Why “Yorkshire” fish & chips?

When this is a meal found all over the country?

Well .. the actual recipe and style of the meal varies significantly by region. And you can get something that varies greatly in taste depending upon location. Clearly the biggest variable is the actual type of fish - cod, haddock, etc. But the type of batter, method of preparation and cooking fat / oil used are all important to the final result.

Even within Yorkshire there are variations .. but for me the only true fish and chip meal in Yorkshire is a skinless haddock fillet cooked in light but crispy batter that sticks to the fish and cooks all the way through. Anything made with cod, with skin or that rock hard batter with a soggy inside that has separated from the fillet is a reject. And the establishment that supplies it is forever removed from the eating-out shortlist. In fact such fish would put the fish & chip reputation of the whole town in doubt!

Once the fish is right then the chips should be easy - so the venue comes next. By volume the vast majority of fish & chips are supplied as takeaway meals - but Yorkshire is a “hot spot” for fish restaurants. Not ones selling exotic seafood flown in from the Indian Ocean or the Pacific but serving the same basic takeaway meal - only in a more comfortable setting.



The most famous of the Yorkshire fish & chip restaurants is, of course, Harry Ramsden’s. And even though the Ramsden family sold the business years ago - and the brand name has been applied all over the country - it still draws many to the site of the original restaurant. At its peak there were queues every Sunday and the site once had both a souvenir shop - and an amusement arcade.

Sadly over the years this popularity seems to rely more on tradition than on the quality of the meals being provided. Perhaps my last visit was not typical but I’m pretty sure that Harry would not have been happy with result. So a great location and impressive interior but could do better with the fish frying - in my humble opinion.

However don’t despair - if you want some top quality Yorkshire fish & chips there still plenty of interesting restaurants to try. Many even have other dishes on the menu even though these “extras” are often completely ignored by the locals.

Some favourite spots with web sites are- Bizzie Lizzies in Skipton, Byran’s in Headingley, Websters in Baildon or Murgatroyds in Yeadon (not far from Harry Ramden’s).

There are also some interesting fish & chip dining places at -

The Empire, a former cinema just north of Wakefield, at 550 Leeds Road, Outwood

The “Oldest Fish & Chip Shop in the World” at The Steep, Yeadon (but just for takeways)

Please send in your favourites!