According to a recent YouGov survey, nearly half of Britons reckon that fish and chips is the UK’s signature dish. It makes sense – a trip to the British seaside is surely never complete without tucking into battered cod, chips and tartare sauce on the promenade while trying to ward of an army of seagulls. And, if you know where to look, they’re just as good inland, too. 

Every year, the National Federation of Fish Friers pays homage to one of Britain’s favourite dishes with its National Fish and Chip Awards. And the finalists for 2027 are in. 

Although one of our fish and chip is in the running to be named the best in the country, no London takeaway chippies made it to the final 20 in the takeaway category. You’re gonna have to go a bit further afield to find one of those. 

There are four takeaways in the shortlist that are within an hour of London. Here’s a look at them all. The current shortlist will be whittled down to 10 in December and the overall champion will be announced at a ceremony in February. 

The Hook of Halstead, Halstead 

Since opening in 2014, the Hook of Halstead has acquired a loyal following. It serves up battered hake as well as cod and haddock, which comes at a fraction of the price. One Google review of the cod and chips at The Hook reports that the ‘batter was crispy, flesh was tender, flaky and flavourful, and the chips were a healthy size, crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside’. Several also praise its quick and friendly service. 

How to get there: 45 minute train from London Liverpool Street. 

The Hake, Weybridge

The team at this place say that they serve food with the same care as they show their own children. It offers hake, haddock or cod with chops that have been twice cooked in beef dripping alongside homemade curry or tartare sauce. The Hake only opened on Weybridge High Street in July and has had glowing reviews. One customer said the fish is ‘well seasoned, very tasty and not greasy’ and another said ‘this is the very best chip shop for miles around’. 

How to get there: Trains from London Waterloo take 25 minutes to 45 minutes. 

Harrison’s Fish & Chip Co., Oxford.

Harrison’s has been included in the National Fish and Chip Awards for several years. It was the winner in the ‘menu innovation’ category last year and was in the top three in the ‘quality accreditation’ category in 2025. Besides the classic hake, haddock and cod, customers at Harrison’s Fish & Chip Co. can order more usual fish like hoki or saithe, all responsibly sourced, of course. 

How to get there: The quickest way to Oxford is 50 minutes by train from London Paddington. 

This family-run joint serves up generous portions for just £8.99. One regular wrote in a Google review: ‘Mike’s has been our go-to chip shop for the last few years and deserve their reputation.’ Another person said that ‘everything is always fresh and cooked perfectly’ and a recent customer agreed that the food is ‘always spot on’. 

How to get there: Eastleigh is a roughly an hour by train from London Waterloo or Clapham Junction. 

 14 London restaurants were added to the Michelin Guide in October 2026. 

Plus: The 15 best new London restaurants opening in November 2026. 

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