Trenchers, Hadley’s, Silver Street Fisheries, Abbey Wharf, The Magpie

Whitby, with its stunning coastal views and charming atmosphere, beckoned me on a culinary adventure to find the best fish and chips in town. After a long journey of five and a half hours, I was eager to dive into the local food scene, having received countless recommendations. My plan was simple: visit five fish and chip shops, ordering the same meal at each to ensure a fair comparison.

My first stop was Trenchers, a beloved establishment since 1980. The moment I bit into the crispy batter of the haddock, I knew I was in for a treat. The fish was incredibly flavourful and flaky, perfectly complemented by the good-quality chips, cooked in beef dripping for that authentic taste. Though the mushy peas were a bit average, Trenches easily earned a solid 9 out of 10 from me, thanks to its outstanding haddock and chips.

Next, I ventured to Silver Street Fisheries, a takeaway shop located slightly off the beaten path. While the haddock and chips were reasonably priced at £10, the portion was smaller and greasier than I’d hoped. The mushy peas were disappointing, overly sweet and undercooked. I couldn’t give it more than a 7 out of 10, feeling let down by the quality compared to my previous stop.

Then came Hadley’s, famously voted Whitby’s best fish and chip shop. At £11.40 for the meal, I had high expectations. The chips were golden and well-cooked, while the mushy peas were sweet and perfectly prepared. The haddock was moist with thick flakes, although the batter lacked the crispiness I craved. Still, Hadley’s impressive quality earned it another 9 out of 10 in my books.

The fourth stop, Abbey Wharf, had a fantastic location but mixed reviews on its food. Priced at £13.10, the meal didn’t quite deliver. The haddock was thick and flaky, but the chips were overdone, and the mushy peas had a strange texture. I settled on a score of 7.5 out of 10, wishing for better quality overall.

Finally, I visited The Magpie, the most popular fish and chip shop in Whitby. For £12.55, I expected the best but was disappointed to find the chips were the worst of the day. While the haddock was flavourful and the mushy peas were delightful, the batter was thin and soggy. I could only give The Magpie a 7 out of 10, feeling it didn’t live up to its reputation.

Reflecting on my journey, it was clear that Trenches and Hadley’s were the stars of the show. However, Trenchees took the crown with its perfect batter and haddock. I wholeheartedly encourage you to visit Whitby and explore these fish and chip shops yourself – I was probably a bit too harsh on some of the chippies as my expectations were sky high, they’re all well worth giving a go.