Seaside fish and chip shops in North Wales among UK's best

Leader Live

16-07-2025

The experts at The Times have come up with a list of the UK's best spots for seaside fish and chips.
Introducing the list, The Times said: "If there's one business that stands the test of time in this country, it's the chippy.
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"Some of the spots on this list have been in the same family for three or four generations and none of them shows signs of slowing, casting the net beyond the family tree, or shifting their focus to poke bowls.
"Sure, there's a mackerel bap here, a tempura prawn there, but the traditional fish supper has our hearts.
"And how you order is a personal matter that we would never attempt to steer you on — perhaps you can't do without a chip butty, a black pudding fritter or a pot of homemade tartare.
"However you like yours, one thing's for sure, fish and chips taste best with a little sea spray on your cheeks, the mewing threat of seagulls overhead, a blob of ketchup in the box."
The best spots in the UK for fish and chips by the sea, according to The Times, are:
Finney's in Benllech is an award-winning fish and chip shop having won the Environment and Sustainable Business award at the National Fish & Chip Awards 2025.
The Anglesey-based chippy was also shortlisted for the Takeaway of the Year Award.
This isn't the first time the Benllech-based chippy has been amongst the UK's best as part of the National Fish and Chip Awards.
In 2024, Finney's (Benllech) made the:
Finney's is an extremely popular chippy, according to The Times, attracting customers "in droves".
The news outlet said: "The giant arrow billboards and adjoining road and car park might make this chippy look like an in-and-out car wash, but that simply shows how Finney's must manoeuvre its customers who come — in their droves — for click-and-collect fish suppers.
"Once you're armed with your haddock — which is battered in a coating perfected over the years to be naturally gluten-free — take it down to the beach, within view.
"The onion rings, coleslaw and tartare sauce are all homemade (as is the chicken curry) so don't scrimp on sides."
Finney's Fish & Chips Benllech also comes highly recommended by customers on Tripadvisor, boasting a 4.2 (out of 5) rating from 69 reviews.
The Anglesey-based fish and chip shop has been described by visitors as "the best", "10/10" and "a must visit when in North Wales".
Les and Rita's Fish Bar first opened in Rhyl around 55 years ago, and the "modern art" on the walls "does little to change the impression that you've gone back to the Swinging Sixties".
The Times added: "To take away is to miss a trick here.
"Instead, pick a booth — made from real vinyl and genuine Formica — and order a sit-down supper of fish, chips, mushy peas and bread that is neither artisan nor sourdough."
The chippy, which is now run by Les and Rita's daughter, Kay, is located on Wellington Street, just a 10-minute walk from the promenade.
Les and Rita's Fish Bar is also a popular option among customers, with it scoring a 4.5 rating (from 480 reviews) on Tripadvisor.
One visitor, describing the Rhyl-based fish and chip shop as "the best ever", said: "I've been coming to les and Rita's chips shop for many years the staff are always nice and friendly and the fish and chips with peas is just amazing and very reasonably priced .. keep up the excellent work and see you again very soon."
The Mermaid, located in Barmouth, was commended by The Times for its combo of fish, chips and tea.
A post shared by The Mermaid Fish Bar Barmouth (@themermaidfishbar)
The news outlet explained: "What beverage pairs best with fish and chips? Champagne? An unoaked chardonnay? A pint of bitter?
"All are good, but none beats a mug of tea.
"In most chippies that's a teabag on a string in a polystyrene cup, but at the Mermaid (established 1964) it comes out of a metal pot, strong and slightly overstewed — the perfect accompaniment to a crunchy fillet of battered cod and crisp yet fluffy chips."
The Mermaid has also been described as having the "best Fish & Chips in the UK" by customers on Tripadvisor, where it has a 4.4 rating from 1,159 reviews.
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One person posted: "We visit Barmouth every year and by far the best fish and chips anywhere.
"So it's £25 for 2 fish chips and peas it's a lot more in a restaurant or pub and nowhere near the quality 10 out of 10."
Where is your favourite seaside fish and chip shop in North Wales? Let us know in the comments below.