More than 7200 fish and chip shops identified in landmark study of the UK’s favourite takeaway. Around 7,210 fish and chip shops operate across the UK, according to one of the first comprehensive attempts to map and analyse the nation’s favourite takeaway.
The new report, published yesterday (29.06.26) by Seafish reveals the scale, diversity and importance of a sector that supports jobs and communities across all four nations, while providing a key route for the public to access seafood.
The report also highlights how fish and chip businesses continue to adapt to changing consumer tastes, with many expanding their menus while maintaining a much-loved food tradition that sits at the heart of UK culture.
The Seafish study, which was supported by the Frozen at Sea Fillets Association (FASFA) and the National Federation of Fisher Friers (NFFF), provides one of the most detailed pictures to date of the UK’s fish and chip sector. It also sheds light on the species sold on menus, regional preferences, pricing, diversification and the current challenges facing businesses.
The report’s findings include:
• Around 7,210 independent fish and chip takeaway shops are operating across the UK.
• Cod, haddock, scampi and fishcakes are the most common seafood products found on menus.
• Haddock dominates in Scotland and parts of Yorkshire and the Midlands, while cod remains the most common choice elsewhere in the UK.
• Based on Seafish’s sample, the average price of haddock and chips is £10.29, while cod and chips costs £11.41.
• Many businesses have expanded their menus beyond traditional fish and chips to include products such as burgers, pizzas and kebabs.
• Rising costs and recruitment challenges remain important issues for businesses across the sector.
Report author Jennifer Robson, Head of Future Readiness at Seafish, said:
“Our report confirms that fish and chips is very much alive and kicking in the UK – it remains one of the nation’s most iconic and recognisable meals, enjoyed by millions of people every year. We embarked on this research to better understand a sector that plays a very important role in local economies and communities across the UK and provides a vital route through which consumers can enjoy seafood.
“Fish and chip shops also play an important role in connecting the public with a wide range of seafood beyond the traditional cod and haddock – for example lesser-known species such as plaice, skate and pollock, that can offer excellent eating quality and greater choice.”
Andrew Crook, President of the NFFF said:
“This is a very welcome report – its findings help us not only to benchmark the fish and chip sector, but also start to calculate its value to the economy. The findings also highlight the resilience and adaptability of fish and chip businesses. While the sector faces challenges, businesses continue to evolve in response to changing consumer preferences and operating conditions while maintaining a food tradition that remains an important part of British culture.”
Julie Waites, Executive Director of FASFA said:
To help the industry, government and wider society to better understand and highlight the sector’s contribution, we endorsed Seafish to undertake an initial independent Fish and Chip Takeaway Analysis Report. The report aims to demonstrate the importance of the sector, provide an evidence-based assessment of its current position and support greater recognition of its value. Ultimately, the goal is to help ensure businesses remain viable while continuing to provide consumers with an accessible, nutritious and valuable source of protein.”
Seafish carried out the analysis using a sample of data from multiple sources, including FASFA, NFFF, Food Standards Agency records, food delivery platforms and online menu information.
The Fish and Chips Takeaway Analysis Report can be found on the Seafish website at: https://www.seafish.org/about-us/news-blogs/seafish-publishes-landmark-study-of-the-uk-s-favourite-takeaway-meal/
Image: Seafish