Kent chippy named among UK's best for fish and chips on Good Friday

Hungry customers are ready to line up outside fish and chip shops around the country as they take part in the traditional Good Friday fish supper. The tradition has been around for centuries and, although in the Middle Ages they may not have been tucking into a large cod and chips, fish has been a staple of a Good Friday meal as Christians look to avoid eating meat.

Speaking to TimeOut, the Marine Stewardship Council said: “Fish is viewed as a different kind of flesh, and so is favoured over meat on Good Friday. Additionally, fish shapes were used by Christians to identify each other, and it is believed that many followers of Jesus were fishermen.”

But whether you are religious or not, Good Friday has become a night to head to your local chippy and tuck into a tasty haddock or cod. Andrew Crook, president of The National Federation of Fish Friers, said: “Good Friday is a huge trading day on the fish and chip shop calendar when businesses across the country welcome hundreds of customers through their doors keen to enjoy this holiday staple.”

Owner of Newington Fish Bar, Nigel Derrett with shop manageress Sarah Mitchell and Claire Santo
(Image: Newington Fish Bar)

Locals and visitors in Ramsgate may be in for a particularly enjoyable feast, as a local shop has been named as being one of the best places to visit for this evening’s dinner. Opened in 1980 by Ken and Nigel Derrett, at 55 Newington Road, Newington Fish Bar says it has since been serving “the best fish and chips in Kent, using top-quality ingredients sourced from the Atlantic”.

The shop was even recognised as one of the best in the country at this year’s National Fish and Chip Awards, which has now led it to gain a mention in TimeOut as one of the top destinations to visit for tonight’s feast. Also a judge at the awards, Mr Crook added: “Making the top 40 fish and chip Takeaway of the Year list is a huge achievement for these outlets that have all worked extremely hard to make it on there and all of which have had to go through a rigorous judging process by a panel of fish and chip experts.”