fish

The top fish and chip takeaways and restaurants across the UK have been listed, with some surprising entries

As the year draws nearer to a close, it’s time to celebrate the very best of tasty food, as the Fry Awards announce their top spots for fish and chips in the UK.

Fry Magazine has yet again unveiled its ruling of the 50 best fish and chip takeaways, alongside their top 10 restaurants. These results come after months of judges secretly assessing fish and chip shops nationwide, assessing them on key things such as their food quality, cleanliness, staff, and value for money.

It was only those with the highest scores that rightfully earned themselves an award, and the pass mark for both categories had to be an impressive 96% and above. 2025 marks the 13th year of the awards taking place, and its list is evidence that good food is going nowhere in the UK.

The top 10 restaurants show a wide range of locations, from down south by the coast of Devon right up to Glasgow in Scotland, but it’s safe to say the top contenders are mostly based in beloved seaside towns. Sticking out like a sore thumb, however, is the capital’s only entry in the top restaurants list, and that’s Toff’s of Muswell Hill, in London.

10 Best Restaurants

Catch, Giffnock, Glasgow

Eric’s Fish & Chips, Hunstanton, Norfolk

Fish City, Belfast

Harbour Lights, Falmouth, Cornwall

Pier Point Bar & Restaurant, Torquay, Devon

Squires Fish Restaurant, Braunton, Devon

The Elite, Tritton Road, Lincoln, Lincolnshire

The Magpie Cafe, Whitby, North Yorkshire

The Scallop Shell, Bath, Somerset

Toff’s of Muswell Hill, Muswell Hill, London

Included in the sizeable list are plenty of places in Yorkshire, with seven total entries in the exclusive list, including the likes of Lighthouse Fisheries of Flamborough and Two Gates Fisheries. Home to the likes of Southend-on-Sea and Clacton-on-Sea, the county of Essex also came out with a total of four fish and chip takeaways alone, making waves in the world of seafood.

Reece Head, competition organiser, said: “Another year has passed and, once again, these shops have shown resilience, adapting to today’s challenges with remarkable dedication. At a time when inflationary pressures are being felt, these businesses continue to stay positive and prioritise their customers, maintain exceptional standards, and find innovative ways to keep fish and chips affordable.

“Starting the year as award winners is a fantastic way for fish and chip shops to kick off 2025, setting the tone for a successful year ahead. Whether served in a restaurant, a takeaway, or from a mobile unit, the Fry Awards prove that quality fish and chips can be enjoyed anywhere.”

50 Best Takeaways (in alphabetical order)

• Ainsworth’s Fish & Chips, Caernarfon
• Angel Lane Chippie, Penrith, Cumbria
• Angell’s Fisheries, Newark, Nottinghamshire
• Batterfly Fish & Chips, Surbiton, Surrey
• Bredon Village Fish and Chip Shop, Bredon, Worcestershire
• Callaway’s Fish & Chips, Dorchester, Dorset
• Churchill’s Fish & Chips Langney, Eastbourne, East Sussex

• Farnham’s at Fontygary, Rhoose, Vale Of Glamorgan
• Fiddlers Elbow, Leintwardine, Herefordshire
• Fintans Fish & Chip Co. Llanishen, Cardiff
• Fishnchickn, Hutton, Brentwood, Essex
• French’s Fish Shop, Wells next the Sea, Norfolk
• Garioch Fish Bar, Inverurie, Aberdeenshire
• Greg & Lou’s, Redruth, Cornwall
• Henley’s of Wivenhoe, Colchester, Essex
• Hiks, Brynhyfryd, Swansea
• Hirds Family Fisheries, Halifax, West Yorkshire
• Howe & Co 55, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire

• Joe’s Traditional Fish and Chips, Strabane , County Tyrone
• Kellaway’s Fish and Chips, Truro, Cornwall
• Kirbys of Horsforth, Horsforth , Leeds
• Kirbys of Meanwood, Meanwood, Leeds
• Lighthouse Fisheries Of Flamborough, Flamborough, East Yorkshire
• Malt and Anchor, Cirencester, Gloucestershire
• Moore’s Fish & Chips, Castle Douglas, Dumfries & Galloway

• Oysters Fish & Chips, Lightwater, Surrey
• Oysters Fish & Chips, Marlow Bottom, Buckinghamshire
• Pennington Plaice, Leigh, Greater Manchester
• Pier Point, Torquay, Devon
• Pisces, Fleetwood, Lancashire
• Portside Fish & Chips, South Elmsall, Leeds
• Portside Fish & Chips, Kirkstall Road, Leeds
• Quintiliani’s Fast Food, Hamilton, Larkhall, South Lanarkshire

• Redcloak Fish Bar , Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire
• Sea Blue Fisheries, Clowne, Derbyshire
• Sea Salt + Sole, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire
• Seafront Chippy, Hornsea, East Yorkshire
• Shappy Wheels, Shap, Cumbria
• Shaws Fish And Chips, Dodworth, Barnsley, South Yorkshire
• Squires, Braunton, Devon
• Sykes Fish and Chips, Manchester

• The Anchor, Bexley, South East London
• The Bearded Sailor, Pudsey, Leeds, West Yorkshire
• The Cafe Royal, Annan, Dumfries and Galloway
• The Chippie Van, Penrith, Cumbria
• The Codfather, Wakefield, West Yorkshire

• The Fish at Goose Green, Wigan, Greater Manchester
• The Fish Bank, Sherburn in Elmet, North Yorkshire
• The Friary, Carrickfergus, Co Antrim
• The Hook of Clacton, Clacton on Sea, Essex
• The Oyster Shell, Bath, Somerset
• The Village Fish & Chips, Petts Wood, Orpington, Kent
• Town Street Fryer, Marple Bridge, Stockport, Cheshire
• Two Gates Fisheries, Shafton, Barnsley, South Yorkshire

A controversial plan to kill one owl species to save another cleared a major hurdle.

The full Senate on Wednesday struck down a GOP effort to prevent the cull of up to 450,000 barred owls in the Pacific Northwest over three decades, ending a saga that created strange political bedfellows.

It’s a major win for environmentalists and federal wildlife officials who want to protect northern spotted owls that have been crowded out by their larger, more aggressive cousins. In recent weeks they got an unlikely ally in loggers who said scuttling the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plan could hinder timber sales.

But it’s a blow to an equally unusual alliance that includes right-wing politicians and animal rights advocates who argue the cull is too expensive and inhumane. The Trump administration leaned on Republican lawmakers to get out of the way, scrambling partisan lines.

Sen. John Kennedy, a conservative from Louisiana, sought to nix the owl-killing plan via the Congressional Review Act, which can be used to overturn recent rules by federal agencies.

Kennedy said Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, whose portfolio includes timber production, recently called him and told him to abandon the resolution. This month logging advocates said that stopping the cull would jeopardize timber production goals set by the Trump administration.

But Kennedy was not persuaded.

“The secretary needed to call somebody who cared what he thought, because I think he’s wrong,” Kennedy said on the Senate floor. “I think he and the other members of the administrative state at the Department of the Interior decided to play God.”

Flanked by pictures of owls and bumbling cartoon hunter Elmer Fudd, Kennedy praised barred owls for their “soulful eyes” and “incredibly soft” feathers. But he acknowledged they’re better hunters than spotted owls. Barred owls, which moved over from eastern North America, are outcompeting spotted owls for food and shelter in their native territory.

Louisiana Senator John Kennedy spearheaded a resolution to overturn the Biden-era plan to cull barred owls, even after he said the Trump administration told him to back down.

(Senate Banking Committee)

Ultimately the resolution failed 72 to 25, with three lawmakers not voting. Nearly all those who voted in favor of the resolution were Republican, but even more Republicans voted against it. The Fish and Wildlife Service approved the barred owl cull last year under the Biden Administration.

“I feel a lot of relief because this was one of the most major threats to the long-term, continued existence of the northern spotted owl in many years,” said Tom Wheeler, executive director of the Environmental Protection Information Center. “We’ve passed this hurdle, which isn’t to say there aren’t other hurdles or road bumps up ahead, but this feels good.”

Wheeler described the failed effort as a “nuclear threat” — if the resolution had passed, the Fish and Wildlife Service would have been blocked from pursuing any similar rule, unless explicitly authorized by Congress.

Now Wheeler said he and his allies will continue to push for the owl cull to be carried out, and for federal funding to support it.

Animal welfare advocates like Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action and Center for a Humane Economy, are dismayed.

“What this means is that not only are barred owls at extreme risk of large-scale shooting, but spotted owls and old-growth forests are at risk from chainsaws,” Pacelle said of the failed resolution.

Pacelle’s camp vowed to continue the fight. A lawsuit challenging the hunt they filed against the federal government last fall is moving forward. And they’ll try to ensure money doesn’t flow to the program.

In May, federal officials canceled three related grants in California totaling more than $1.1 million, including one study that would have included lethally removing barred owls from more than 192,000 acres in Mendocino and Sonoma counties.

However, there are other projects to kill barred owls in the Golden State, according to Peter Tira, a spokesperson for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

One $4.3-million grant issued by the state agency will support barred owl removal in the northwestern part of the state, along with other research. Another grant issued by NASA to a university involves killing barred owls in California as well as creating a tool to prioritize areas where the raptors need to be managed.

It’s not clear how or if the government shutdown, now stretching into its 31st day, is affecting the projects, Tira said in an email.

FORT COLLINS, Colo. — The Trump administration is telling Colorado to stop importing gray wolves from Canada as part of the state’s efforts to restore the predators, a shift that could hinder plans for more reintroductions this winter.

The state has been releasing wolves west of the Continental Divide since 2023 after Colorado voters narrowly approved wolf reintroduction in 2020. About 30 wolves now roam mountainous regions of the state, and its management plan envisions potentially 200 or more wolves in the long term.

The program has been unpopular in rural areas, where some wolves have attacked livestock. Now, after two winters of releases during the Biden administration, wolf opponents appear to have found support from federal officials under President Trump.

Colorado wolves must come from Northern Rockies states, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Brian Nesvik told Colorado Parks and Wildlife Director Jeff Davis in a recent letter.

Colorado must “immediately cease and desist any and all efforts related to the capture, transport and/or release of gray wolves not obtained” from northern Rocky Mountain states, Nesvik wrote.

Most of those states — including the Yellowstone region states of Idaho, Montana and Wyoming, where wolves from Canada were reintroduced in the 1990s — have said they don’t want to be part of Colorado’s reintroduction.

That could leave Colorado in a bind this winter. The state plans to relocate 10 to 15 wolves under an agreement with the British Columbia Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship in Canada, a statement by Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokesperson Luke Perkins said Friday.

The agreement was signed before the state got the Oct. 10 letter from Nesvik, according to Perkins. He said the state “continues to evaluate all options to support this year’s gray wolf releases” after getting “recent guidance” from the Fish and Wildlife Service.

Though some of Colorado’s reintroduced wolves have come from Oregon, wolves released most recently have come from British Columbia.

The issue now is whether the federal agency required that wolves must only come from northern U.S. Rocky Mountain states when it designated Colorado’s “experimental” population of reintroduced wolves.

A federal notice announcing the designation in 2023 referred to the northern Rockies region as merely the “preferred” source of wolves, not the required one.

Defenders of Wildlife attorney Lisa Saltzburg said in a statement that the Fish and Wildlife Service was “twisting language” by saying wolves can’t come from Canada or Alaska.

People in Colorado “should be proud of their state’s leadership in conservation and coexistence, and the wolf reintroduction program illustrates those values,” Saltzburg said.

The Colorado governor’s office and Colorado Parks and Wildlife are in touch with the U.S. Interior Department about the letter and evaluating “all options” to allow wolf releases this year, Gov. Jared Polis spokesperson Shelby Wieman said by email.

Fish and Wildlife Service spokesperson Garrett Peterson, whose voicemail said he wouldn’t be available until after the government shutdown ends, didn’t immediately return a message seeking comment.

Gruver writes for the Associated Press.

The cantina on Tatooine in the first “Star Wars” film. A Greek taverna on a layover in Miami. A mermaid’s womb. Every friend I take to, or even ask about, Cento Raw Bar and its fantastical design has a knee-jerk one-liner at the ready.

The wildest new bar in Los Angeles

Walk into the West Adams space adjoined by an awning to Cento Pasta Bar — both conceived by chef Avner Levi — and the first sight of the curving walls will spin anyone’s mind. They look plastered with a mixture of stucco and meringue, smeared like a frosted cake in progress, that’s meant to evoke the shimmer and shifting light of a Mediterranean cave. A three-sided seafoam-green bar anchors the room, girded by tall white chairs with metal backs patterned in a snail’s spiral. Details fill every corner: rounded, sculptural pillars and pedestals; a blue-tile floor mosaic resembling a pond; pendant sconces in shapes that remind me of the “energy dome” hats worn by the band Devo in the 1980s.

A mosaic moment in the dining room of Cento Raw Bar.

(Bill Addison / Los Angeles Times)

The effect leans more toward trippy than transportive. As one stop during a night out for a drink and a stopgap plate of seafood or two, I’m into it.

Idiosyncrasy is welcome right now

Maybe in another era I would gawk once and move on. But in times like Los Angeles is living through, in a half-decade that has begat one trial and horror after another, the operators of new restaurants, particularly those in the highest-rent districts, tend to default to conservative choices. Menus full of comforts familiar to whatever cuisine is being served. Atmospheres easily described as “pleasant.” The decisions are so understandable, and given a particular neighborhood or desired audience perhaps it pays off economically. Familiarity is a priority to many diners. Hospitality workers deserve stable incomes.

Culturally, though? The restaurant pros who can’t stomach the status quo, who go regionally specific or deeply personal or brazenly imaginative, are the forces who inspire cities toward creative rebellion. Thinking about this, I found an article from 2011 by former Times critic S. Irene Virbila about the year’s restaurant openings. The nation was burrowing out of the Great Recession at the time, but the roster of emerging talents mentioned by Virbila would wind up shaping the 2010s as the decade that landed Los Angeles on the global culinary map: names like Bryant Ng, Josef Centeno, Nyesha Arrington, Michael Voltaggio, Steve Samson and Zach Pollack.

She also pointed out Ludo Lefebvre, who in 2011 was still in pop-up mode before launching his defining restaurants Trois Mec (felled by the pandemic) and Petit Trois. Maybe it’s a sign that this week Lefebvre came full-circle with a new occasional pop-up series he’s calling Éphémère.

Point is, we could use more extreme individualism in restaurants right now. I appreciate the obsessiveness from designer Brandon Miradi, who has the title of “creative director” at Cento Raw Bar and who counts Vespertine, Somni, the Bazaar at SLS Beverly Hills and Frieze Art Fair as previous projects. Note the spiraling ends of the silverware, matching the chairs, and the ways napkins too are rolled into a tight coil. He managed to find colored glassware in geometries that register at once as retro and postmodern.

Cento Raw Bar, the sibling cocktail and seafood bar to chef Avner Levi’s pasta restaurant, features an all-white interior.

(Stephanie Breijo / Los Angeles Times)

Maybe no surprise, but the TikTok-magnetic vibes keep the bar full of young, beautiful groups — Angelenos or visitors modeling their best L.A. looks, who can say. In June, about a month after the place opened, a friend and I were sitting at one of the low tables and she pointed over to the bar: The women seated in the high stools all came in wearing stilettos that were now dangling half off their feet. Panning this shoe moment could have been a montage sequence during a Carrie Bradshaw voiceover in an early season of “Sex and the City.”

What to eat and drink

Perhaps to fully center or to balance Miradi’s visual extravaganza, the food and drink options are quite straightforward. A few cocktails do wink right into the camera, among them a play on a Screwdriver made with SunnyD (which the menu calls “Sunny Delight,” the branding name I also remember from my Gen-X childhood). Most are mainstays: a classic escapist piña colada, a spicy margarita, an Aperol situation spiked with mezcal. The bartenders listen kindly when I request they stir my dry gin martini well.

A martini at the bar of Cento Raw Bar.

(Bill Addison / Los Angeles Times)

Seafood towers, served on undulating green-glass plates designed by Miradi, are stylish and modest in size and arrive as two levels for $83 or three levels for $97.

A buddy and I recently split the smaller one, neatly polishing off a handful of tiny, briny oysters along with scallops served in their shells, some bouncy shrimp and a couple meaty lobster claws. We had shown up to Pizzeria Sei without a reservation — because scoring one at a prime hour is maddening, and so I take my chances as a walk-in — and were told the wait was an hour and 15 minutes. Cento Raw Bar was a 12-minute drive away, ideal for one round of drinks and pre-dinner shellfish.

On another occasion, I might skip the pricey tower and order a plate of hamachi crudo (dotted with stone fruit during the summer season) and a dip of smoked cod with bagel chips. I’ve found more substantial plates, such as ridged mafaldine tangled in lobster sauce, in need of spice and acid.

Fish dip topped with trout roe at Cento Raw Bar in West Adams.

(Stephanie Breijo / Los Angeles Times)

Desserts riffing on a Hostess cake or an ube cheesecake spangled with prismatic bits of flavored gelatins? Fun, but I’ve had my share of outlandish décor and cocktail nibbles — exactly what I came for.

4919 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles, (323) 795-0330, cento.group

Also …

• Food editor Daniel Hernandez writes about Mexico City, the food lovers flocking to its energized restaurant scene … and the digital nomads who are also settling in, pricing out locals in some areas. As tensions boil, he asks, is it possible to still visit and be a mindful tourist?
• Daniel, a former longtime resident of Mexico City, also names 34 of the city’s best restaurants and bars that aren’t tourist traps.
• Speaking of Bryant Ng mentioned above, Jenn Harris checks out his new project, Jade Rabbit, a new fast-casual restaurant in Santa Monica where Ng re-imagines Chinese American food.
• Stephanie Breijo reports from West Hollywood on Darling, the new restaurant from legendary Southern chef Sean Brock, who is determined not to lean on his heritage in California. “In order to fully understand the taste of this place [L.A.], and that’s my goal, I can’t cook Southern,” Brock shares.
• Farewell, lunchroom pepperoni pizza? Daniel Miller lays out the details of the new state law aimed to ban some ultraprocessed foods from school meals.

WETHERSPOONS is opening 15 new pubs in a tie-up with a firm known for its chain of fish and chip shops. 

The budget boozer will launch the venues across the UK as part of a new franchise working with The Papas Group. 

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The first will open on October 1 in Gateway Park, Lincoln, and will be called The Hykeham Manor. 

A further three will open in October and November at sites in Annitsford, Northumberland, Stockton-on-Tees, Co Durham, and Emersons Green in Bristol. 

The pub chain’s commercial director, Michael Barron, said: “We are delighted to have signed agreements with The Papas Group.

“We are looking at further opportunities and are confident that more franchise agreements will be signed.”

The Papas Group is a family-owned business which runs casual dining restaurants such as Papa’s Fish and Chips and Wendy’s, mostly in the north of England. 

Wetherspoons already has several franchise agreements. They include tie-ups with the holiday park operator Haven and the universities of Newcastle and Hull — running a pub at each campus. 

These arrangements are common in the hospitality sector and allow an independent operator to run an established chain using their brand and products. 

Wetherspoons has opened pubs at several locations this year, including in Fulham, West London, and Kenilworth, Warwickshire. 

LOW-DEPOSIT DEALS RISE 

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THE number of low-deposit mortgages has hit the highest level in 17 years, according to Moneyfactscompare. 

There are currently 1,360 90 and 95 per cent deals available, representing 19 per cent of the residential mortgage market. 

The news comes after Homes England, the Government’s housing agency, and Countryside Properties signed a long-term deal to build more homes. 

The partnership will be backed by £150million of investment and will focus on building houses as part of the Government’s housebuilding target. 

SUNNY SALES 

RETAIL sales were up 3.1 per cent in August driven by good weather and an interest rate cut, official figures show. 

The year-on-year uptick beat last August’s 1 per cent. Tech items did well but school uniforms and shoes disappointed as families tried second-hand, said the British Retail Consortium-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor. 

Home appliances, DIY and garden goods all saw sales growth last month. 

OIL PRICE HIKE 

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OIL prices rose by more than a dollar a barrel yesterday as increases in supply looked set to stall and Russia braced itself for the impact of new EU sanctions. 

OPEC countries have voted to lift production by 137,000 barrels per day in October — far less than previous monthly increases. 

Experts have warned of a glut of oil next year as demand falls. Nevertheless Brent crude rose to $66.70 per barrel. 

One family were ‘blown away’ by the ‘prettiest town’ in the UK – and had ‘endless delights’ during their stay, as it has a ‘perfect’ fish and chip shop

Whitby holds a special place in the heart of Manchester Evening News reporter Rob Williams. Its mix of seaside revelry, historic buildings, excellent seafood, and Dracula-related spookiness makes it a place of endless delights for him and his family, and recently they were lucky enough to take trip to the charming seaside town.

However, it wasn’t without its challenges. While climbing Whitby’s famous stairs up to the abbey, Rob realised he may have bitten of more than he could chew.

He said: “It was somewhere around step 150 of 199 that it dawned on me: washing down crispy chilli halloumi bites and battered prawns with a large glass of wine at The Moon and Sixpence was, in hindsight, not ideal preparation for a wobbly ascent of Whitby’s infamous Jacob’s Ladder.”

The first documented reference to these 199 steps dates back to 1340, but it is believed they have been around even longer. Once considered a test of Christian pilgrims’ determination to reach the magnificent Abbey perched above the coastal town.

He said: “In my case, they tested the resolve of an agnostic 50-year-old who’s horribly out of shape. It was a test I passed – just.”

Rob and his family stayed at the ideally situated and tastefully decorated Peony Rose Cottage on Cliff Street in the heart of the town – a charming two-bedroom property seemingly just a five-minute stroll from all the must-see sights.

He said: “From the outside, the cottage is charming: a pink gate and door, tangled greenery, and a cosy seating area set the tone. That same thoughtful design continues inside. The cottage is snug and filled with little touches that bring a smile as you discover them.

“The central seating area, like the rest of the home, is beautifully decorated and inviting. A multi-fuel stove, television, and large, squashy sofa provide the perfect place to flop after a day’s exploring.

“As a base for exploring Whitby, this place would be hard to beat.”

It’s frequently claimed that no journey to Whitby is truly finished without stopping at the famous Magpie Cafe, and Rob discovered exactly why this rings true.

TripAdvisor overflows with rave reviews celebrating the “perfect” fish and chips, outstanding service, and fair pricing.

“We went twice during our stay and were impressed both times.

“The fish and chips were among the best I’ve ever had. Despite the crowds, the service was efficient and unfazed. The cafe caters well to those needing gluten-free options, and the thin, crispy batter on the GF chippy tea was excellent. Other seafood dishes on the menu were equally fresh and full of flavour.”

For those who adore fish and chips, Whitby proves to be the ultimate destination – particularly Quayside, which truly stands out.

Nevertheless, brace yourself for the masses and think about making a reservation in advance to dodge those endless waits. For breakfast, the family headed to the wonderfully quirky Jet Black Jewel Cafe Bar on Skinner Street.

The gothic décor – featuring taxidermy, skulls, and assorted oddities – might not suit everyone’s preference, but Rob declared the food was “very good indeed”.

Whitby offers numerous attractions, yet a trip to the Abbey remains absolutely essential.

During their stay, the excellent Time Will Tell theatre company was staging a family-friendly, three-person version of Dracula in the open air.

Haunting yet captivating, this production has been running for over 13 years and is certainly worth catching if it’s on.

With its diverse collection of distinctive shops, ancient streets, seaside charm, excellent food, and literary connections, Whitby appeals to every taste.

Being positioned in the town centre without requiring a car improved our experience, and Peony Rose Cottage proved the perfect headquarters for discovering this coastal gem on foot.

Just perhaps avoid the pinot before tackling those steps.

Travel fact box

• Rob Williams enjoyed a stay in Whitby, courtesy of holidaycottages.co.uk.
• Peony Rose Cottage, a charming two-bedroomed cottage, is conveniently located less than 500 metres from the beach and a mere 150 metres from a local pub and shop.
• To book your stay at Peony Rose Cottage, visit www.holidaycottages.co.uk – prices begin at £555 for a week-long stay, accommodating 4 guests in 2 bedrooms.

It’s been named as one of the North East’s most ‘magical’ seaside destinations by travel experts, with people travelling miles for the famous chippy and golden sandy beaches

A Northumberland town has been hailed as one of the most ‘magical’ in the North East by travel gurus. It’s easy to see why, with its golden beaches, charming harbour and a renowned chippy that’s drawn some famous customers – and is always bustling on Good Friday.

The region is overflowing with stunning sights and fantastic activities. From towns and villages lauded as some of the UK’s most desirable places to live, to an Indian restaurant crowned the best in England, and miles upon miles of rolling hills and rugged coastline.

Northumberland also knows how to dish up some highly-rated fish and chips. Nominations were held for the favourite spots in the North East for fish and chips earlier this year, and the ultimate winner was from Northumberland, with Ashington’s V.Gormans chippy taking the top spot.

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But Seaton Sluice’s Harbour View is another spot that has earned high praise, reports Chronicle Live. On Good Friday, you can bet there’ll be a queue all the way down the bank outside this beloved chippy.

The owners even provide live entertainment to keep their waiting customers amused. Among those who’ve queued up for some of Harbour View’s top-notch fish and chips is telly icon Ant McPartlin. The Britain’s Got Talent presenter treated his family to a meal there a few years back.

But Seaton Sluice isn’t just about its premier chippy. Metro Vehicle Hire experts have dubbed it one of the most enchanting seaside spots in the region, alongside Whitley Bay, Tynemouth and South Shields.

Their description of Seaton Sluice reads: ‘The village’s spacious, dog-friendly beach is a beautiful long stretch of golden sand, gifting fabulous views and even the occasional dolphin sighting. When the busier Northumberland beaches become packed, this little gem makes for a scenic escape.’

The impressive review of Seaton Sluice also encourages visitors to do a bit of exploring. Take a stroll through Holywell Dene, follow the path to Seaton Burn and make sure to visit the striking Seaton Delaval Hall.

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LONDON — British Foreign Secretary David Lammy went fishing with U.S. Vice President JD Vance earlier this month and the closest thing he came to catching was a whopping fine.

Lammy was given a written warning for fishing without a license, an Environment Agency spokesperson said Friday.

As far as breaking the law goes, it was pretty small fry but could have netted him a fine of up to 2,500 pounds ($3,380) for the offense.

Lammy, whose spokesperson described it all as an “administrative oversight,” purchased a license after-the-fact and reported himself to the agency.

Lammy hosted Vance and his family, who were vacationing in England, at his country estate south of London on Aug. 8. The two men smiled and laughed as Vance provided what Lammy called Kentucky-style fishing tips.

Apparently, the pointers didn’t help Lammy land a fish.

“The one strain on the special relationship is that all of my kids caught fish, but the foreign secretary did not,” Vance later said.

The Environment Agency would not comment on whether Vance had a license, citing data protection rules. The vice president’s spokesperson did not immediately reply to an email from the Associated Press seeking comment.

The agency said it confirmed that Lammy was given a warning because he had publicized it. In England and Wales, anyone over 13 needs a license for freshwater fishing, the agency said.

In most cases, inexperienced anglers caught without a permit are given warnings — so in that sense, Lammy apparently had some beginner’s luck.

Trains from London are planned to stop in this beautiful seaside town in the north of England, marking the destination’s first and only direct rail connection to the capital

Plans are progressing to establish a new direct rail link from London to the stunning Durham coastline in northern England.

Starting December 2025, trains will begin calling at the town of Seaham in County Durham, renowned for its striking cliffs, sandy beaches, and fascinating maritime heritage. Visitors should arrive with an appetite too, as the town boasts no fewer than 10 fish and chip shops, according to Google Maps.

The railway service will be operated by the Open Access operator Grand Central, supported by transport firm Arriva. Operators such as Grand Central remain outside the Labour government’s nationalisation proposals, utilising their own finances, reports the Express. It comes after images show the cheapest seaside spot in England is full of abandoned £40k homes ‘nobody wants’.

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Grahame Morris, the MP for Easington said: “I’m delighted to share that the Office of Rail and Road has confirmed that Grand Central Trains will begin stopping at Seaham Station from December 2025 to December 2026. [There will be] four stopping services per day in each direction.”

Home to roughly 21,500 inhabitants, Seaham is a bustling harbour town along the Durham Coast, boasting award-winning hotels, an extensive array of cafés and breathtaking clifftop vistas.

Seaham Beach features a combination of rocky and sandy shoreline, extending roughly one mile along the town’s coast, from the harbour wall to the northern edge of the settlement. Seaham is famous for vibrant sea glass – manmade glass that was previously discarded at sea before being tumbled and shaped by the water over several years and eventually washing ashore.

A visitor said on Tripadvisor this past April: “Lovely beach with beautiful coloured pebbles and sea glass. There are car parks along the seafront – only cost £3 for the whole day. Town is within walkable distance and has a number of good fish and chips shop. Bell’s fish restaurant has plenty of seating inside when the weather’s cold. There’s also a market. Great for a relaxing day out.”

The news emerges as UK rail regulators approved extended track access rights for Grand Central’s current operations through to 2038. The trains will be manufactured at Hitachi’s Newton Aycliffe plant, the company’s British manufacturing hub.

Arriva officially submitted an application to the UK Office of Rail and Road, the appropriate authority, to broaden its Grand Central operations into Lincolnshire from 2026. The operator is also pursuing approval for plans involving two additional daily return journeys between Bradford and London, plus an early morning and late evening return from York to London, along with connections to Seaham, which would mark the town’s first and only direct link to London.

Morris added: “Although the approval is currently for a one-year period using 5-car trains, I’m confident that these services will be well-used by residents across our community.

“This means that our constituency will now have direct rail links to York and London, alongside increased capacity to local destinations such as Sunderland and Hartlepool.”

This award-winning beach in Scotland is backed by impressive sand dunes and has become a beloved destination for kitesurfing – it also happens to be a stone’s throw away from a celebrated chip shop

Scotland might not be the first destination on your radar when temperatures rise, but it happens to be the home of the best beach you’ve never heard of. This dune-backed bay also happens to be a short jaunt from an award-winning fish and chip shop. St Andrews West Sands can be found on the eastern coastline of Fife.

The beach is surrounded by breath-taking sand dunes and a world-renowned golf course. Even first-time visitors may find the stunning view surprisingly familiar. West Sands is famous for featuring in the opening sequence of the 1981 film Chariots of Fire, in which a group of runners jog across the sand to a now-iconic soundtrack.

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Still today, West Sands is popular for walking and running – stretching for nearly two miles. The beach is also a great swimming spot – and particularly safe thanks to RNLI lifeguard patrol. But keep in mind that lifeguards are only on duty during the busier summer season.

According to the RNLI website, the official lifeguard patrol dates for West Sands in 2025 are: June 21 – August 24 between 10am and 6pm local time. The organisation also warns beach-goers that no flags on the beach means that there are no lifeguards on duty.

St Andrews West Sands is also particularly popular with kite surfers. As noted on online forums, there is a large and well-established “Kite Zone” at the far north-end of the beach – outside of which kitesurfing is not permitted.

In fact, there are quite a few great kitesurfing destinations in Fife. Pettycur Bay, Shell Bay, and Monifieth are also great destinations to check out during your travels. Once you’ve hit the water at West Sands though, you’re only a 15-minute walk to the town centre where there is plenty of parking and you can explore the area’s famous golf courses or grab a bite to eat.

The town centre is famous for its golf heritage, and again, the beach is backed by some of the world’s top courses. West Sands also puts you in close proximity to the award-winning Cromars fish and chip shop.

Here, customers can enjoy a range of classics, including battered haddock, king prawns, fish cakes and smoked sausage. The establishment has been recognised by numerous awards bodies including the Scottish Fish and Chip Awards and the National Fish and Chip Awards.

West Sands also overlooks the Eden Estuary Nature Reserve and is home to a range of seabirds and seals. A dune stabilisation programme is in place and visitors are asked to use the designated access points to access the beach.

St Andrews West Sands are winners of a Keep Scotland Beautiful 2025 Scotland’s Beach Award and are celebrating 33 years of awards. The flat sand beach is also particularly accessible, with beach wheelchairs available for hire from the Hamish Foundation.

Mark Danby, a UK expat who ditched Britain for a life in sunny Spain, recently found himself craving fish and chips but was left floored when he sampled an offering in Spain

A British man who recently treated himself to a “humongous” portion of fish and chips in Spain was left floored when he tasted it. Mark Danby, a UK expat who hails from Stockport, Greater Manchester, ditched his life in Britain for an enviable existence on the sun-kissed shores of Spain, namely Manilva, a municipality in Malaga on the Costa del Sol.

However, it seems that he has found it difficult to forget some aspects of life in the UK, particularly one of the nation’s delicacies. Luckily for him, the British favourite of fish and chips appears to be readily available in his new home.

Mark, who shares his continental exploits on his fledgling YouTube channel, Tapas Guy, recently found himself craving fish and chips and decided to visit a local chippy known as Marlows in CC Los Hidalgos.

He decided to order a large cod and chips for €16.95 (approximately £14.65) and sat outside to eat his meal. When it arrived, Mark noted the “humongous” size of the portion.

Indeed, conceding that he perhaps shouldn’t have “gone for large”, Mark unwrapped the paper to reveal not one but two fish in what appeared on camera to be a huge portion.

Despite this, when it came to the tasting, Mark was left unimpressed. Sampling the chips first, he said: “I mean, it’s okay, but it’s a little bit greasy.

“Don’t know if you can see the grease on that, but certainly not crispy. Sort of a bit soggy, bit sort of bendy. I think it needs a sauce. Not particularly tasty, unfortunately. I mean, they’re okay.”

Next up was the cod, which he also described as “greasy”, although he conceded the second piece was “crispy on the top” and looked a “little bit better” underneath.

He noted that it was a “bit flaky”, but it “doesn’t hold the flakiness” and proceeded to push pieces of it onto his work, but it “kind of just mushes together”.

He added: “I’m afraid the fish is absolutely tasteless. So what you’re left with…tasteless. I’m afraid it’s tasteless fish and greasy batter. Let’s try this piece of batter. Well, I have to say I’m disappointed at this point.”

Yet, during his summary, Mark appeared to have softened his opinion somewhat, saying the quantity and price were “pretty good value”, but he wasn’t a fan of the “quality” of the food, highlighting the fish in particular.

He did, however, note some “mitigating circumstances”, noting that the fryer could have played a “part” if they were cooking with just one, and said the tartar sauce was “very nice”.

Mark also mentioned that he ate a “fair amount” and conceded that it filled him up, and when it came to giving his meal a score out of ten, he gave the fish and chips a respectable seven or “possibly an eight”.

An American visiting the UK decided to sample some good old fashioned fish and chips, but Brits spotted a “problem” when he tucked into the food at a popular seaside resort

When you visit a different country, it’s natural to explore and sample some of the traditional delicacies on offer and, here in the UK, one of the most beloved meals is fish and chips. Perhaps that’s why an American ventured to a popular seaside resort in Lancashire to sample the goods – after all, you can’t beat a chippy tea right by the sea.

A man, known as Kalani Ghost Hunter on TikTok, recently headed to Blackpool to sample one of his “favourite” British meals, and his video has since gone viral. He headed to Bentley’s Fish and Chips to carry out a taste test, as he said it was recommended by some of the locals, and he was keen to tuck in and see what was on offer.

He admitted that, when he has fish and chips, he has to have Dandelion and Burdock, as he said it’s “needed” to pair with the meal. Showing off the dish, he explained: “So, we’ve got our fish here, take a look at that – that is the large portion of fish and chips.

“Vinegar, salt – you guys know the combo. Now let’s dive in. I’ve been waiting for this meal for so many days. Mmm, so they’re frying in vegetable oil, and you guys know I’m a beef dripping lover but, what I will say is, there’s a very nice crunch on this.

“That’s a good batter flavour. Let’s try out a chip – I will say they have nice, chunky chips. That’s a solid piece of fish and chips. You guys know we love the curry sauce.

“I also love taking a chip through some mushy peas. I also love me some cheesy chips. Now they have melted the cheese on top here – let’s get us a nice bite. I love some cheesy chips.”

Overall, he said the fish and chips were fried “nicely”, and he deemed the meal a “solid option”, awarding it an 8.6/10. According to the reviewer, the meal was “very good”, and he really enjoyed it.

However, in the comments, people were quick to chime in with all sorts of ideas. Some people spotted a “problem”, as they thought he was missing one key item on top of his chips.

One person wrote: “Cheese, chips and gravy.” Another added: “Have you tried cheesy chips and gravy?”

A third added: “Need to chuck some gravy on the chips and cheese.” Meanwhile, a fourth also commented: “You need to add gravy to your cheesy chips.”

Some people also thought Blackpool “wasn’t the best place” to sample fish and chips, but others said there were a few spots that serve up tasty offerings. One person thought the eatery he went to was lovely though, adding: “Good chippy that.”

Another also chimed in with: “Ignore the people in the comments hating on Blackpool. Yes, of course it’s not the gastronomic capital of England, but it’s fun and a great time, if you’re not pretentious.”

Blackpool is a seaside town in Lancashire, England. It’s situated on the Irish Sea coast of the Fylde peninsula, around 27 miles (43 km) north of Liverpool and 14 miles (23 km) west of Preston.

It’s the main settlement in the borough, which carries the same name. The town also homes the Blackpool Tower Ballroom, which is world-famous for its unique sprung dance floor and amazing architecture.

Southwold, in Suffolk, boasts a sandy beach, operational lighthouse, and award-winning pier – but it’s the budget-friendly fish and chips that has made it a must-visit location

Tucked away on the Suffolk coast, the idyllic seaside town of Southwold has been revealed as a hidden gem that deserves a spot on every British staycation bucket list. This charming town, with a population of just over 1,000, boasts an array of beautiful pastel-hued seaside buildings and offers the most affordable fish and chips in the UK, according to Capital on Tap.

Southwold has also been crowned the best seaside town in the UK, with the Camping and Caravanning Club praising it as a “great destination year-round, whether you plan to visit during the summer for an ice cream or in the winter for blustery walks and cosy pub lunches.“

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The town’s attractions include a sandy beach, a working lighthouse, and an award-winning pier. A visit to the Adnams Brewery, located next to the lighthouse, is a must during any stay. After enjoying a drink at the brewery, visitors can indulge in the town’s budget-friendly fish and chips, reports the Express.

According to Capital on Tap, a meal of fish and chips in Southwold costs just 1.06% of the average weekly salary, making it the most cost-effective location for this quintessential British dish.

A typical serving costs £8.35, which is £6 less than at Robin Hood’s Bay in North Yorkshire. The publication enthused that “this seaside town proves that quality doesn’t always come at a premium.

Impressively, despite the lower cost, Southwold’s fish and chips boast a rating of 4.5 out of 5, indicating that customers are consistently pleased with their dining experience.

“For those seeking affordability without sacrificing taste or satisfaction, Southwold stands out as a top choice.”

Tourism chiefs at The Suffolk Coast recommend the brewery tours offered throughout the year, noting “there is no shortage of pubs and restaurants at which to sample the variety of Adnams beers on offer”.

Southwold shines with its twin beaches – Southwold Pier Beach towards the north and the more rugged Southwold Denes Beach down south.

The former presents the epitome of a British beach holiday spot, whereas the latter provides an untamed blend of sand and shingle.

More than just sands and waters, Southwold Pier Beach draws visitors with its ice cream stalls, vibrant beach huts along the prom, and has even clinched both Blue Flag status and a Seaside Award for 2024. For reassurance during peak season, lifeguards keep watch from May through September.

To satisfy cravings by the sea, there’s Southwold Pier, Southwold Boating Lake and Tearooms, and Suzie’s Beach Cafe among the ample selection of eateries. Venturing into the town centre reveals a charm-packed mix of cafes and shops.

For little adventurers, there’s an array of activities beyond the beach, such as a maize maze complete with ride-on tractors, sandpits and even the thrill of a zip wire – far more than your average farmyard maze!

A 20-minute lighthouse tour provides a glimpse into its role in guiding ships into Southwold Harbour and includes the charming Edwardian pier, which houses quaint shops, eateries, and traditional amusements including the old-fashioned two penny pushers.

The small village in Wales is no typical UK beach location

Brits longing for an idyllic escape might consider jetting off to distant exotic destinations, but there’s an overlooked treasure right on our doorstep. Portmeirion, tucked away along the Dwyryd Estuary in North Wales, breaks the mould of your average UK coastal spot.

Wander into this village and you could easily believe you’ve landed in Italy, thanks to its captivating array of Mediterranean-style buildings, sun-kissed beaches, and charming boutiques. And the icing on the cake?

It’s reportedly home to some of the UK’s most reasonably priced fish and chips. Last year’s statistics show that visitors typically spend just £8.57 on this beloved dish, according to Capital on Tap.

This placed the coastal gem as the third most economical for fish and chips, trailing only behind Southwold in Suffolk and New Brighton in Wirral. What’s more, it’s got great TV history behind it, having been the location for the filming of hit British TV show The Prisoner.

Portmeirion has also caused quite a stir online, too. Influencer Meera Pankhania is among those smitten with its scenic beauty. “My boyfriend and I were meant to go to Portugal that weekend but as it went on Amber list, we visited here as an alternative and then climbed Mount Snowdon,” she said in a previous TikTok reported by the Mirror.

“We stayed there for two days and while I’ve never visited Italy myself, I felt like I was in Lake Como. To arrive at the place, you travel through some beautiful roads and beautiful scenery.”

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Located in the heart of Gwynedd, the enchanting village of Portmeirion was brought to life by visionary architect Clough Williams-Ellis, who devoted five decades to shaping the site after purchasing the land in 1925.

Today, the village boasts a remarkable assortment of nationally significant listed buildings, including the stunning Grade I Listed Portmeirion Town Hall, built in 1938. However, you might be shocked to learn that Portmeirion doesn’t have any permanent residents, as its primary focus is on catering to tourists and holidaymakers.

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In fact, the village operates on a schedule, generally opening its doors to visitors from 9.30am to 6.30pm, seven days a week, during the peak summer season. Beyond its impressive infrastructure and unbelievable chippy prices, tourists also sing praises about Portmeirion’s afternoon teas too.

In 2024, one visitor took to TripAdvisor to share their thoughts on this, writing: “The best afternoon tea in the world, in the one of the nicest places. The village is stunning and we really made the most of it, being amongst the last to leave.

“We had afternoon tea in the hotel, which was absolutely delicious.” Meanwhile, another added: “There is no other place in England like this, it is so SO unique and amazing.

“If you only visit ONE place before you die, hopefully not just yet! then come here. It is SO lovely! We spent hours here, we did have afternoon tea here and if the weather had been better and we could have gone on the coastal and woodland walks, we would happily have stayed from opening to closing time.”

So, it seems that for those seeking an affordable beach escape this summer, Portmeirion might just be the perfect destination.

What do you think? Let us know in the comment section below

A woman called Caitlin bought fish and chips in Tenerife, but Brits have been left floored by the price. They couldn’t get over how it compared to similar meals in the UK

A woman bought fish and chips in Tenerife but Brits have been left astounded by the price. Caitlin, who documents her life in Tenerife online, recently visited a new food spot in Los Cristianos and decided to share her findings with social media users.

Under the name caitlincampb_, she shared her visit to the local chippy on TikTok, and people couldn’t get over how much a classic fish supper set her back. Simply called The Shamrock Fish ‘n Chippy, she decided to visit the restaurant as it’s new, and she noted there’s also a bar there that offers live entertainment too.

Caitlin opted to sample a classic fish and chips when she visited, and they looked pretty tasty. She also offered people a glimpse of the receipt, and this is what caught their attention.

The meal came in at €12.50 overall, with the cod being priced at €8.50 and the chips coming in at €4.00 for a regular portion. This is what captivated people in the comments section.

Astounded by the price, one person said: “£17 at my local in Scotland for a fish supper now.” Another added: “Was it any good?” Caitlin soon replied to this, saying: “Yeah.”

A third responded: “Went there three times in a week – was awesome. They guy server is really good.” Meanwhile, a fourth also commented: “We went there last time. In our opinion, the best on the island.”

If you’re wondering why some people were surprised by the price, Caitlin’s fish and chip supper came in at around £10.68. This varies a lot to some reported prices in the UK.

According to reports, the average price for a regular portion of fish and chips in the UK comes in at around £9.88. Prices can vary significantly though, with London being known as offering the most expensive price at £22.50 for a larger portion.

Meanwhile, in West Yorkshire, it’s said you may be able to snap up the much-loved meal for as little as £6.70 for a smaller portion. However, portion sizes also vary greatly, as some shops can serve a regular fish up to 12oz and chips up to 20oz.

If you didn’t know, the price of cod and haddock has rocketed by 75% in the past year as a result of supply chain disruptions and global factors like the Ukraine war. While the price rise could hit the pockets of punters, it appears Brits still love tucking into fish and chips.

According to average prices, a classic cod and chips will cost you around £10.92. Meanwhile, the average price of haddock and chips is slightly higher at £11.13.

Meanwhile, smaller meal portions tend to come in between £5 to £8, while larger portions can set you back around £11. If it’s high end fish and chips you’re after, the price can vary from anything to £25 to £80.

Recently, one woman left people shocked when she ordered a chippy tea in Liverpool. Suzanna ventured to her favourite chippy to sample what was on offer, and she was left pretty impressed, but the price of the dish did take some people by surprise.

She ordered a small portion of fish, chips and mushy peas, and encouraged other people to share how much they pay to sample the goods where they live. It led to all sorts of answers being put forward.

Harry is known for sharing travel content online, but he recently turned his attention to fish and chips. He was left floored by the price of a meal in Benidorm recently

A man bought fish and chips when he was exploring Benidorm, but was left totally floored by the price. Harry, who often shares his adventures in Spain online, is known for making travel content, and he recently decided to sample fish and chips at the popular holiday resort.

Known as HarryTokky on TikTok, he said he may have sampled the “best” fish and chips he’s tried in Benidorm so far, and he found them at Ray’s Chippy 2. He raved about the recent meal he had at the restaurant, and shared his thoughts with his followers; however, he was left rather astounded by the price.

In the clip, he admitted he’s been told it was the “best chippy” in town, so he decided to give it a try. With many people opting to sample fish and chips when they visit Benidorm, he thought it was important to sample what’s on offer.

He opted for a small cod and chips, as well as curry sauce and a soft drink. When he was handed the food, he admitted it looked “absolutely amazing.”

Harry said: “We’ve got the small cod and chips, we’ve got the gravy as well. No, we’ve got the curry sauce, my apologies. Let’s get plenty of salt on there.

“Oh the batter is incredible, super crunchy. Beautiful, beautiful. Honestly, it’s that hot, I cannot even eat it. I’m going to have to wait a few minutes for it to cool down but, honestly, this is so tasty.

“I mean, if you are coming to Benidorm, you’ve got to check this place out. It’s incredible. Right guys, I have just finished my meal, and I have no other words other than exceptional.”

Warning: Below video may contain offensive language

When he was handed the bill, he told viewers the meal came to €13.65. When converted, this equates to around £11.68, and Harry thought it was an “absolute bargain.”

He signs off the video by decribing the eatery as a “secret hidden gem”, and he spoke highly of how good the food was. People were quick to comment and share their thoughts after he posted the video.

One said: “Was there two weeks ago – best chippy in Benidorm.” Another added: “It looks lovely – can’t wait to try it.”

A third replied: “I’ll check it out when I’m over in September. I’ve heard it’s the best in Beni.” Meanwhile, a fourth also commented: “I was there last week – spot on and great price too.”

Others were also quick to recommend other places to get fish and chips in the area that are also highly rated. Some examples included Dave’s Chippy, Planet Benidorm and John and Joseph’s, among others.

To put the price into perspective, it’s reported the average price for a regular portion of fish and chips in the UK comes in at around £9.88. Prices can vary significantly though, with London being known for offering the most expensive price at £22.50 for a larger portion.

Meanwhile, in West Yorkshire, it’s said you may be able to snap up the much-loved meal for as little as £6.70 for a smaller portion. However, portion sizes also vary greatly, as some shops can serve a regular fish up to 12oz and chips up to 20oz.

If you didn’t know, the price of cod and haddock has rocketed by 75% in the past year as a result of supply chain disruptions and global factors like the Ukraine war. While the price rise could hit the pockets of punters, it appears Brits still love tucking into fish and chips.

According to average prices, a classic cod and chips will cost you around £10.92. Meanwhile, the average price of haddock and chips is slightly higher at £11.13.

Smaller meal portions tend to come in between £5 to £8, while larger portions can set you back around £11. If it’s high end fish and chips you’re after, the price can vary from anything to £25 to £80.

Kuwait City is one of the hottest places on Earth and the scorching heat is causing chaos for both humans and wildlife as our planet continues to face the realities of climate change

Kuwait City, once known as a blissful “Marseilles of the Gulf”, is now witnessing heat so extreme that animals are being cooked alive.

The Middle Eastern metropolis has become a clear indicator of the harrowing effects of climate change, with birds dropping dead from the scorching heavens and fish boiling in the water.

Back in the halcyon days, Kuwait City thrived as a bustling hub with a flourishing fishing industry and idyllic beaches that lured in basking holidaymakers. But now, it’s gripped by an overwhelming problem of potentially uninhabitable temperatures.

A staggering 54C (129F) was recorded on 21 July 2016 at Mitribah weather station, placing Kuwait third in the solar frying stakes with one of the globe’s most torrid temperatures. Even Europe’s former Cerberus Heatwave pales in comparison, trailing behind Kuwait’s zenith by a whole 10 degrees Celsius.

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An ominous forecast looms as climate experts project that this desert country may blaze ahead with a temperature increase of up to 5.5C (10F) by century’s end relative to figures from the early 2000s. In 2023, the mercury spiked past 50C (122F) on nineteen occasions, a tally that’s feared might just be a starting point.

Urban development has transformed Kuwait City into a sweltering expanse of relentless concrete and asphalt, regions that are fast turning too fiery for safe habitation come summertime.

In further alarm, scientific records trace a downturn in annual precipitation, amplifying fierce dust storms that whip through the increasingly arid nation. The scorching heatwave has led to harrowing scenes with birds dropping dead from the sky and seahorses cooked alive in the bay, as even robust pigeons seek respite from the sun’s relentless blaze.

With temperatures soaring to a life-threatening 50C, which is a staggering 13C above human body temperature, the risks of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and cardiac complications escalate dramatically.

In an unprecedented move, Kuwait has permitted nocturnal funerals due to the unbearable heat, while the wealthy retreat into their air-conditioned sanctuaries, be it homes, offices, or malls.

This extreme weather has spurred the creation of futuristic structures like an indoor shopping avenue, complete with palm trees and European-style boutiques, offering shoppers an escape from the brutal climate.

A 2020 study revealed that a massive two-thirds of domestic electricity consumption is attributed to the relentless use of air conditioning.

Writing for ExpatsExchange, Joshua Wood praised Kuwait for its “high quality of life” in a “modern, luxurious and safe” environment but cautioned about the intense heat, describing it as “very hot from May through September” and reaching “insanely hot” levels during the peak summer months of June to August.

Despite the sweltering heat, the streets are far from deserted. Migrant workers, predominantly from Arab, South and South East Asian nations, constitute about 70% of the country’s population.

Many people are enticed to move to Kuwait and work in sectors like construction or household services. These workers populate the steaming public buses of the capital city and crowd the streets.

Research conducted in 2023 by the Institute of Physics indicated that migrant workers can be particularly vulnerable to adverse health effects due to exposure to severe temperatures. The study suggests that by the end of the century, climate change could lead to a rise in heat-related deaths by 5.1% to 11.7% across the entire population, and even up to 15% among non-Kuwaiti individuals.

Warnings about the planet are often overlooked, yet in Kuwait where the devastating effects of climate change are already evident – the carbon footprint is enormous – only Bahrain and Qatar’s is higher.

While neighbouring countries have committed to significant reductions in emissions, Kuwait’s pledges seem insignificant in comparison. At COP26, the country announced it would only reduce emissions slightly (7.4%) by 2035.

Kuwaiti government officials predict that energy demand will triple by 2030. This is largely due to the anticipated increase in the use of indoor cooling systems.

The government footing a large portion of the electricity bill has led to a lack of incentive for people to curb their usage. Water consumption follows a similar pattern due to energy-intensive processes.

Environmental expert Salman Zafar highlighted the potential consequences of global warming for Kuwait, stating: “Kuwait could be potentially facing serious impacts of global warming in the form of floods, droughts, depletion of aquifers, inundation of coastal areas, frequent sandstorms, loss of biodiversity, significant damage to ecosystem, threat to agricultural production and outbreak of diseases.”

An underrated UK seaside town has been dubbed a ‘hidden gem’ for a quintessentially British break – especially thanks to its beloved fish and chips

Any Brit will tell you that no trip to the seaside is complete without a chunky portion of fish and chips; there’s nothing quite like tucking into the quintessentially British grub, while looking out at the sea (and keeping an eye out for those pesky seagulls).

However there’s one underrated UK town that’s been hailed as a must-visit staycation spot if you’re after some great fish and chips, and the best part is that its promenade not only offers plenty of options, but the beach itself is clean and sandy.

Filey in Yorkshire has been a hit with locals and visitors for years thanks to its offering of eateries, hotels and family-friendly activities in the area. In fact, it’s impressed so much that Away Resorts have named it as one of Yorkshire’s best hidden gems for a holiday.

The travel experts explained: “For a relaxing beach day with delicious local cuisine, Filey is the perfect spot. Enjoy the Filey Promenade, where you can savour the best classic Yorkshire fish and chips, according to holidaymakers, while soaking in views of golden sands and waves.

“For a quieter escape, head to The Bay at Filey, a peaceful holiday village with stunning views over Filey Bay and miles of sandy beach, ideal for family fun, whether you’re relaxing by the sea or strolling along the shore.”

One of the biggest draws in Filey is its beautiful sandy beach, which continues to impress holidaymakers, landing it a 4.7 rating on Tripadvisor.

One happy visitor wrote of their day out: “Filey Beach is wicked fun for the whole family. When visiting check the tide times as is best visited when the tide is out to allow for a peaceful walk along for an ice cream, cup of tea and fresh cream cake from one of the nearby cafes. A must do is the walk from Haven Primrose Valley up to town on that nice sunny day. Especially allowing the children to treasure hunt on the beach and spot the WW2 pillar boxes.”

Another added: “Always good to blow the cobwebs away on a morning. It was very misty, but still warm. Plenty of visitors even early in the morning – dog walkers, walkers, and even a dog obedience class on! A nice stroll and accessible to all.”

Meanwhile one visitor described it has having “loads of rooms for families to play”, and praised it for being a quieter spot than some of Yorkshire’s more popular beaches. They added: “The beach is lovely and clean, water clear but a tad cold lol. Couldn’t find many shells though, which my girl likes to collect. Along the path next to the beach there’s shops selling beach things, drinks and ice cream shops, chip shops and a paddling pool. The other end there’s a mini golf course, cafe, shop, arcade and small fun fair the other end of the beach.”

However, they did warn that they ended up having to park in a car park up a hill, so while the walk down to the beach was pleasant, they dreaded having to go back uphill afterwards.

Do you have a story to tell us? Email us at [email protected].

A COASTAL town was treated to free chips with a twist – the chippy was powered by an electric car.

In the aptly named Kent town of Deal, National Fish and Chip Day was celebrated with 300 portions of chips given away, as well as a limited run of battered fish.

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But it wasn’t your ordinary chip shop, with the chippy being powered by two electric cars and fronted by TikTok’s ‘Chip Shop Diva’, Destiny Harold.

The Dacia Spring, which its makers say is the cheapest electric vehicle currently on the market, was the power behind the frying, in partnership with local chippy, The Blue Mermaid Fish Bar.

It comes after a poll of 2,000 adults found fish and chips is the most popular treat on a British holiday, as well as cream tea and hot doughnuts.

Others to feature in the top 20 list include Mr Whippy ice cream, Cornish pasties and mussels.

Quintessentially British foods, such as fish finger sandwiches, strawberries and cream and a pie and mash also featured in the ranking.

A spokesperson for car brand Dacia said: “It was fun treating passers-by today and showing the power of our electric car, Spring, using its vehicle to load technology, which allows you to power external devices off the car’s battery.

“It’s no surprise we have a national day dedicated to the iconic meal that is fish and chips and the study shows just how much we love it and associate it with holidays by the seaside.

“Playing on the phrase ‘cheap as chips’ in line with our affordable car and being in the appropriately named Deal, was a great way to celebrate National Fish and Chip Day.”

The research also found 41% of adults describe such foods as nostalgic, while 45% feel satisfied after eating them.

When ordering a classic fish and chips, cod (48%) and haddock (19%) were the most popular choices, but 69% simply order a portion of chips.

It also emerged 44% believe fish and chips is the ‘food of the people’ and 39% said class doesn’t impact how people eat it.

While 46% feel there is something nostalgic about eating the British staple with a wooden fork, which 33% typically do, although 38% opt to eat it by hand.

Food psychologist, James Cornish, said: “There are few things that unite the British public quite like fish and chips.

“Golden, salty, comforting, and steeped in history, this timeless dish is more than a meal – it’s a national treasure.

“Loved across generations, social classes, and regions, it’s one of those rare things that truly brings us together.

“There’s a certain kind of magic in fish and chips – a simple meal that somehow carries the weight of memory, comfort, and delight.

“Maybe it’s because we don’t expect too much from humble food, but our delight is excelled through the delivering of more than we expected.”

Iraqi authorities have opened an investigation into a mass die-off of fish in the country’s central and southern marshlands, the latest in a series of such incidents in recent years.

One possible cause for the devastation is a shortage of oxygen, triggered by low water flow, increased evaporation and rising temperatures driven by climate change, according to officials and environmental activists. Another is the use of chemicals by fishermen.

“We have received several citizens’ complaints,” said Jamal Abd Zeid, chief environmental officer for the Najaf governorate, which stretches from central to southern Iraq, adding that a technical inspection team had been set up.

He explained that the team would look into water shortages, electrical fishing, and the use by fishermen of “poisons”.

For at least five years, Iraq has endured successive droughts linked to climate change. Authorities further attribute the severe decline in river flow to the construction of dams by neighbouring Iran and Turkiye.

The destruction of Iraq’s natural environment adds another layer of suffering to a country that has already faced decades of war and political oppression.

“We need lab tests to determine the exact cause” of the fish die-off, said environmental activist Jassim al-Assadi, who suggested that agricultural pesticides could also be responsible.

Investigations into similar incidents have shown that the use of poison in fishing can lead to mass deaths.

“It is dangerous for public health, as well as for the food chain,” al-Assadi said. “Using poison today, then again in a month or two … It’s going to accumulate.”