Here’s our pick of 25 of the best places to enjoy this quintessentially British
treat right here in the county.
Papas Barn, Ditton
Inspired by their father, Photios Papas, brothers Theo and Michael set up shop back in 1992, and have been welcoming customers to their light-filled New England-barn-style base since 2010. Whether dining in or taking away, fish fans can tuck into skate, haddock and cod, freshly cooked to order, with spuds chipped each day. ‘Even with the current cost of living crisis, our customers know we never skimp on quality,’ says Theo. papasbarnkent.co.uk
Fish & Chuffs, Tunbridge Wells
Two great traditions, one culinary with fish and chips, one travel-related with heritage trains are brought together in Spa Valley Railway’s Fish & Chip Lunches, available on various dates throughout the year. Leaving from Tunbridge Wells, chug through the glorious High Weald, munching as you go, on an hour-and-a-quarter round trip. Gluten-free and veggie options available and you’ll even get offered a sponge cake for pud. £25 adults, £20 children spavalleyrailway.co.uk
Newington Fish Bar, Ramsgate
This Ramsgate stalwart prides itself not only on the quality of its menu – both in its restaurant and to take away - but on its approach: ‘Our fish is caught and frozen at sea from fully sustainable stocks in the Atlantic’ they say. Fish & Chip Quality, National Fish & Chip and Fry magazine awards speak for themselves, as does a portion of Newington’s flaky cod in crispy batter to go. newingtonfishbar.com
Fish Inn Two, Herne Bay
Sometimes a classic, traditional chippie is just what’s required, and Fish Inn Two – tucked away behind the main seafront - certainly ticks all the boxes, from its tiled floor and simple wooden chairs and tables, to its freshly cooked flaky fish (the whitebait looks especially good) and light, crispy batter. Senior Citizen Special prices too, with meal deals that include a tea or coffee.
facebook.com/Fishinntwo/?locale=en_GB
White Horse, Dover
We’ve long been fans of this award-winning, white-washed (and reputedly haunted) Dover institution, nestled in the castle’s shadow and going strong since the late 16th century. With so much to choose from on its menu, what makes its fish and chips such a winner? The answer lies in its combination of beer batter and cod delivered daily from the excellent Boatyard Fisheries, just round the corner in St Mary’s Bay. Whitehorsedover.co.uk
Sandy’s Fish & Chips, Folkestone
Grab your box of battered goods from family-run Sandy’s and hot foot it to Sunny Sands, competing, batting away those seagulls to enjoy your dinner on the beach. You’ll find all the traditional choices at this take-away, plus smaller portions at cheaper prices for those with more delicate appetites. Locals rate the friendliness and food here, as do celebrities from across the border – Essex’s own Gemma Collins was spotted ordering at Sandy’s recently! facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071689953570
The Square Fish Café, Lenham
In the centre of this pretty village, The Square Fish promises to bring the taste of the coast to the heart of Kent and prides itself on a menu full of local, sustainably caught sea food – think Kentish Dover sole, lobster or sea bass. You can’t take-away, but in this carefully restored building, why would you want to? Instead, relax and tuck into everything from lobster soup to monkfish or, of course, fish and chips served with homemade tartare sauce and a choice of minted or mushy peas – all lovingly prepared by chef Fabien, originally from Brittany. Thesquarefishcafe.co.uk
Walmer Fish and Chips, Walmer
The Pallagrosis have been running Walmer Fish and Chips since 1997. The family has been in the fish and chip business for generations, though, so it makes perfect sense it ranks as one of the best fish and chip shops in the area. Situated opposite the beach, you’ll find everything from rock and plaice to pies, plus many extras and gluten-free options, too.
walmerfishandchips.com
Middle Street Fish Bar, Deal
Highly recommended not only by locals (best on the planet according to some), it was awarded a Blue Ribbon in the Good Food Awards for 2023, so don’t be surprised to see a queue forming outside the door - it’s all part of the experience.
There’s a restaurant upstairs for those who want to enjoy the surroundings, as well as a takeaway service. Closed Sundays and Mondays.
01304 364738
The Village Fish and Chips, Petts Wood
This family-run business aims to provide customers with the very best fish, sustainably, responsibly sourced and complemented, of course, with top-quality potatoes. Officially it’s one of the best in Kent: named in the 50 Best Fish and Chip Takeaways 2023 list compiled by Fry Magazine. Turn up and place your order, or use the click and collect service available online.
thevillagefishandchips.com
Wheeler’s Fish and Chips, Dover
With Wheelers once credited as ‘The world’s oldest, finest fish brand’, the original branch dates back to 1856, with Wheeler’s Dover now part of a restaurant group owned by acclaimed chef, Marco Pierre White. Open daily for lunch and dinner, there are traditional favourites to enjoy, such as lightly battered, flaky cod and haddock, plus Wheeler’s renowned fish cake. Panoramic views overlooking the seafront add to the dining experience.
mpwrestaurants.co.uk
The Lazy Shack, Hythe
On the beachfront - Fisherman’s beach, to be exact - this family-run business serves a wide menu, accompanied by some stunning sea views.
There’s everything from squid of the day to battered fish and chips to crab salad, with the scallop and bacon baguette and vegan ‘fish and chips’ (banana blossom in homemade batter) particular talking points. It’s open seven days a week, so there’s no need to miss out – if you can’t get an outside spot one day, head back the next!
thelazyshack.co.uk
VC Jones, Whitstable
Serving up freshly cooked fish and chips since 1962, this three-generation family-run business is one of the last in the south of England to fry in beef dripping and says its proud to maintain traditional pre-war traditions. Rated as one of the best fish and chip shops in the UK by The Times newspaper, community and sustainability are at the heart of the business, which sees food donated to community projects and its cooking fat recycled.
vcjones.co.uk
Peter’s Fish Factory
12 The Parade, Margate
Nothing says top-notch fish and chips like a big queue snaking down the road from the shop door. Peter’s Fish Factor Margate is the place to go for delicious hot chips and battered fish, just ask the locals who flock there.
The traditional family run fish and chip shop opened its doors in 1984 and has been a hit ever since.
Search “Peter's Fish Factory Margate” on Facebook.
Buoy & Oyster
44 High Street, Margate
The batter is infused with brewery beer, the fish is locally sourced, the chips are tripled cooked and the peas are crushed, not mushy – seafood’s taken to a whole new level at this smart restaurant with views towards the sea. Run by Simon and Nadine Morriss since 2015,
Craig Edgell has been head chef here since 2019, with the restaurant awarded two AA Rosettes for four years.
buoyandoyster.com
Ossie’s Fish and Chips
205 Tankerton Road, Whitstable
Beautiful presentation, competitive prices and hearty portions give Ossie’s Fish and Chips in Whitstable its winning edge. Customers can choose from cod, haddock, plaice or rock and a side of either garden peas, mushy peas, beans or salad, with a gluten- free alternative an option, all for £11.95. OAPs get a special deal of £10.95. Look out, too, for grilled Local Skate, oven-cooked fresh Salmon and Belgian-style mussels.
ossiesfishandchips.com
Aqua 43
Albion Street, Broadstairs
Wholesome homecooked food, locally sourced and temptingly presented, Aqua 43 serves great fish and chips and pies. In the family since 1972, the popular venue is well established in the area. The friendly team are proud of their menu full of traditional favourites, like roast dinners, home-made pies and, of course, great fish and chips. Local is the name of the game here: fish is from the local fishmonger, potatoes from the farm down the road, and eggs are from the owner’s own hens.
aqua43.co.uk
Reliance
4 Queen Street, Gravesend
Reliance has been a stalwart of the British culinary tradition since it first opened in 1920.
Established in Gravesend more than a century ago, it has been serving the tasty food staple through the years to many happy customers.
In 1987 Jack Kamenou took over the shop with his dad George and they have continued the legacy of top-quality ingredients, all cooked to perfection and delivered with a smile.
reliancefishrestaurant.com
Papa’s Fish Restaurant
110 Sandgate Road, Folkestone
Papa’s Fish Restaurants began in 1966 but the business originated on the south-east coast of Cyprus, where Papa Adamos, a priest from a small local village, had a passion for catching fish for the family table. When that family moved to the UK opening a fish and chip restaurant here, in 1966, seemed like a natural progression. With branches throughout the UK, they opened the shop in Folkestone – which now operates independently of the group - in 1982.They serve cod, haddock, plaice, rock or skate bought from their local fish suppliers.
papasfolkestone.co.uk
The Snack Shack, Dungeness
Located on a scenic shingle beach in Dungeness (the largest in Europe), the Snack Shack and Fish Hut serves up delicious and super-fresh fish and seafood - all caught by this family-run business’s own boats. Food is freshly cooked to take away, or to eat at the few benches and tables (we suggest bringing a mat and cushions for beach sitting if tables run out) and changes depending on the day’s catch. Whatever that is, you can always rely on a fish bap and a homemade fish cake. The ethos of this al fresco gem is to sell fresh, local fish in a tasty unpretentious manner with a strong emphasis on sustainability.
dungenesssnackshack.net
The Pilot Inn, Dungeness
This family- run pub and restaurant is famous for its picturesque setting by the sea. It’s also well known for its delicious fresh fish including cod, husk, skate and haddock -all served with battered with chips and mushy peas. Diners can also indulge in a varied menu packed with favourite dishes, as well as delectable desserts including banana splits and knickerbocker glories.
Thepilotdungeness.co.uk
Beach, Dymchurch
This restaurant and takeaway venue is always a favourite where fish and chip aficionados are concerned. Whatever floats your boat or temps your tastebuds- whether it’s cod, plaice, scampi, fishcakes or a pickled gherkin or two, you’ll find it served here- and with a smile by its team of friendly staff. One TripAdvisor review of the place reads: “We’ve been coming to Dymchurch since the 1960's, so we know our fish n’ chips- and Beach 48 is right up there for taste and quality.”
beach48.co.uk
Beach Buoys, Margate
This seaside eatery, opposite Margate’s main beach, is painted bright pink, so it’s pretty hard to miss. But why would you want to miss it, as the award-winning restaurant serves up traditional fish and chips alongside mouthwatering seafood street food? Everything is on the menu here and you’ll also be able to order vegan and gluten-free fish and chip dishes. You can savour the taste of your fish and chips while dining on tables both inside or al fresco with lovely sea views. beachbuoys.co.uk
Shakey Shakey, Ramsgate
The popular fish bar is always a big hit with diners and gets top reviews on Trip Advisor, thanks to its clean, freshly cooked food as well as its gluten- and wheat-free menu choices. Its famous Shakey Shakey fish-and- chip topping is made to a secret recipes, with 12 different spices in the blend. Another unique option to go for if you still have room after your main course is the battered Oreos for dessert!
facebook.com/shakeyshakeyfishbar
Sankey’s, The Old Fish Market
This high-end champagne and seafood bar is a must if you are ever visiting The Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells (and there’s also the Sankey’s Kitchen and Bar in nearby Mt Ephraim) The chef uses hake for traditional fish and chip dishes. Business director Matthew Sankey explains: “Not only does hake have a better flavour, slightly sweeter, it's flakier and far more sustainable than the traditional cod. We buy our hake from Newlyn in Cornwall, it comes up daily so it’s always fresh. We slightly cure the hake before we cook it too, this gives it a firmer texture and seasons the fish evenly. “
sankeys.co.uk
