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UK’s 50 best fish and chip shops named – full list

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

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Small UK island named one of the top places in Europe to visit in 2026 with ‘singing’ beach and new hotel

ONE of the best places to visit in Europe next year is right here in the UK and it has a ‘singing sands’ beach.

There is no doubt that Scotland is home to some of the UK’s most beautiful destinations, and now another has been recognised as a top spot to visit next year.

The island of Islay located in Scotland has been named one of the best places to visit in 2026Credit: Getty

According to Conde Nast Traveller, Islay is “a Hebridean escape for whisky connoisseurs, in 2026 Islay will be home to even more distilleries than ever before”.

The small island is the southernmost of the Inner Hebrides, lying off of the west coast of Scotland.

And the destination is well-known for its whisky, thanks to numerous distilleries.

These will also be added to when two new distilleries open soon on the island.

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Laggan Bay Distillery will be the 12th to open on the island and it will be located near the island’s longest beach, Big Strand.

Visitors will be able to try whiskies that feature a peaty and smoky flavour.

Another distillery will then open in 2026 called Portintruan.

At Portintruan, visitors will be able to see old-style production techniques to produce whisky.

Islay is also home to a new luxury hotel, by the French luxury brand LVMH.

At Ardbeg House, guests can choose from 12 bedrooms, “each inspired by the histories and legends of Ardbeg” according to the hotel’s website.

The rooms feature dark woods and colours, with rich fabrics such as velvet.

Even the wallpaper features clues to folklore and myths from the island including the story of Airigh Nam Beist (Shelter of the Beast) – for generations, locals have believed that a fearsome creature lives in the hills.

And for an added treat, hidden somewhere in the room is a miniature dram for guests to find.

The hotel also has a restaurant serving homemade bread and farmers’ and fishermen’s dishes, as well as a bar.

A stay is likely to set you back around £230 per night.

Just along the road from the hotel, you can also visit Ardbeg Distillery, which has been running since 1815.

When on the island, make sure to head to some of the beaches as well.

And it has a newly opened hotel called Ardbeg HouseCredit: Facebook/@Ardbeghouseofficial
All of the hotel’s interiors are themed around folklore and myths from the islandCredit: Facebook/@Ardbeghouseofficial
It has 12 bedrooms in totalCredit: Facebook/@Ardbeghouseofficial

One top spot is Singing Sands Beach – supposedly, if you rub the soles of your shoes over the sand, you will hear singing.

Nearby is also the lighthouse at Carraig Fhada which was built in 1832, which visitors can walk to over a metal bridge.

Unusually, the lighthouse is square and doesn’t have a lantern; instead, it has a small beacon mounted at its top.

The lighthouse sits opposite Port Ellen, the second largest town on the island.

The town features a handful of pretty, golden beaches and lots of places to grab a bite to eat.

For example, you could head to SeaSalt Bistro & Takeaway, where you could sit in and have some classic fish and chips for £18.50.

Or grab a hot drink from Copper Still Coffee.

Islay also has a number of pretty beaches, including one with ‘singing sand’Credit: Alamy

The quickest way to get to Islay is by flying with Loganair from Glasgow.

There are usually two flights a day, and it takes about 45 minutes to reach the island.

Though this will set you back around £80 each way.

Alternatively, head over to Islay on a ferry from Kennacraig.

There are two ferries, with one travelling to Port Ellen, taking around two-and-a-half hours.

And the second is to Port Askaig, which takes just under two hours.

A return ferry fare costs £17.40 per adult and £8.70 per child, or a return car fare costs £87.80.

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Plus, the hidden UK island that’s completely car free and inspired Peter Pan’s Neverland.

The quickest way to get to Islay is by flying from Glasgow, though it is cheaper to get the ferryCredit: Alamy

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Sweden: Alexander Isak named in Graham Potter’s first squad, Viktor Gyokeres out injured

Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres has not been named in Graham Potter’s first Sweden squad, but Liverpool’s Alexander Isak has been included.

Gyokeres is set to have further tests this week amid fears he sustained a hamstring injury during the Gunners’ Premier League win at Burnley on Saturday.

The 27-year-old missed Arsenal’s Champions League win against Slavia Prague on Tuesday.

Isak, who has not played for the Reds since 22 October because of a groin problem, has been selected for the World Cup qualifiers against Switzerland (15 November) and Slovenia (18 November).

Tottenham midfielder Lucas Bergvall, who is recovering from concussion, and Newcastle winger Anthony Elanga are among the England-based players named by former Brighton, Chelsea and West Ham boss Potter.

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World’s most beautiful train stations have been named and three are in Europe

An image collage containing 4 images, Image 1 shows The Liège-Guillemins railway station at dusk, with light-colored, curvilinear architecture and a distinct glass-pyramid roof, Image 2 shows The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) with the Aramco building in the background, Image 3 shows An interior view of a modern train station with multiple escalators and reflective surfaces, showing a few people, Image 4 shows Escalators next to a multi-story indoor green wall

AROUND the world there are plenty of train stations – but not all of them can be classed as ‘beautiful’.

However, some look less like a place full of commuters and more like a work of art and have been given a prestigious award by Prix Versailles.

‘The World’s Most Beautiful’ train stations have been revealed and one of Saint-Denis PleyelCredit: Unknown
Also in Paris is Villejuif – Gustave Roussy StationCredit: Michel Denancé

Prix Versailles is a series of architectural competitions, which includes airports, hotels and other buildings.

Now, it’s released the finest train stations that make up the ‘World’s Most Beautiful Passenger Stations List 2025’.

Two of these are in France, and both in the suburbs of Paris, so Brits can visit them in just a few hours.

Saint-Denis is a commune in the northern suburbs of Paris, France and its impressive train station opened last year.

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Saint-Denis Pleyel was designed by Japanese studio Kengo Kuma and Associates.

The station is tiered on different levels and decorated with wooden slats and floor to ceiling glass windows, so the inside is flooded with light.

Above the station itself is a rooftop park, and inside, is a huge open space with plenty of multi-level escalators.

Gustave Roussy Station in Villejuif, which is 40-minutes south of Paris opened in January 18, 2025.

The station was designed by the architectural firm Dominique Perrault Architecture.

It’s an underground cylindrical station with an open-air, multi-layered roof and is in the style of an ‘upside down skyscraper’ – it’s one of France‘s deepest passenger stations.

The design of KAFD Station resembles sand dunesCredit: HUFTON AND CROW
Judge said Mons station is ‘cathedral-like’Credit: Supplied

Over in Belgium is the Mons railway station which has a suspended canopy which is a nod to the Galerie de la Reine shopping arcade in Brussels.

The station originally opened in 1841, but went through its most recent transformation in 2025.

The judging panel said: “It’s a streamlined style made up of steel and dazzling white to form a cathedral-like walkway”.

Other stations receiving the award include Gadigal Station in Sydney, Australia.

The name honours the Aboriginal people who were original custodians of the land around that part of Sydney, and inside are bright tiles in colours such as yellow, purple, red and blue.

Baiyun Station in Guangzhou, China has also picked up the award for its recent transformation which has added shops and even an urban park.

It’s dedicated to 24 high-speed train lines, six subway lines and three bus terminals.  

Inside Gadigal Station, Australia, is brightly coloured yellow and purple tilesCredit: Unknown
Qasr Al Hokm Station in Riyadh has an inside gardenCredit: Unknown

Another is KAFD Station, Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, which is very futuristic-looking with a wave-like exterior that is meant to resemble sand dunes.

Also in Riyadh is Qasr Al Hokm Station which has been described as being like a “periscope” as the glass roof reflects light throughout the station.

Bringing the outdoors in, there’s also a “luxuriant garden unexpectedly materialises within the subterranean space”.

Jérôme Gouadain, Secretary General of the Prix Versailles, underscores the grandeur of the ideals  embodied by these edifices: “Excellence lends itself to recognition and humility, and is a necessary quality in this day and age,  when there is such a need to extend the harmony manifested in these new passenger stations across  entire continents.  

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“The commitment and the technical and aesthetic prowess demanded by these structures are the  highest possible tribute to the building community.  

“Already a part of this century’s heritage, this infrastructure is revitalising the role that we as a society  attribute to mobility. At each site, beauty is given concrete form, like a lung breathing new life into the  city, a shared symbolic territory in the service of its inhabitants.”

Baiyun Station in China has added shops and even an urban park to its designCredit: yang min

World’s Most Beautiful Station List 2025…

Gadigal Station
Sydney, Australia

Mons Station
Mons, Belgium

Baiyun Station
Guangzhou, China

Saint-Denis – Pleyel Station
Saint-Denis, France

Villejuif – Gustave Roussy Station

Villejuif, France

KAFD Station
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Qasr Al Hokm Station
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Seven stations across the world have been declared the most beautiful in the world – like Mons Station in BrusselsCredit: Unknown

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David Bowie and The Simpsons named among top icons and shows that predicted the future

DAVID Bowie and Kate Bush have been named among the top cultural icons who most accurately predicted how we live today, according to research.

A poll of 2,000 adults found George Orwell, Roald Dahl, and even Ross from Friends – who in 1999 predicted AI would be smarter than us by 2030 – made the top 10 list.

The Simpsons is known for eerily predicting future eventsCredit: Alamy
David Bowie performing at Boston Garden, Massachusetts, in 1978Credit: Alamy

Other cultural icons included Captain Kirk – who used to talk to computers, foldable communicators, and tablets as far back as the 1960s – and Ridley Scott.

The director’s seminal 1982 film Blade Runner is still hailed today as a masterclass in technological foresight.

Meanwhile the sitcom, The Simpsons has a history of uncanny predictions, including Donald Trump‘s presidency, the Pandemic, a FIFA scandal, and the development of smartwatches.

The research was commissioned by Samsung for its ‘Visionary Hall of Fame’ and rounding off the top 10 are musicians Prince and Bjork – with the former predicting online dating and virtual relationships in his album 1999, released over 40 years ago.

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While Bjork foresaw the rise of social media in the 1990s and 2000s, predicting that technology wouldn’t just be functional, it would become deeply personal.

Fearne Cotton has teamed up with the brand, as part of their Can Your Phone Do This campaign which highlights the capabilities of Galaxy AI, to go back to her chart show roots, in a brand-new countdown video which reveals the visionaries who feature on the list.

The broadcaster and author said: “These ten icons didn’t just dream about the future; they made it a reality. It’s incredible to see that the future they envisioned is already here, right at our fingertips.

The research also found self-driving cars (39 per cent) topped the list of real-world innovations people remember seeing in pop culture before they became a reality.

This was followed by artificial intelligence (39 per cent) and video calling (33 per cent), along with voice assistants (28 per cent) and smart watches (22 per cent).

Those polled were also quizzed on their use of AI apps or assistants, with 24 per cent using these on their phones daily.

Many use them to ask factual questions (43 per cent), compose messages or emails (22 per cent), and edit photos and videos (22 per cent).

For 23 per cent, they are even translating speech or text among the most used AI functions.

In fact, almost seven in ten (68 per cent) also agreed that today’s AI-powered smartphones feel as though you are carrying the future in your pocket.

Annika Bizon, from Samsung, added: “68 per cent of Brits are amazed that these once-futuristic predictions are now part of everyday life, with over half crediting AI for boosting general knowledge and creativity.

“With Galaxy AI, we’re not just keeping pace with the predictions of modern-day visionaries, we’re actively shaping what comes next.

“We’re turning tomorrow’s possibilities into today’s realities, because when you hold the future in your hand, you’re not just ahead of the curve—you’re defining it.”

Fearne Cotton unveils the Visionary Hall of FameCredit: Michael Leckie/PinPep

Top ten cultural icons who saw the future

1. George Orwell
2. The Simpsons
3. David Bowie
4. Captain Kirk from Star Trek
5. Ridley Scott
6. Kate Bush
7. Roald Dahl
8. Ross from Friends
9. Prince
10. Bjork

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The surprising city named happiest in the world with its own theme park island 

An image collage containing 4 images, Image 1 shows Skyline of Abu Dhabi at the waterfront, Image 2 shows Abu Dhabi skyline from the waterfront with a palm tree in the foreground, Image 3 shows Interior of Ferrari World, an indoor amusement park with a go-kart track, in Abu Dhabi, Image 4 shows Aerial view of Abu Dhabi with turquoise water, a national flag, and skyscrapers

ABU DHABI has been named the happiest city in the world by Time Out.

Scoring a near perfect mark, 99 per cent of locals agreed that Abu Dhabi makes them happy, with 96 per cent saying that people in the city seem positive.

Abu Dhabi has been named the happiest city in the world by Time OutCredit: Getty

In addition, 93 per cent said that they feel happier in the city than anywhere else.

The city was ranked against five statements: My city makes me happy; I feel happier in my city than other places I’ve visited or lived; The people in my city seem happy; I find joy in the everyday experiences my city offers; The sense of happiness in my city has grown a lot recently.

The city gained top marks for walkability as well, and has been named one of the best cities for culture and green space and nature.

If you are heading to the city, then explore Yas Island – a purpose built island with theme parks and a waterworld.

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The island is home to a number of theme parks including Ferrari World Yas Island and Warner Bros World Yas Island.

Ferrari World is the first Ferrari-branded theme park, which is also home to Formula Rossa – the world’s fastest rollercoaster.

Then at Warner Bros. World, visitors can explore one of the world’s largest indoor theme parks, with six immersive lands.

Across each land, visitors will find rides, shows and attractions themed on classic Warner Bros. characters such as Superman.

For those who prefer to splash about in the water, head to Yas Waterworld Yas Island – a massive water park with over 40 rides, slides and attractions.

For something more thrilling, head to Clymb, which boasts the world’s largest indoor skydiving flight chamber and the region’s tallest indoor climbing wall.

The island also hosts the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit.

Visitors can wander along Yas Bay Waterfront as well, where they can find a number of cafes, restaurants and bars.

Yas Beach is good for relaxing too, with golden sands and crystal waters in addition to different water spots such as kayaking.

And for a bit of retail therapy, make sure to visit Yas Mall, which is one of the city’s biggest shopping centres.

Elsewhere in Abu Dhabi visitors can head to other cultural destinations such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Louvre Abu Dhabi – a large museum with art from different cultures.

There is also Qasr Al Hosn – the oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi.

If you prefer to see nature, then explore the Jubail Mangrove Park via its boardwalks or kayak.

The desert is another place to see, where you can take part in a number of activities such as dune bashing (venturing across the dunes in buggies), camel riding and sandboarding.

The city is home to a purpose-built island which has a number of attractionsCredit: Getty
The attractions include Ferrari WorldCredit: Alamy

When it comes to food, a mid-range three-course meal at a restaurant will set you back £50.91 for two people.

One top spot (but that costs a bit more) is Café del Mar, which is located near the beach and often hosts pool parties and Ladies’ Days.

Options include a truffles wagyu beef burger, with cheese, beef prosciutto, truffle and mushroom sauce and fries for £35.65.

Alternatively you could share a salt-baked sea bass, with tomato vinaigrette and fries for £29.54 per person.

Alcohol in Abu Dhabi isn’t cheap either with a beer costing around £8.15.

When it comes to places to stay you won’t be short for choice, with the city also being home to some famous hotels such as the Emirates Palace, which costs hundreds per night.

Though more affordable options include the Royal M Hotel by Gewan Abu Dhabi for around £130 per night.

Direct flights in November, from London to Abu Dhabi cost from £474 or £513 from Manchester.

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Time Oot’s top 20 happiest cities in the world

THESE are the top 20 happiest cities in the world, according to locals…

  1. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
  2. Medellín, Colombia
  3. Cape Town, South Africa
  4. Mexico City, Mexico
  5. Mumbai, India
  6. Beijing, China
  7. Shanghai, China
  8. Chicago, US
  9. Seville, Spain
  10. Melbourne, Australia
  11. Brighton, UK
  12. Porto, Portugal
  13. Sydney, Australia
  14. Chiang Mai, Thailand
  15. Marrakech, Morocco
  16. Dubai, UAE
  17. Hanoi, Vietnam
  18. Jakarta, Indonesia
  19. Valencia, Spain
  20. Glasgow, UK

Abu Dhabi is the ideal alternative to Dubai, with new British Airways flights and affordable holiday packages.

Plus, Disney is also planning to open a brand new theme park and resort on Yas Island.

Visitors can also explore cultural spots like the Louvre Abu DhabiCredit: Getty

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