Scarborough has officially been named the chippy capital of Britain, thanks to having more fish and chip shops per person than anywhere else in the country. The much-loved North Yorkshire seaside resort fended off stiff competition to take the top spot, boasting 93 chip shops in total. That’s over 85 chippies per 100,000 residents, or roughly one for every 1,200 people.
In second place was East Lindsey, the Lincolnshire district home to coastal favourite Skegness, with 62 chippies per 100,000 people. Blackpool came in third with just under 60 per 100,000, followed by Hastings and Great Yarmouth, confirming that the traditional British seaside remains a stronghold for the nation’s favourite takeaway, Daily Star reports.
Scarborough has long been a classic coastal destination, being the oldest seaside town in Britain, known for its sandy beaches, fabulous castle and direct access to fresh North Sea fish — all of which help fuel its thriving fish and chip scene. Many of the town’s chippies are family-run, some passed down through generations.
However, despite the town’s deep-fried dominance, the future isn’t all golden. The study, which was conducted for Finnish casino comparison site Suomikasinot, found that rising energy bills and inflation are biting hard, putting pressure on many of these independent businesses.
Markku Kanerva, of Suomikasinot, said: “Fish and chip shops continue to be a cornerstone of community life throughout the UK, from Scarborough’s historic coastline to Blackpool’s busy promenade. However, this rich heritage is under threat, with almost half of UK chippies at risk of closing by the end of 2025. We’re seeing traditional chip shops facing unprecedented challenges.
“With 62% of these businesses being family-run, each closure represents not just an economic loss, but the end of skills and traditions passed down through generations. The average price of fish and chips is now reaching £15 or more in some areas and so affordability has become a major issue for many consumers.
“Energy costs and food inflation have put significant pressure on shop owners, with potato prices particularly affected by poor harvests. But if we don’t support our local chip shops now, we risk losing a beloved part of British culture that has brought communities together for centuries.”
Check out the top 10 seaside fish and chip towns and the number of chippies per 100,000 residents below:
- Scarborough, North Yorkshire – 85.35
- East Lindsey, Lincolnshire – 62.26
- Blackpool, Lancashire – 59.59
- Hastings, East Sussex – 59.37
- Great Yarmouth, Norfolk – 57.92
- Gwynedd, Wales – 57.23
- Rossendale, Lancashire – 47.88
- Torbay, Devon – 46.61
- Burnley, Lancashire – 45.4
- Hartlepool, County Durham – 44.29
Read More: 10 Of The Best Fish And Chips In Scarborough
