Here up North, there’s nothing better than getting a chippy in on a Friday night. And when we say chippy, we mean the proper nostalgic type that’s carefully bundled up in paper and absolutely smothered in salt and vinegar. To us, it’s the finest cuisine in all the land – and one we don’t need to be asked twice if we fancy one. Without further ado, here are our picks of the best fish and chips to try right here in Manchester.
1. Tony’s Chippy
Tony’s Chippy is a cult fave among city dwellers, and while unassuming from the outside, their fresh, traditional fish and chips have locals absolutely drooling. Mancs travel from far and wide for just a taste of their crispy batter, but for those lucky enough to live in the Ancoats or Manchester city centre area, you can order their fish and chips on JustEat and UberEats. Tony’s Chippy, 3 Piercy St, M4 7HY.
2. JJ’s Vish & Chips
Crossing the Pennines to provide Mancs with a vegan alternative to the traditional chippy, JJ’s Vish & Chips has set up shop in Ardwick, offering a 100% plant-based chippy – with vegan spins on dishes such as battered sausage and chips, fish and chips, spam fritters, scampi and even deep-fried mushy peas. The chippy also stocks nostalgic fizzy pop, too, including the iconic Dandelion & Burdock. Open Thursday-Monday every week, JJ’s Vish & Chips is available to order on Deliveroo, UberEats and Just Eat. JJ’s Vish & Chips, Unit 28, 1 Dark Lane, M12 6FA.
3. Sykes Fish and Chips
Based in Pendlebury, Sykes Fish & Chips is commonly referred to not only as one of the best chippies in the Salford area, but one of the top 50 in the UK, too. Ranking in the Fry Magazine top 50 UK fish and chip takeaways for 2023, the chippy is known for its lovely interior, as well as its fresh, traditional fish and chips which have often been described as perfectly battered and not too greasy. What more could you want? Sykes Fish and Chips, 596 Bolton Rd, Pendlebury, M27 4ET.
4. The Hip Hop Chip Shop
Not only is The Hip Hop Chip Shop creatively named, but it also serves up some seriously good grub. While it isn’t exactly the traditional chippy we’re used to, it’s a more gourmet approach to our favourite takeaway – and one that’s been well-received by Ancoats dwellers and city centre frequents. Expect fresh, battered fish, skin-on chunky chips, curry-battered fish, chilli-battered sausages, and a number of vegan dishes. The Hip Hop Chip Shop, 44 Blossom St, Ancoats, M4 6BF.
5. Kingfisher Fish & Chips NQ
Highly rated by locals, Kingfisher Fish & Chips, which is tucked away down the Northern Quarter‘s Tib Street, is your typical, proper chippy, with bread and butter, pies, and bloomin’ good fish and chips with thick gravy, mushy peas and more on offer. The chippy describes themselves as ‘down to Earth’ – which really is just a reference to the fact that they’ve shoved away the Northern Quarter’s hipster reputation for their own, more traditional approach. Respect to that. Kingfisher Fish & Chips, 43 Tib St, M4 1LX.
6. Renfrew’s
Denton-based Renfrew’s has been named the best chippy in the UK by TripAdvisor before, with ample five-star ratings backing up the accolade. The portions are absolutely massive, and the chippy has been praised by regulars for its gluten-free options, light and crisp batter, and super fresh fish. Renfrew’s, Belgrave St, Denton, M34 3WP.
7. Chips @ No.8
Another chippy rating in Fry Magazine’s top 50, Prestwich-based Chips @ No. 8 has been praised for its wonderfully flaky fish, gaining glowing reviews from its devoted fan base. At this north Manchester spot, you can expect proper beef dripping chips, classic fish and chips in gloriously crispy batter, veggie options, and most importantly, great gravy. Chips @ No. 8, 8 Clifton Rd, Prestwich, M25 3HQ.