Fish and chips topped UK’s best-loved dish and also you batter consider it

Only 3% of those quizzed said they didn’t like the British classic which has been a much-loved part of our culture for generations since 1860

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Fish and chips has been crowned Britain’s best-loved dish. A whopping 90% of Brits believe the seaside staple is the nation’s most believed meal, with 95% considering it to be a quintessentially British meal.

A tiny 3% of the 2,000 Brits quizzed say they dislike it, underlining its widespread and lasting appeal. The research by Young’s comes ahead of National Fish and Chip Day, celebrated annually on the first Friday in June, celebrating the communities, traditions and seafood heritage behind it.

Dating back to the 1860s as a working-class staple, fish and chips has remained a much-loved part of British culture for generations. From seaside suppers to Friday night traditions, the dish continues to evoke nostalgia and comfort across the country.

Residents in Carlisle were among the nation’s biggest fans with almost universal appreciation for the classic dish, while support remained high across every part of the UK. Love for fish and chips also spans generations, with more than 85% of people in every age bracket expressing positive feelings towards the dish.

Brits aged 55-64 emerged as some of the strongest supporters, demonstrating the enduring connection many have with this traditional favourite.

Despite its popularity, fish and chips is more commonly enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than an everyday meal. On average, Brits enjoy fish and chips once every other week, with a quarter of the nation (25%) eating it once a week or more.

The findings also reflect changing eating habits, with more people opting to enjoy fish and chips at home as part of the growing ‘fakeaway’ trend. Cost (40%) and convenience (37%) were cited as key drivers, as consumers seek meals that deliver on flavour while offering good value.

Younger generations are also showing an increasing openness to experimenting with different seafood options. Seven in ten (70%) 18-34-year-olds said they would be willing to try different types of fish, compared to 58% of those aged 55 and over.

TV personality and fish and chips fan Ruth Langsford said: “I love a good chippy tea, whether it’s from my local or made myself at home.

“It’s one of those meals that brings back memories and is enjoyed by many people across the country.”

Young’s Seafood spokesperson, Kevin Sinfield, said: “Fish and chips is more than just a meal, it’s part of British life. It’s Friday nights, family traditions, seaside trips and shared moments.

“While the way people enjoy fish and chips may be evolving, the emotional connection to the dish remains incredibly strong. It continues to bring people together across generations, backgrounds and regions and remains one of the UK’s most loved meals, which is why we’re celebrating it this National Fish & Chip Day.”

• Young’s has been part of Britain’s seafood heritage since 1805, with more than 200 years of history rooted in Grimsby and you can find out more here – https://youngsseafood.co.uk/