It's Friday, it's National Fish and Chip Day, and that means only one thing - a chippy tea. What better excuse to indulge in one of Britain's favourite dishes?
The biggest day in the fish and chip calendar honours everyone from chippies to restaurants and fishermen to farmers who provide the ingredients to create this family favourite.
Everyone has their favourite chip shop but some names crop up time and time again, so we know they must be good. Our recent reader poll to find Nottinghamshire's top chippy has revealed the following results:
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Bestwood Fisheries
Serving up flaky white fish with crispy batter and golden chips - there's no question about the quality of food at Bestwood Fisheries. But it's not just about providing a first-class takeaway to customers at the family business in Arnold Road, Bestwood.
A smile and a bit of banter goes a long way with regulars, who have catapulted it to the top of our poll to celebrate the county's best chippy. Owner Antoni Tsiolas and manager George Keliris go the extra mile to keep everyone happy.
Always cheerful, always helpful and always good food is how one customer summed it up in a five star review. One woman left a touching message: "Such lovely friendly people. Food is the best by far. I ordered online to collect stating that my husband was in hospital and if possible could his food go in a box so I could take it to him a bit easier.
"Was no problem at all and even added a couple of things for him. Thank you so much. Just goes to show no matter how ill you are a Bestwood Fisheries is sometimes all you need need."
Another happy customer said: "Absolutely amazing food and 5* customer service. Gave my son a bottle of Prime and wished him luck through his GCSEs. You made his day, thank you so much your kindness goes a long way."
A dad, who is a regular, commented: " I order a lot from here, no1 chippy around. It's been in the Post a lot, best food, kids love it and I'm ordering tonight, it's my Friday place to go. Outstanding staff all up for a laugh and a chat. All the food I've had is amazing, I am going through all the menu slowly but honestly the food is on point, so Ant and all the staff keep up the amazing work."
And even when things go wrong and there's a complaint they do their best to put it right. When one man complained about "soggy refried chips" they responded with an apology, adding: "We would love the opportunity to rectify this, many chip shops are struggling at the moment with potato quality. I can assure that we never re-fry chips. if you would like to contact us to sort this out we would love the opportunity show you our usual high standards."
To celebrate National Fish and Chip Day, Bestwood Fisheries are giving away a free sauce with every large portion of fish and chips or a can of pop with medium fish specials. A family bundle that would normally cost more than £21 has been slashed to £9.99 today (Friday, June 2).
Cod's Scallops
The restaurants and takeaways in Carrington, Wollaton and Wilford, all get the nod of approval from readers as well judges on a national scale, who previously honoured them with the crown for the UK's best chippy. No chippy in the county offers as many different kinds of fish. As well as cod, there's mackerel, tuna, sea bass, salmon, lobster, crab and many more.
One woman, who visited the Carrington shop, in Mansfield Road, said: "This chippy has got a great reputation for a reason! We decided to sit in and eat and the service was great, lovely staff members, the price is perfect for what you’re ordering. Good selection of drinks too. I had the small battered cod, chips and curry sauce and the portion sizes are amazing."
A customer at the Wollaton chippy, in Bramcote Lane, gave a glowing review; "Ordered online which was clear and easy, went to collect at the time told and when arrived food was ready to go. Also also worth mentioning the staff are very friendly and accommodating. All food was amazing and very tasty. We have used the Wollaton branch numerous times before and they never disappoint, I would definitely recommend The Cod’s Scallops."
The Jolly Fryer
Part of the same family as Bestwood Fisheries, run by Antoni's brother Theo, it has just as good a reputation with chippy fans in the north of the county. The food and service at this takeaway in Low Moor Road, is the best in Kirkby-in-Ashfield, according to customers.
One man said: "Food is great , but mainly go for the entertainment that Theo provides." Another agreed: "I've been having food from here about a year-and-a-half and in that time outstanding food and fantastic attitude from the staff especially the boss. They will always go the extra mile , you can't beat all that in my opinion."
The chippy offers gluten-free options, which are popular. "Where else can you get gluten free every day? Their whale-sized fish is honestly some of the best I've had. Really nice staff too. Highly recommended," commented one reviewer.
Apollo Fish Bar
The chippy, in Burton Road, Carlton, was taken over in 2018 by Liz and Dean Thraves when the previous owner retired. Dean, who has been in the industry for over 25 years, knows the secret to creating the perfect chip - crispy on the outside and fluffy inside. There's often a queue - but it's worth the wait.
One customer, who said she's a fan of Yorkshire's Wetherby Whaler and has exceptionally high standards, is equally impressed by the portion size and quality at the Apollo. She said: "I was amazed that it took me a good 40 minutes to eat my food. The fish was crispy and pure white throughout, not greasy but just right. The chips were well cooked and fluffy in the middle, which shows a perfect cook. Mushy peas were delightful and I thoroughly enjoyed my meal. The people in the shop were polite and well spoken, enquiring where I was walking to, so overall, yes I would return."
Then there was this top review: "Just had the best fish and chips in the NG4 area without a doubt, the fish was huge more like whale and chips. Dean, the new owner is a nice bloke and even if he was rushed still had time for a chat and a laugh.
"Please try this little unassuming chippy you will not be disappointed, loads of different stuff to choose from even got Yorkshire fish cakes (don't ask me but sound nice) must go now, I have a serious food baby."
Ruddington Fish Bar
In fifth place is the chippy serving "the best fish and chips in Nottingham" according to one satisfied customer. "If you want seaside fish and chips without the travel then this is the place," they said about the village takeaway in Church Street.
Haddock or cod is served with golden chunky chips that are twice fried. If you don't want the wait, click and collect is an option or you can have your take-out delivered to home. A chippy fan, who did just that, said: "Really enjoyed my meal tonight and great staff and delivered early for me."
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