Powys: Man who visited 120 chippies puts Hennighans in top 5
Stephen Peel, 62, has been eating at two fish and chip shops a week for the last 15 month in his quest to find the nation's best chippies.
He spends £30 at every chippy purchasing a battered sausage, steak and kidney pie, curry sauce, and a pea fritter alongside the chippy - and has spent £3,600 in total.
He started on his 'Chippy Tour' to celebrate the iconic meal which he says the country is in danger of losing as many are being forced to close due to high costs.
On his tour Stephen has been rating chippies out of five with the whole experience including customer service, cleanliness, presentation, alongside the grub, going under scrutiny.
Green Lane Chippy in Leigh, Lancashire is his favourite so far followed by The Old Forge Cafe in Bugle, Cornwall.
But also in the top five was Hennighan's in Machynlleth, which has previously been named as one of the best in the UK.
Stephen said: "I've tried quite a lot of chippies so far on this journey but it has never gotten old - I still look forward to eating them every single time.
"I just love a good old traditional fish and chips - there is nothing that beats it for me."
The chippies Stephen reviews he rates out of five - which he says keeps the process "nice and simple".
Though he doesn't just rate the food, the shop itself, the customer service, the cleanliness, accessibility, and the presentation are also built into the score.
He said: "There is a lot that goes into getting a five star review - I also put a lot of pride into giving them.
"All aspects of the experience affect the score - for instance how friendly the staff are as for me manners are important.
"How the shop is presented is also something I look out for too as I want to feel comfortable and welcome when I'm inside.
"Also those who sell other meals like kebabs and pizzas for instance alongside the chippy if the love for fish and chips doesn't come first then it may affect the score.
"I'm sharing the joy and the history of these iconic places - I want to do it right."
He said it costs about £10 for an average meal, with prices cheaper up north and higher in the south.
Stephen only started the journey in February last year after his wife Susan's barber shop was forced to close after being "drowned out" by newer businesses.
What's your favourite Powys chip shop?
You can have your say by clicking here.
Stephen, of Penketh, in Warrington, Cheshire, said: "It got me thinking, this surely can't be the only business being affected.
"Fish and chips has always been my favourite since I was a lad.
"Soon enough I found out that their numbers had decreased massively over the last 30 years from 30,000 to around 10,000.
"It has become increasingly difficult for them to stay open with the raising prices.
"So I started The Chippy Tour to celebrate the iconic dish and to try my best to keep the buzz of having a chippy alive."
He has also tried the cheapest chippy in the UK - Mathews Chippy in Grimsby, Yorks coming in at £3 - which he said was worth "a lot more" than the asking price.
Describing the perfect portion he said: "There is a freshness to the fish with no discolouration - for me it doesn't matter if it is cod or haddock.
"I have no preference on the colour of the batter but as along as it isn't soggy underneath you are all good.
"For the chips you are looking for the light golden colour.
"They need to be a little plump while crispy on the outside but not too firm in the middle but also not too overly soft - you are looking for the sweet spot."
He said the favourite condiments to pair with it are Sarsons vinegar and a curry sauce.
He also enjoyed Hooked@31 Fishguard, in South Wales, which he said was "incredible" as not only was the food "fantastic" but it was just a "short trip" to the harbour where you could enjoy it.
Stephens top five chippies:
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Belfast Telegraph
07-07-2025
- Belfast Telegraph
‘It's been a long time coming': Residents delighted as Portstewart beach named best in UK
For many in Portstewart, both residents and those visiting, the news that the local beach was named the best in the UK come as 'no surprise at all'. Though the weather was not ideal, with bracing gusts and overcast grey skies, many still came to walk along the broad idyllic sands of Portstewart beach. The threat of rain this afternoon, didn't stop the occasional daring sea swimmer from running down the beach and taking the icy plunge. Large sodden and sandy dogs sniffed at other walkers while their owners followed after them, bundled up in their bright rain coats. Others simply walked along the picturesque coastline, as the foamy white waves raged and crashed beside them. In the distance, in the lead up to the Open in the neighbouring Portrush, golfers played on sand-coated grassy plains. Strolling along the flat, hard sand near the mouth of the Atlantic, avoiding the occasional washed-up jellyfish, it is little wonder why it was recently named the UK's best beach. The title was awarded to the Co Londonderry beach as part of the Sunday Times' best beaches list. It is, in fact, one of five Northern Irish coastlines to be named in the list. Listing 50 beaches from across Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Times' chief travel writer, Chris Haslam added Cushendall, Ballycastle, Ballintoy and Runkerry in the annual Sunday Times guide. Each beach, including the two-mile-long strand, was judged on 11 points. The checklist included cleanliness, water quality, accessibility and dog-friendliness. Frequently hailed as the jewel of the north coast, Portstewart's crowning comes as no surprise to both visitors and locals. Coming from Scotland to visit family in Northern Ireland was Stephen and Ruaraidh Berry. 'This is our first time on Portstewart beach, I definitely believe it when I see it, it's a beautiful walk along the beach,' Stephen said. 'It's well-kept and clean, and the fact you can park your car on it too is handy, you can't do that in Scotland.' 'I am definitely not surprised to hear that it is the best beach, it's a bracing walk too.' Taking their two dogs for a walk along the coast were Edith McKeever and Elaine Mullan, who also weren't surprised to hear the news. 'I am not surprised at all, I have been to many lovely beaches, and this one is really lovely, it is well kept as well,' said Edith. 'It is definitely gorgeous, I thought all beaches were like this, with all the sand, but that isn't the case,' added Elaine. 'I am on the beach every morning to walk the dogs. They keep it very clean and people always pick up after their dogs. 'The people around here definitely make it a dog-friendly beach, it's nice and big for the dogs too.' Coming to Portstewart beach for over 60 years is Gail Butler. 'I think it has been a long time coming for Portstewart beach,' said Gail. 'We have enjoyed this beach for a while now, over 60 years. 'The improvements made to Harry's Shack have definitely helped it too. I am not so keen that there are so many dogs, given that I have young grandchildren.' In the nearby Anchor Bar, a popular watering hole for students and locals alike, Marketing Manager Luke McIlreavy, believes it will mean good business for the bar. 'I think that [Portstewart being named as the best beach] is certainly right,' said Luke. 'It is well due as one of the best beaches, it is well looked after by the National Trust as well. 'Basically, it is a great beach, I think that a lot of our guests and the residents of Portstewart, they do tend to go to the strand in the morning, it is a lovely beach. 'They would typically walk down to the beach, especially during the summer. It is a beautiful spot. 'I hope that the new title will impact business positively. Fingers crossed. We do have a lot of American tourists during the summer. 'It has been a popular beach, certainly one of our most popular.' With the expansive strand in view from Portstewart town, Lindsay Bell believes the accolade is 'well deserved'. 'I am from the countryside myself, but Portstewart is always a place where we would go,' said Lindsay. 'It's well overdue for being named as one of the best beaches, here, we do have some of the best beaches in the world.' Carolyn Green Lindsay's opinion. Watch: Minke whale washed up on Portstewart Strand 'It's great for kids, picnics as well as surfing and swimming,' said Carolyn. 'It must have been overlooked in the past. There are just so many great beaches in Ireland as a whole. 'It's part of the reason why I moved here.'
The Herald Scotland
22-06-2025
- The Herald Scotland
Stephen Mulhern dropped from £1m Butlin's magic show
The 48-year-old's deal with the holiday centres was reported to be valued at around £1 million. Mulhern had worked as a Redcoat at Minehead Butlin's between 1995 and 1996 before he broke into TV work. As reported by Somerset Live, a spokesperson for Mulhern said: 'Stephen has absolutely loved being part of the Butlin's family – performing his stage shows in front of thousands of holiday makers across the country and the relationship with Butlin's remains hugely positive. "This change allows Stephen to explore new opportunities in the family holiday space – something he's incredibly passionate about.' A Butlin's spokesperson said: 'Stephen has been an incredible part of the Butlin's experience and continues to be a valued member of the family. 'Stephen's much-loved live show won't return in 2026 after three fantastic years, but we're thrilled to be working together on ongoing projects this autumn.' The show is continuing for 2025, with dates at Minehead as well as Bognor Regis and Skegness. Families can choose a 'Summer Holidays Feat Stephen Mulhern' package to ensure they get to see him, which runs on selected school holiday breaks. Recommended reading: Who is Stephen Mulhern? Stephen Mulhern is a TV presenter, entertainer and magician who got his start in the media by presenting on CITV with shows like Finger Tips and Tricky TV. He's also worked on Britain's Got More Talent, Saturday Night Takeaway, Catchphrase and In For a Penny. In recent years, he's helmed coverage of ITV's reboot of Deal or No Deal and You Bet!
Daily Mirror
21-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Stephen Mulhern confirms he's been dropped by Butlin's amid disaster career woes
Former Dancing On Ice presenter Stephen Mulhern has been dealt another career blow as he has now lost his lucrative deal with iconic British holiday firm Butlin's Stephen Mulhern has been dropped from his lucrative deal with Butlin's - capping off a round of bad luck for the star. The 48-year-old presenter had been the face of the family-friendly holiday resort chain in the UK - to the tune of a reported £1 million. But now the star's magic has run out and his contract reportedly won't be renewed. Stephen enjoyed early success in his career as a Redcooat at the iconic holiday chain. And he returned to the stage at centres in Minehead, Bognor Regis and Skegness as part of his now defunct deal. A report has claimed the ITV star will no longer perform once the summer season is over - and that his contract won't be renewed. A spokesperson for the star confirmed that the collaboration between the brand and the TV star had indeed ended. However, they added that host had enjoyed his time working with the chain. The spokesperson told The Mirror: "Stephen has absolutely loved being part of the Butlin's family - performing his stage shows in front of thousands of holiday makers across the country and the relationship with Butlin's remains hugely positive. "This change allows Stephen to explore new opportunities in the family holiday space – something he's incredibly passionate about." A spokesperson for Butlin's said they had nothing to add when asked about the reports Stephen had been dropped as the face of the company. The Sun broke news of Stephen's loss of work, with a source saying: 'Stephen has been a massive hit with holidaymakers. He began his career as a Redcoat and has kept families brilliantly entertained.' However, this is just the latest incident in a line of bad news for Stephen - both professionally and personally. The long-running ITV winter sport reality show Dancing On Ice was axed earlier this year - with the show being cancelled after ratings tanked after he came on board to co-host it alongside Holly Willoughby in 2024. Stephen replaced Phillip Schofield who saw his contract with ITV go up in flames in 2023 after he admitted having an office affair behind-the-scenes of This Morning with a much younger employee and then lying about it. Last year, Stephen's other TV show, In For A Penny, was cancelled after six seasons - but it was teased that the show could be revived in the future. A source previously told The Sun: "So don't put your pennies away just yet as the team could be popping up in your local town, to challenge even more members of the public to take part in their unique and madcap games in the future." Meanwhile, fans of Stephen were worried last year when he had a health scare - as he collapsed in a Pizza Express after undergoing surgery for a health issue. He also suffered a devastating bereavement last year when his father passed away. Stephen paid tribute to his late father in a touching moment after his Royal Variety Performance act last December. As the audience applauded his magic tricks, he said: "That was for you dad." In happier news, some of Stephen's other TV projects are continuing - including Deal or No Deal which was revived in 2023 with Stephen as the host.
