Fish and chips Friday: five essential facts about Britain's favourite food - a bitesize guide
Up north we love nothing more than a traditional chippy tea (especially on a Friday): fish and chips smothered in salt and vinegar and served with a dollop of mushy peas. This tasty dish was invented in the Victorian era and soon became a staple fuel for the working class masses, cheap and filling.
Who invented fish and chips?
The first London chippy (that's a fish and chip shop to the uninitiated) was opened by a Jewish immigrant, Joseph Malin in the 1860s and in the north of England near Oldham c1863 by a Mr Lees who had a sign in his shop window claiming that his shop was the first fish and chip shop in the world.
Why are fish & chips so popular?
During the early days of the chippy tea, the working-class population was growing rapidly, and fish and chips became a popular cheap and filling meal that could be enjoyed by everyone. The dish also became popular with seaside resorts - like our own Victorian resort of Saltburn-by-the-sea - where it was served to tourists and day-trippers who were ferried in and out by the new and affordable railways.
Two World Wars
During World War I and World War II, fish and chips remained a staple of the British diet due to its availability and affordability. Fish and chips were one of the few foods that were not rationed during the war, and many fish and chip shops operated around the clock to keep up with demand.
Today
Today, fish and chips remain one of the most loved British dishes, and they can be found in fish and chip shops (chippies), pubs, and restaurants across our island. The dish has also become popular in other countries around the world, including Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
Fish and Chip Socks
Did you know we have created the world's first chippy tea socks? Well, yes we have and they are available for sale in our Saltburn shop and on our website. They are the perfect gift for anyone who loves fish and chips and can be bought in a gift box set of four pairs of cotton rich socks (UK size 6-11) or as individual pairs - tasty!
