Anstruther Fish Bar & The Wee Chippy

Anstruther, a charming coastal town in Scotland, is famous for its excellent fish and chips. I had the chance to try two of the most talked-about spots: Anstruther Fish Bar and the Wee Chippy, both of which serve up some of the finest fish and chips in the area.

At Anstruther Fish Bar, the standout feature was the batter. It was incredibly light and crisp, which perfectly complemented the haddock. Cooked in beef dripping, the fish was fresh, flaky, and tender, with the batter providing a satisfying crunch without overwhelming the delicate flavour of the haddock. I was also impressed by the mushy peas, which offered a smooth texture with just the right amount of seasoning. The entire experience right beside the sea was fantastic although you would expect the haddock to be fresh in that case!

On the other hand, the Wee Chippy just a minute walk down the road also served up a delicious plate of fish and chips, though the batter was slightly thicker and a tad greasier. Unlike at Anstruther, the Wee Chippy do not fry in beef dripping. While it wasn’t as light as the Anstruther Fish Bar’s batter, the fish was still fresh and cooked well. The chips were golden and had a nice crunch, though they didn’t quite match the perfection of those at the Anstruther Fish Bar. The mushy peas at the Wee Chippy were also enjoyable, but they didn’t quite have the same texture or depth of flavour as those I had just enjoyed at Anstruther.

Both establishments deliver high-quality fish and chips, but Anstruther Fish Bar stands out for its lighter batter and the overall freshness of the ingredients. The attention to detail at Anstruther, from the perfectly cooked haddock to the outstanding mushy peas, made it a clear winner for me.

For a very long time, Yorkshire has held the title for the best fish and chips in the United Kingdom. Trenchers in Whitby, Murgatroyds in Yeadon and Thompsons in York have all been outstanding. Today is the day we crown a new winner, I’m giving Anstruther Fish Bar a 10 star, the best score for fish and chips on the channel so far. The Wee Chippy was also top drawer, coming in at a 9.5. Yorkshire, you have been beaten!