - a sure sign as any that I was in the right place.
After navigating a tricky road junction, which at one point had me cursing up into the sky above, and getting stuck at a seemingly broken traffic light, I finally made it to Hill’s. A tiny and compact building, it was impressive to see just how many orders they were pumping out from this tiny space.
In the alley next to the shop, a number of Uber Eats drivers waited for their delivery to be ready, while inside a slick team took orders, bagged up steaming hot portions of fish and chips and had a good natter with their regulars. A couple of signs were warming to see especially one plastered against to the back of the til asking customers to vote for them in the M.E.N's 'chippy search'.
The other was flagging their brand new steak and onion pie, which after peering over the counter to have a good look at, I knew I had to have. Perusing the menu on the wall, it was time to get down for business.
Over the last day, I've read a lot about their battered chip barm with peas, in fact I watched a video of someone cutting into one on TikTok more times than I would like to admit to. That said, I'm fairly certain I'll be back here - I've just got a feeling - so I keep it simple and get a large cod and chips (£7), mushy peas (£1.20), gravy (£1.20) and Chinese curry sauce (£1.20).
I know, that seems like a lot of sauce, but it was essentially my Good Friday chippy tea, so I pushed the boat out. In that spirit, the aforementioned steak and onion pie goes on the order too. It's worth adding that to keep things affordable, the chippy also offers a 'fish special' - a half potion of fish and chips plus a side for less than a fiver in store and £5.50 on Uber Eats. It's great for smaller appetites and the purse strings.
I waited fewer than ten minutes and my order was ready. Walking round the corner, I parked the goods down on a bench outside The Jolly Carter pub to snap those all important pictures while it was still golden hour. It wasn't exactly warm though, so post photo shoot it was back to car, seat pushed back and paper carefully unravelled.
The batter of the cod was positively glowing, with beautiful, crispy flecks I was happy to keep picking at with my fingers. I get a bit upset when I'm served more batter than fish, I can't help but feel short changed, but here the fish to batter ratio is spot on, and the cod itself is perfectly cooked.
The holy trio of gravy, peas and curry sauce are excellent, especially the latter, which I ended up covering the majority of my chips with. It didn't take long before I was full, but I'd left just the right amount to test out the pie.
Searching through the bag, I couldn't find it and a wave of anxiety hit me - I'll have to cross that road again. Like a woman on a mission though, I sprinted back to the chippy and politely asked for my pie. You could tell they're lovely people from just how apologetic they were and the offer of some free chips - I declined but it was a nice gesture.
Back at the car, I'm glad to say the punters were right, the pies are brilliant. I know it's often about the filling - which is beautifully seasoned in this case - but the real winner was the pastry.
When I'm given a recommendation for somewhere new to eat, I'm always slightly wary, most likely because I'm little fussy. In the case of Hill's though, the reviews were too good to ignore. It might have been an hour-round trip from Stockport, but it was most certainly worth the drive.
Read more:
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Award-winning Greater Manchester chippy named among the best in the UK
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