When it comes to chippies, it is fair to say it is something the city of Leeds takes incredibly seriously.
From the multitude of options, to how vocally locals will defend their faves, if there’s something fishy you’ll undoubtedly get found out. Over Easter, we ran a poll asking our readers to come forward and celebrate their favourite Leeds chip shop.
The response was overwhelming and you might have seen Oceans, based in Cross Gates, beat off the competition and bagged top spot. On the recommendation of many, many hundreds of people it felt only right that we popped in for a lunchtime treat…just to put a little pressure on our readers and their decision.
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This might sound like an exaggeration but genuinely walking down Austhorpe Road, towards Oceans, the aroma of the chips in the distance almost made me glide through the air - like in the cartoons I used to watch as a child. Walking inside, during my Thursday afternoon visit, the bright and welcoming venue was relatively busy because of the lunchtime rush but getting served didn’t take too long at all.
On the menu, there’s the regular chip shop faves including an impressive range of fish, sausages, sandwiches and even mozzarella sticks. Sometimes, those chippies which do a bit of everything can end up being masters of none.
Although, thankfully, as many of you already know, this isn’t the case with Oceans. Firstly before we get to the food, I just wanted to say how lovely the staff were during my visit. For those dining in, like I did, the freshly prepared food was brought to the tables of the customers by those working in Oceans. Secondly, on their Facebook page, after being crowned best chippy in Leeds, the team were quick to thank their regulars and it was really quite sweet to see the staff remember the orders of their frequent customers during my lunchtime stop at Oceans.
Anyways, let’s get to the food and I’ll address the elephant in the room from the off. I didn’t have fish and chips, which I’m sure will be met by all kinds of varying head-scratching comments on this article and social media, as I was in the mood for something different and keen to show the variety on offer.
So, I plumped for chicken bites (£4.25) accompanied by a portion of chips (£2.10), so everyone can rest easy, and a side of gravy (£1.75). I know that came in nearing the £10 mark (with the addition of the £1.35 Coca-Cola can) but as an indulgent treat the quality was undeniable with a decent sized portion to boot.
I’m sure some might not appreciate the skill and quality required to make a chip shop so renowned and regular award-winners but the hard work and effort put in by the Oceans team is there for all to see. The chips, unapologetically smeared in gravy, were fluffy and delightful with the crispy chicken bites being dipped in every last drop which remained in the tub.
Not that you need this vindication but thanks LeedsLive readers for the tip - I appreciate it. I’m ashamed to say my visit this week was my visit to Oceans but I’ll be back again and again…I might even try the fish next time. To keep everyone happy.
Tell us the shops and restaurants you'd like to see open in Leeds by completing our poll. You can also do so here.
The bill
- One portion of chips - £2.10
- Chicken bites - £4.25
- Gravy side - £1.75
- Coca-Cola can - £1.35
Total: £9.60
Oceans, Austhorpe Road, Cross Gates, Leeds, LS15 8DX. To order call 0113 260 6671 or visit their website.
To find out the latest food and drink news from our city you can visit our Best in Leeds homepage. There you will also find a guide to great things to do in Leeds.
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