Welcome to the 150 Years of Fish and Chips Diary
(Scroll down the page for Events and Exhibitions)

The History of Fish and Chips

The very first fish and chip shop was opened in 1860, which is why we are celebrating the one hundred and fiftieth birthday of fish and chips in 2010. Joseph Malin opened the first fish and chip shop in London and quite soon after another one was opened in Oldham, Lancashire by a Mr Lees.

Better fishing boats were built so it soon became much easier to get fish from the North Atlantic and fish and chip shops soon became very popular. Fish was landed at major ports such as Grimsby and Aberdeen and this meant it could be taken quickly all over the country. The government said that everyone should have a paid holiday but when people came on holiday to the seaside they still wanted fish and chips - which is why fish and chips became popular in coastal resorts. There was plenty of fish available and everyone recognised that fish and chips was a good nourishing meal.

During the 2nd World War, fish and chips was one of the few things that was not rationed. There are now around 10,000 fish and chips shops in the United Kingdom. It is the favourite dish of many British people. The most popular fish to eat with chips is cod, with the second favourite being haddock. Different parts of the country have their own particular preferences. The favourite thing to put on your fish and chips is salt and vinegar and a portion of mushy peas.

The following is a list of events celebrating 150 years of Fish and Chips. To add your event to the diary please email us

Fish & Chip Shop of the Year Competition
January 21st - London

Over 350 distinguished members of the trade will be present for the results of this prestigious competition with the whole event is themed around 150 years of Fish and Chips. The event will be hosted by celebrity chef Aldo Zilli.

National Chip Week
15 to 21 February

This week long annual event is to be themed this year around the 150 Years of Fish & Chips celebrations, with many shops taking part in competitions, all fronted by the TV and Radio celebrity, Keith Chegwin.

KFE Dinner & Dance - May 16th
at the Marriott Forest of Arden Hotel & Country Club

This will be a casino styled themed evening celebrating 150 years of fish and chips.
Contact 01778 380448.

National Federation of Fish Friers - Annual General Meeting and Presidents Banquet & Ball
May 23rd at the Wrightington Hotel & Country Club.

This event will be themed around 150 Years of Fish & Chips – a chance for federation members to become involved in the celebrations.

National Fish and Chip Day — June 25th

Hold your own event, get the local press involved. Any NFFF member taking part, please send photos/info of the day into the Review.

A Dickens of a Dinner — September 23rd
Fishmongers Hall, London.

The final glittering gala event all in aid of the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen.
Contact Lady Elaine Campbell on 01489 566913