It’s Good Friday (March 29), meaning some people will be heading to their favourite fish and chip shop this evening.
With so many eateries to choose from in Lancashire it can be hard to decide which site to visit for the Easter bank holiday tradition.
Luckily for people in Lancashire, the borough is home to several award-winning establishments.
Here are some of the award-winning fish and chip shops you should consider trying:
1. Westend Fish and Chip Shop, Oswaldtwistle
Earlier this month Fry Magazine, a trade communication outlet for the fish and chip industry, revealed its 50 best fish and chip takeaways and Westend Fish and Chips was mentioned.
It was the only site in Lancashire to have been featured.
According to co-owner Deryn Regan, mystery diners gave the flavour and texture of the fish and chips a perfect 100 per cent rating.
Deryn said the fish and chip shop is firmly established within the community.
She said: “As a team we have a laugh and joke with our customers and each other.
"We also like to be involved in our community too, we know about our customers and support them.
"We take food to our elderly customers and will even take them some extra milk over if they need it.
“We really are part of the community.”
It was also named as a finalist in the National Fish and Chip Awards, last year.
2. Castle Chippy, Clitheroe
This fish and chip shop was recently named best food and drink business at the Ribble Valley Business Awards.
A spokesperson for the business said: “We are grateful for all the support from our staff and customers.
“A huge congratulations to all the other winners and finalists and a massive thank you to the sponsors, and organisers for making this an exceptional event.”
For a limited time, the business is selling deep-fried Cadbury Creme Eggs which a spokesperson said is popular among some customers – but they are only around for the Easter period.
3. Country Fried, across East Lancashire
This mobile fish and chip shop might be on wheels but it is very much deserving of a mention.
The business was also shortlisted in the best food and drink category and also made it to the final five for the beacon award, which is given to the local business that is, in the opinion of the judging panel, the best entry across all categories.
Helen said customers have high praise for the business, often leaving five-star reviews.
“We are a family-run business that puts our customers first,” she said.
“We get so many positive comments from customers, who often leave five-star reviews, praising the customer service and great food.
“Some say we serve the best fish and chips they’ve ever had.”
At the end of 2022, the business was shortlisted for a National Fish and Chip Award, making it to the top five in the mobile category.
Coronation Street fans may have also recognised the business’ van after it appeared on an episode of Coronation Street in 2021.
Today, their fish and chip van will be located at ABC Memorial Hall, Hurst Green, from 12pm – 3pm, then it will be at Langho FC, Dewhurst Road, from 5pm-8pm.
4. The Haven, Lytham St Annes
Last year The Times revealed the best fish and chip shops across the UK and The Haven was mentioned.
The Haven was praised for its restaurant that’s accessible via “a side door behind the deep fryer”, and is the perfect place to stop by if you are planning a bank holiday trip to the coast.
The Times said: “It’s worth seeking out this charming backstreet chippy off Lytham St Annes’ South Prom.
"It’s not the perfectly battered fish, nor that they serve the best chips I’ve tasted on my entire circumnavigation of the coast.
“It’s because a side door behind the deep fryer leads to a tiny, 24-cover restaurant with walls covered in framed prints of whimsical art, a dresser presenting interesting specimens from the Franklin Mint commemorative plate collections, and a cuckoo clock.
“It’s cash-only and they also sell black pudding fritters. While devouring your 1940s-style supper, you might remark that if the Haven existed in Nice or Naples it would be in all the guidebooks. Cod and chips £6.20.”
The chippy is also praised on Tripadvisor and you can see all its reviews on the website.
It has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 from 77 reviews.
One reviewer wrote: “Found by accident and what a stroke of luck. Amazing prices lovely staff and 10/10 for food. If we come back to the area its on the list.”
Another said: “Recently under new management this is a gem of a fish and chip shop/restaurant. Fantastic service, Sophie is a star, beautifully prepared and fired fish and chips. Papa does the cooking. One of the best fish and chip shops in the country.”
5. The Contented Sole Fish and Chips, Walton-Le-Dale
This chippy, on Hennel Lane, was named best fish and chip shop in Lancashire at the England Business Awards.
At the time, a spokesperson for the chippy said: “Sending a massive thank you to all our customers who voted for us.
“Absolutely blown away by all of your support, and we couldn’t have done it without you.
“Also, a massive shout out to my team that serves you each week and to past members of staff who help cover when I’m short staffed. You are all legends! Well done.”
The restaurant has a perfect rating on TripAdvisor.
One reviewer said: “By far and away the best chippy I know, anywhere in the region. The food is faultless, fresh, delicious well presented.
“You can tell the owners take pride in sourcing quality ingredients.”
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