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A person holding a plate of fish and chips in front of the Fish and Chippery at Vauxhall Holiday Park in Norfolk

Fish and chips are a quintessentially British dish with a special place in the hearts of many, and Norfolk is no exception. After a fun-filled day enjoying watersports at one of Norfolk’s beaches or taking in the spectacular views during a walk on the Norfolk Coast Path, there’s nothing better than filling your belly with delicious fish and chips.

But where can you get the best fish and chips in Norfolk? We’ve asked locals Pete Waters, Executive Director of Visit East of England and Steph Makins, co-founder of Enjoying Norfolk, to share their favourites with us.

A deep dive into fish and chips

Fish and chips became popular in the UK in the mid-19th century. The dish consists of battered and deep-fried fish (commonly cod or haddock) served with deep-fried potatoes (chips). It's often accompanied by salt, vinegar, mushy peas, tartar sauce, or curry sauce.

A brief history of Britain and fish & chips

An old black and white photo of a fish and chips shop sign

Fish and chips gained immense popularity during the Industrial Revolution. The dish was affordable, nutritious, and easily consumed as a quick meal, making it ideal for factory workers and urban populations. During World War II, fish and chips remained one of the few foods in Britain that was not rationed. It provided comfort and normalcy during difficult times, further cementing its place in British culture.

Given Norfolk’s extensive coastline, it's no surprise that fish and chips are a beloved local speciality. Coastal towns and villages are dotted with fish and chip shops, many of which have served locals and tourists for generations. Norfolk's location by the North Sea means that many local fish and chip shops have access to fresh, high-quality seafood. This freshness is a key factor in the superior taste and quality of the fish and chips found in the region.

Norfolk's must-try fish & chips spots

It’s fair to say that no matter which fish and chip shop you visit in Norfolk, you’ll have an enjoyable meal, particularly with the availability of fresh fish surrounding the coastal region. However, Pete recommends, “There's Eric's Fish and Chips up in North Norfolk.”

A person holding a cardboard box of fish and chips

Steph agreed, saying, “Favourites of ours on the coast are Eric's Fish and Chips in Thornham. In fact, we love fish and chips. I think, especially as a family in times when people are budget-conscious, you can't get a better value meal out. It's not like a takeaway, so it's kind of like proper food, as it were, but it's not going to break the bank. So, Eric's Fish and Chips is in Thornham, on the North Norfolk Coast. We also go to Eric's in Holt because he has two locations.”

Eric’s Fish and Chips opened its first shop in Drove Orchards, Thornham, in 2015. It uses local ingredients and the freshest fish from sustainable sources.

Cromer pier at sunset in Norfolk

Another fish and chip hotspot Pete tells us is ”No1 Fish and Chips at Cromer because it overlooks the Victorian Pier and because they're great fish and chips. [It’s] actually owned by a Michelin-starred chef called Galton Blackiston. His main business is a place called Morston Hall, a bit further up the coast. He got a Michelin star off that.”

No1 Cromer uses locally caught fish and traditional methods to prepare its dishes. Situated on the seafront, visitors can take in stunning views while revelling in their tasty meal. Steph also recommends this restaurant: “In Cromer, we quite like No1, which is also fish and chips.”

Still hungry? Pete also recommends, “Mary's in Cromer is very very good as well.” If you stay at one of our holiday parks in Great Yarmouth, you’ll be pleased to know a local favourite is on your doorstep. “The chips on Great Yarmouth Marketplace. They are fried in beef dripping, lots of vinegar and salt. [You can] walk around eating your fish and chips while you discover the medieval heart of Great Yarmouth.”

Whether you’re a curry sauce fan or all about mushy peas, there’s a fish-and-chip delicacy to enjoy in Norfolk. Don’t forget, we also have our own Fish & Chippery takeaways at two of our holiday parks in Norfolk.

*Please note, images are illustrative only.

Pete Waters, Executive Director of Visit East of England

Pete Waters

Executive Director
Visit East of England
www.visiteastofengland.com

Pete was born in Norfolk and has found himself returning throughout his life.

Visit Norfolk aims to encourage people to visit this “wonderful part of the world”.

Steph Makins, Co-founder of Enjoying Norfolk

Steph Makins

Co-founder
Enjoying Norfolk
enjoyingnorfolk.co.uk

Steph was born and raised in Norfolk. In 2007, she and her husband started Enjoying Norwich, which soon expanded into Enjoying Norfolk.

They aim to create a resource for locals and tourists and to encourage people to discover the local businesses around them with their Norfolk card scheme.