Whitehead’s Fish & Chips, located in the charming seaside town of Hornsea in northeastern England, was recently recognized as the “Takeaway of the Year” at the esteemed National Fish & Chip Awards in February. The restaurant, situated just a 30-minute drive away from Hull, the nearest city, boasts a prime location with easy access to London via a direct train journey that only takes two-and-a-half hours. Intrigued by its reputation as one of the UK’s culinary treasures, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to sample the renowned fare at Whitehead’s during my visit to the North of England from London.
Contrary to my expectations, Whitehead’s modest establishment was nestled within a residential area rather than being situated along the seafront, adding an element of surprise to my gastronomic adventure. As is customary for fish-and-chip shops, Whitehead’s offers both sit-down dining and takeout options. Evidently proud of their well-deserved accolade, a prominent sign outside the restaurant proudly proclaimed their victory, while a similar announcement awaited inside, leaving no doubt about their esteemed reputation.
Perusing Whitehead’s menu, I was pleased to find a diverse selection of fish varieties, including haddock, cod, plaice, and ray. In addition, the establishment also offered classic staples like meat pies, sausages, and fish cakes, ensuring there was something to satisfy every palate. Emphasizing their commitment to quality and freshness, Whitehead’s fries all their food to order, resulting in a lack of items on display in the heated case at the counter. Behind the scenes, the dedicated staff diligently fried the food, employing rapeseed oil instead of the more commonly used beef dripping. Moreover, to cater to vegetarians, the crispy chips were fried separately from the fish and meat.
When my eagerly anticipated £10.55 ($13) portion of fish and chips arrived, I was presented with a sight that confirmed the worthiness of Whitehead’s award-winning status. The generous serving of fish, weighing between 10 to 12 ounces, was accompanied by a comparable portion of flavorful chips. Though slightly pricier than my previous experiences dining in Northern England, the undeniable quality and reputation justified the cost.
To augment my meal, I also opted to try a chip butty, a delectable creation consisting of a soft, buttered white bread bun bursting with a copious amount of chips. The bountiful filling made it nearly impossible to close the sandwich properly, but once reassembled, it offered the perfect lunch-size portion at a mere £3 ($3.80), a true bargain.
Intrigued by Whitehead’s offerings, I decided to indulge in a Spam fritter, a deep-fried slice of Spam coated in batter. As I took a peek inside, the trademark pink hue of the Spam, combined with the greasiness of the batter, revealed itself as a truly guilty pleasure.
However, it was the enigmatic fish patty that captured my curiosity the most. While fishcakes are a common offering in fish-and-chip shops, the concept of a fish patty was uncharted territory for me. To my surprise, it turned out to be a smooth blend of mashed potato and white fish, yielding a texture that was slightly too mushy for my personal taste.
Expanding our culinary adventure, my father and I ordered an assortment of traditional sides, including mushy peas, gravy, curry sauce, and even some additional ketchup packets at an extra charge. Although it is unusual to order such a variety of sauces, the generous portion sizes of fish and chips at Whitehead’s made it a feasible indulgence.
In terms of sustainability, Whitehead’s ensures that they source their fish from suppliers who employ sustainable methods. They also prioritize supporting local suppliers for their potato needs and actively participate in recycling cooking oil, exemplifying their dedication to environmental responsibility.
While Whitehead’s has garnered a commendable 4.5-star rating on Tripadvisor and holds the esteemed title of Hornsea’s second-best restaurant, it is worth noting that some recent reviews have been critical. However, speaking from personal experience, despite the slightly higher price of the fish, the portion sizes and quality of the sides were satisfactory, resulting in a delightful dining experience that left no leftovers.
In conclusion, Whitehead’s Fish & Chips in Hornsea is an exceptional establishment that lives up to its acclaimed reputation. Not only does it offer a diverse menu showcasing various fish options and classic favorites, but it also prioritizes sustainable practices and supports local suppliers. Visiting Whitehead’s was a momentous and flavorful experience, reaffirming why it is deemed a standout among the myriad of fish-and-chip shops across the UK.
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