A number of fish and chip shops across Greater Manchester have made it into a prestigious list celebrating the very best in the country.
Published each year, Fry Magazine’s 50 Best Fish & Chip Takeaways list is now a staple for the industry – highlighting where the greatest mushy peas, battered cod and chips can be found.
Four takeaways in the city-borough have been mentioned in this year’s top 50 list – which isn’t ranked and is instead listed in alphabetical order. They join other establishments across the country, including takeaways in Caernarfon, Derbyshire, Cumbria, Yorkshire and Leeds.
The owners of Pennington Plaice, in Leigh, said it was a ‘great way to kick off 2025’ by being featured in the list for the second year running. Run by Martin Gee, the takeaway was previously also named the home of the ‘Best Chippy Chips’ in the North West at the Choice Chip Awards in both 2014 and 2015.
The Leigh Road venue serves up a simple selection of cod, scampi and fish cakes, alongside an assortment of pies, sausages and loaded chips – ranging from BBQ, spicy mayo and sweet chilli flavours.
Pennington Plaice in Leigh has been recognised in Fry Magazine’s 50 Best Fish & Chip Takeaways list
(Image: Pennington Plaice)
Posting about the achievement on Facebook, Pennington Plaice wrote: “We have been listed in the top 50 Fish & Chip takeaways in the UK AGAIN! Huge thank you to all our customers who support us everyday and also to our fantastic team that keep our award winning standards.”
Sykes Fish and Chips, located in Pendlebury in Swinton, also received the honour of placing in the top 50 both last year and this year. A former family bakery, the classic fish and chip shop – which was also given the accolade back in 2021 – has been going strong for more than 32 years now with praise given for their freshly-made and sustainable dishes.
Last year, the M.E.N visited the Bolton Road takeaway to see what all the fuss was about – reporting that it was ‘clearly a special place and with a menu that has been carefully put together for regulars’.
Another returning name on the list is The Fish at Goose Green in Wigan – earning the respectful title of now being able to say it has been featured in the top 50 for six years running.
Town Street Fryer in Marple Bridge made it onto the 2025 list of the 50 best fish and chip takeaways in the UK
“Fantastic news we are in top 50 Takeaways again – six consecutive years,” the takeaway posted online. “So proud of the team!”
The Clapgate Lane venue’s menu features the usual, alongside scampi and fish cakes, as well as chicken loaded chips and, of course, the original Wigan Kebab that is a meat and potato pie inside a soft barm.
Town Street Fryer in Marple Bridge didn’t appear on the list last year but it did receive recognition elsewhere for its pies. But, they have made it into Fry’s top 50 for 2025.
As its name would rightly suggest, the Stockport takeaway is located on Town Street and also came out on top on our own reader’s list of the best fish and chip shops in Greater Manchester last year.
Fish and chips from The Fish at Goose Green in Wigan
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Visiting the establishment for a review in 2023, the M.E.N. praised it for being a ‘real gem’. What’s On editor Jenna Campbell wrote of its fish: “Easily flaked away, the batter not only looks the part but also tastes exquisite – light and crispy and not at all oily.”
Now in its 13th year, Fry Magazine’s 50 Best Fish & Chip Takeaways list is based entirely on mystery diner reports with all venues mentioned receiving an impressive 96% rating or above this year. Some even achieved a full 100% mark.
Reece Head, competition organiser, comments: “Congratulations to this year’s award winners! Another year has passed and, once again, these shops have shown resilience, adapting to today’s challenges with remarkable dedication.
Skyes Fish and Chips in Pendlebury, Swinton is another popular spot
“At a time when inflationary pressures are being felt, these businesses continue to stay positive and prioritise their customers, maintain exceptional standards, and find innovative ways to keep fish and chips affordable.
“Starting the year as award winners is a fantastic way for fish and chip shops to kick off 2025, setting the tone for a successful year ahead. Whether served in a restaurant, a takeaway, or from a mobile unit, the Fry Awards prove that quality fish and chips can be enjoyed anywhere.”
You can find the full list here.