When you come home from work on Friday to an empty fridge, there are a few better options than a trip down to the chippy. In Nottingham there are a range of award-winning shops serving some of the best fish and chips, pies, and kebabs.
And sitting at second place in TripAdvisor's ratings for restaurants in the city is the Oakdale Chippy in Bakersfield. With more than 160 reviews placing it as a 5-star meal, we had to give it a try.
I'm not a huge chippy fan, preferring pizza and curry usually when deciding to get a takeaway. But according to the reviews for Oakdale Road shop, if any fish and chip shop could change my opinion it would be the Oakdale Chippy.
Read more: Soaring costs 'knocking enjoyment' out of running Nottinghamshire fish and chip shop
There was a good variety on the menu, with your standard fish, pies, kebabs being served as well as vegetarian and vegan options. But after a while of not going to a chippy I decided it was safest to stick to the classic, ordering a large battered cod, a medium portion of chips and a fish cake for good measure - totalling at £10.
Things looked promising as I removed the chip wrapper and found the portions to be just what I expected. The battered cod was sizable and I have to admit I did not finish all of the chips despite it being a medium portion.
As I tucked in I realised why the chippy had been praised by almost every reviewer, the cod was crispy but fresh and tasty inside of the batter. And the chips, which I usually don't really take to, were just right with the precise balance of salt and vinegar not being overpowering.
I quickly ate the cod and then made my way though the large box of chips, with the meal being moreish and filling. As I got to the half way point with the chips I made the decision to tackle the fish cake before I was too full to continue.
And in keeping with the rest of the satisfying meal the fish cake was lovely, it had the right texture and like the cod was five star worthy taste wise.
Overall for £10, the high ratings given by other customers seem spot on and I was a happy customer. For a long time I had neglected fish and chips when opting for a treat, but I might have to pay Oakdale Chippy a few visits if this meal was anything to go off.
Other customers had previously taken to TripAdvisor's website to leave glowing reviews of the food and friendly staff at the chippy.
One reviewer said: "Always a pleasure visiting this chippy staff are lovely and food is amazing. Would recommend to anyone."
"It’s obvious why Oakdale chippy has been rated No.1! Quality food, loads of variety and it helps the owners and staff are so friendly and accommodating. We couldn’t recommend Oakdale Chippy enough!" Another happy customer added.
A pleased chippy-goer said: "Absolutely stunning fish, chips, kebab and pie! Great service! Would definitely recommend and will most definitely be going back."
It comes as chip shop owners in Nottinghamshire recently told Nottinghamshire Live that they are up against it as prices continue to rise. Everything from the cost of packaging to peas and flour to fish has rocketed - and now a sunflower oil shortage is bumping up prices even more.
