Fish and chip shops across the country say they are braced for a whole new challenge. Rising costs have seen the price of an average fish and chip meal tip over into £11.41. Portion sizes are up for revision at some stores as the “pretty reasonable” price could be maintained while portions get smaller.
Fish and chip shop owners weighed in on the worrying reduction in battered cod size and the volume of chips, warning that there could be some cuts made in the near future. It comes as fish and chip shops across the country face an ongoing challenge.
Jon Long, a chip shop owner in Wimborne, Dorset, is one of many having to reassess prices and figure out whether the current portion sizes are affordable.
Speaking to the BBC, Jon said: “We have been hit by energy prices as all in hospitality have and it’s not just hospitality, it’s everybody’s pockets have been hit by it.
“Likewise, over 50% of the fish coming into the UK was Russian caught. It wasn’t necessarily in Russian waters, but it was Russian caught, that’s now stopped and consequently they’ve also put a tariff on the fish.”
Despite these setbacks, Jon believes there is a future for the industry if they can survive the current challenges.
He added: “I believe there is a future in the fish and chip industry but it is going to be a challenge” said Long.
“I’ve just recently reopened another fish and chip shop back in Wareham which we shut down in November. That’s partly thanks to my son coming in. I wouldn’t be investing in that if I didn’t believe there was a future. I think we’ve got to manage our costs well.”
Industry body Seafish says there is around 7,210 fish and chip shops operating across the UK. According to Britain’s National Fish & Chip Awards 2026, the best chippie in the country is based in arguably the best county, Yorkshire, or God’s Own Country, as it is known by locals.