'I own a fish and chip shop and 1 fried item is almost as popular as battered fish'

Finding a fish and chip shop in the UK is generally easy, with around 11,000 spread across the nation. Chippies continue to stand the test of time despite growing competition from takeaways and attract 22% of the nation weekly, according to data from UK Fisheries. While some say that you can’t beat eating them straight from the paper packaging, preferably by the sea, classic chip-shop fish and chips are enjoyed as a sit-down family meal by 56% of people.

However you choose to enjoy them, everyone does fish and chips differently, says Fergus Watson, owner of the Fish and Chip Company in the plush town of Auchterarder in Scotland. Speaking exclusively to Express.co.



uk , he said: “It may be not a surprise, but folks love fish and chips. It's a UK tradition, and I am proud to be serving customers with traditional fish and chips every week.” Serving the town for over 80 years, the Fish and Chip Company is a true Perthshire institution.

Fergus has customers who have visited the shop every Friday since the 1970s. The same Italian family has owned the chippy for 87 years, and as the new owner, Fergus will continue to honour its legacy. He said: “I am getting a number of panels on the front of the range, which will have a collage of black-and-white photos over the decades of the family and old Auchterarder.

” Fergus says their best-seller has always been, and remains, “a traditional fish supper”. Comprised of battered haddock and chips, the fish is popular in the area and widely fished around the Isle of Skye. The classic supper is sold to 180,000 every year, revealed Fergus, who reminisced: “We had a single order for 50 fish and chips one night.

.. that was fun!” As for what makes the most delicious fish and chips, the owner of The Fish and Chip Company claims that “crispy batter cooked to perfection with fresh chips prepared on the premises every day” is non-negotiable.

A battered sausage supper is another close favourite among Fergus’s loyal customer base. Interestingly, there’s no cod on the menu. Unless stated otherwise, haddock is sold primarily throughout Scotland, whereas most other places in the UK opt for cod.

Other menu highlights revealed by Fergus include a national staple. Scotland is renowned for deep-frying any food, and its chippies stretch far beyond battered Mars Bars. Haggis, which is made from sheep's stomach stuffed with minced meat, oats, and spices, is served as a fish and chip supper alternative at the Fish and Chip Company.

The haggis is often deep-fried and served as a large sausage-shaped portion with chips. Everyone knows fish and chips aren't complete without a side, and Fergus says mushy peas are another best-seller. He claimed there is nothing he'd avoid when dining out for fish and chips himself, noting that "there's something for everyone" on a good chip shop menu.

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