If you visit Whitby specifically for the fish and chips (no judgment; we do, too!), you will be delighted to know that two of the nation’s best fish and chip shops are a short stroll away from each other.
If fish and chips are your favourite British classic dish, you will hope and search for a great fish and chip shop wherever you go! Whitby’s residents and tourists are lucky enough to have not just one but two of the best establishments in the country. This year, The Magpie Café and Trenchers in Whitby were named in the prestigious Fry Awards’ top 10, and they’re only a six-minute walk apart.
The Magpie Cafe
The Magpie Café, owned by Ian Robson and his wife Alison Slater since 1990, is a Whitby institution. The shop has been serving fish and chips at its current Pier Road location since 1939.
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Although The Magpie Café offers the classic chip shop food you would expect from any chippy, its menu also features a selection of seafood dishes, including king prawn tails in garlic butter, calamari, poached salmon, and homemade Whitby crab bisque.
An unwavering commitment to quality
Mr. Robson attributes their success to an unwavering commitment to quality. “The key is that we always use fresh fish, fry it the traditional way in beef dripping, and prioritise quality above all else,” he said. “Whitby has long been hailed as the home of fish and chips, though I’m sure other places might contest that.”
The business has been passed down through Alison’s family. Alison’s parents ran the shop from the mid-1960s to 1990, and before them, her grandparents managed it from the mid-1950s to the mid-1960s.
Head chef Paul Gildroy first joined The Magpie as a 12-year-old weekend worker, and after honing his skills at catering college and in The Lake District, he returned to the café in 1993.
Read our review of The Magpie Cafe here.
Trenchers
A Whitby trip would never be complete without a stop in Trenchers. On New Quay Road, just like The Magpie Cafe, Trenchers offers much more than your average chip shop, with a menu that includes seafood salads, crab, lobster, fresh fish, homemade pies, and lasagnas—catering to a wide range of tastes.
Andrew Wilkinson, General Manager of Trenchers, expressed pride in being recognised alongside The Magpie in the Fry Awards. “It’s an honour to be named among the top 10 fish and chip restaurants in the UK alongside The Magpie,” he said. “This recognition highlights the high standards and dedication within Whitby’s culinary scene. Healthy competition drives us to continually improve and provide our customers with the best possible experience. We’re proud to be part of a community that values quality and excellence in fish and chips.”
Trencher’s staff set them apart
Wilkinson believes that what truly distinguishes Trenchers is its staff. “Our team sets Trenchers apart—many of our employees have been with us for decades”, he explains. “We regularly receive hundreds of emails and messages on social media from regulars and visitors expressing their appreciation for our team.”
In addition” to its exceptional staff, Trenchers stands out for its use of traditional cooking methods and top-quality ingredients. “Rather than using vegetable oil, we fry our fish in beef dripping, which gives it a unique flavour. We also source fresh, local produce to ensure the highest quality; this commitment to quality has earned us numerous accolades over the years, including being named one of the Top 10 Fish & Chip Restaurants and Takeaways in the 2024 Fry Awards and the No.1 Fish & Chip Restaurant in the UK at the 2019 National Fish and Chip Awards.”
Read our review of Trenchers here.
So which one will you try? Or just try both! Whether you fancy fish and chips to take away and enjoy no-fuss beside the sea, or this classic meal in a more refined dining experience, visitors to Whitby are spoiled for choice when it comes to enjoying this British seaside staple.
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