History of Fish and Chips	FOOD & COOKING

Fish and chips is a quintessential British dish, beloved by people from all walks of life. It is a simple but delicious meal that consists of battered and fried fish and chips (thickly sliced potatoes) served with a variety of condiments such as salt, vinegar and ketchup, and sometimes mushy peas. The dish has a long and fascinating history, which dates back over a hundred years. The first fish and chip shop in the United Kingdom is believed to have opened in London in the 1860s. However, it was in the north of England, particularly in Lancashire and Yorkshire, where the dish really took off. In the 1870s, the first fish and chip shop in the north of England opened in Mossley, near Manchester. From there, the popularity of the dish spread rapidly, and by the turn of the Twentieth century, there were thousands of fish and chip shops throughout the UK.

Fish and chips became a staple food during World War I and World War II. It was one of the few foods that were not rationed during the war, and it provided a cheap and filling meal for people who were struggling to make ends meet. Fish and chip shops played a crucial role in feeding the nation during the war, and they became a symbol of British resilience and determination.

In the post-war period, fish and chips continued to be a popular dish. However, the rise of fast food chains in the 1960s and 1970s posed a challenge to traditional fish and chip shops. Many people began to prefer the convenience and affordability of fast food and the number of fish and chip shops declined as a result.

Despite this, fish and chips remained a beloved dish in the UK, and in recent years, there has been a renewed interest in traditional fish and chip shops. Many people are now seeking out high-quality, locally-sourced fish and chips, and there has been a growing trend towards gourmet fish and chips, with many shops offering new and exciting variations on the classic dish.

The origins of fish and chips can be traced back to the early Nineteenth century. At that time, fried fish was a popular dish among working-class people in the coastal regions of England. However, the dish was typically eaten on its own and not served with chips. It was not until the mid-Nineteenth century that the idea of pairing fried fish with chips caught on.

The origins of fish cooked in batter are not entirely clear but it is believed to have originated in the United Kingdom in the Nineteenth century. The dish became popular as a way to serve fish in a crispy and tasty coating, which helped to mask the sometimes unpleasant taste of fish that was not fresh.
One theory is that the idea of cooking fish in batter was brought over to Britain by Jewish immigrants who were fleeing persecution in Eastern Europe. These immigrants were known for cooking foods such as fried fish and it is possible that they introduced the concept of cooking fish in batter to the British.

Another theory is that the dish was invented by Northern English dock workers in the mid-Nineteenth century. These workers would take small fish, such as haddock or cod, and coat them in a batter made from flour, eggs and milk. The fish would then be deep-fried in fat and served as a cheap and filling meal.

Whatever the origins of fish cooked in batter, the dish has since become a popular and iconic British dish, with variations of the dish also found in many other countries around the world.

One of the biggest changes to the fish and chip industry in the UK in recent years has been the introduction of new regulations around sustainability. Fish and chips are traditionally made with cod or haddock, but these fish are now considered to be at risk of overfishing. As a result, many fish and chip shops have started to offer alternative fish species such as pollock, hake, and coley.

In addition to sustainability, there has also been a growing trend towards healthier versions of fish and chips. Many fish and chip shops are now using healthier oils, such as rapeseed oil or sunflower oil, which are lower in saturated fats than traditional oils like beef dripping. Some shops are also offering baked fish and chips, which are lower in calories and fat than fried versions.

Fish and chips have a long and fascinating history in the UK. The dish has evolved over time, from a simple working-class meal to a beloved national dish. Today, fish and chip shops continue to play an important role in British culture, and the dish remains as popular as ever. With new trends towards sustainability and healthier options, it seems likely that fish and chips will continue to evolve in the coming years, while remaining a cherished part of British food culture.

David Jenkins
Hub-UK

Email Hub-UK : info@hub-uk.com