
Do you want vinegar with that? Our crews' top 9 chip shops
Where there’s sand and a bucket and spade, there’s a chippie in sniffing distance. Whether enjoyed off a plate or straight from recycled paper, there’s nothing like fish ’n’ chips to round off a day at the coast – or to mark the end of a working week.
We all have a favourite chippie and our volunteer crews are no exception! Here are some of their top recommendations.
Warning! This article may make you crave a visit to your own local chippie – why not recommend it to us at twitter.com/RNLI.
1. The BoatHouse Fish Bar, The Esplanade, Porthcawl, CF36 3YR
Porthcawl Crew Member Chris Missen and his wife own and run the BoatHouse Fish Bar. As the shop is only 300m from the lifeboat station, Chris can usually boast the fastest response when the pagers go off. ‘The only time I’m beaten is when my fellow crew are queuing in the shop and between me and the door!’ he jokes. Staff are often found frying after hours - it’s a favourite place for the whole crew to refuel after a rescue.
Pop along for fish fingers made on site and you may well be served by an RNLI volunteer (the BoatHouse employs three crew members).
2. Anstruther Fish Bar, 42-44 Shore Street, Anstruther, Fife, KY10 SAQ
Go and enjoy the beautiful fishing village of Anstruther in Fife. Don’t forget to pop into the lifeboat station (it receives 5 stars on TripAdvisor) before strolling along to Anstruther Fish Bar and Restaurant.
Not only is the food award-winning, but eco-warriors can enjoy it guilt-free thanks to 100% decomposable packaging. It was also the first fish and chip shop to be certified for its sustainable marine seafood. We hear its haddock fish suppers are particularly delicious.
3. Krispies, 57 Exeter Rd, Exmouth, EX8 1PX
This award-winning shop is run by Exmouth volunteer Crew Member Tim Barnes and his wife Kelly. What stands out on the menu? Battered chips! And they love converting new customers.
Ingredients are locally sourced where possible, alongside MSC-certified sustainably caught cod from the Barents Sea. As well as refuelling crew, thanks to Kelly’s enthusiasm for fundraising events, Krispies are generous supporters of the station.
4. The Pier Café, 64 A848, Tobermory, Isle of Mull, PA75 6NU
Soak up stunning panoramic views of this colourful and charming port while tucking into a squat lobster – once thrown away by fishermen this delicacy is too good to ignore. Plus, here it’s so fresh it can almost jump from the family fishing boat into the boiling pot. This community-centred, family-run café is a keen RNLI fundraiser.
Fancy turf rather than surf? Then try the Salt and Pepper Chilli Chicken. Tobermory crew say it’s insanely good.
5. Chish N Fips, Main Street, Crosshaven, Co Cork
A favourite with Ballycotton crew, especially after a shout. If the name’s not already a good enough reason to visit, then the reasonable prices should also lure you in.
6. Hooked At 31, West Street, Fishguard, SA65 9AL
Award-winningly fabulous fish and chips served in eco-friendly packaging followed by homemade ice-cream – what’s not to love! They’re also big supporters of the RNLI.
7. The Pilot Inn, Battery Rd, Lydd-on-Sea, Romney Marsh, Dungeness, Kent, TN29 9NJ
Technically a pub, but its selection of five different fish (and chips) is the reason customers flock. With views of the lifeboat station, a screen tracking shouts and a location beyond compare in the heart of the National Nature Reserve, the Pilot Inn has earned a mention.
8. Wolfies of Hove, 90 Goldstone Villas, Hove, BN3 3RU
If you like the sound of gin-battered scallops (and we certainly do) then Wolfies is the place for you! Its superb gluten and dairy-free options also make it hard to beat.
9. Lakeside Fish and Chips, Lifeboat Quay, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1LS
A top recommendation from Poole lifeboat crew who, as you might imagine, are guaranteed extra-special service. Lakeside’s a stone’s throw from RNLI Headquarters and the All-Weather Lifeboat Centre, with open views of Holes Bay (and the occasional lifeboat) in Poole Harbour.
This family-run affair, led by brothers Jason and Wayne, offers delicious takeaway and restaurant service. Thanks to their sustainably sourced ingredients, they’re proud to be the only chippie in Dorset to hold MSC certification. Personally tried and tested by the author, the crab cakes and light crispy battered cod with mushy peas are supremely good. Don’t forget to pop a few coins in the collection box on your way out.
Have we left out your favourite seaside chippy? We know we could do batter. Let us know what fryer gets your crew’s vote at twitter.com/RNLI.
This October, RNLI supporters around the UK and Ireland are hosting fundraising Fish Suppers. From fish and chips at the local pub, to family gatherings over fish pie, there are so many ways to take part. Find a Fish Supper near you, or sign up to host your own event.
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