The UK has just over 7,200 fish and chip takeaways, according to a new study by Seafish.
The Fish and Chips Takeaway Analysis Report, published today, found 7,210 fish and chip shops operate across the UK following one of the first comprehensive attempts to map and analyse the nation’s favourite takeaway.
The study used data from multiple sources, including the Frozen at Sea Fillets Association (FASFA), the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), Food Standards Agency records, food delivery platforms and online menu information.
The report reveals the scale and importance of the sector, which supports jobs and communities across all four nations while providing a key route for the public to access seafood. It also shows how businesses are adapting to changing consumer tastes, with many expanding their menus beyond traditional fish and chips to include burgers, pizzas and kebabs.
Among the findings, cod, haddock, scampi and fishcakes remain the most common seafood products on menus. Haddock dominates in Scotland and parts of Yorkshire and the Midlands, while cod is the most popular choice elsewhere in the UK. Based on Seafish’s sample, the average price of haddock and chips is £10.29, compared with £11.41 for cod and chips. Analysis was based on a sample of around 10% of independent takeaway shops in March 2026, with restaurants excluded.
The report also highlights rising costs and recruitment challenges as continuing issues for businesses across the sector.
Report author Jennifer Robson, head of future readiness at Seafish, said: “Our report confirms that fish and chips is very much alive and kicking in the UK – it remains one of the nation’s most iconic and recognisable meals, enjoyed by millions of people every year. We embarked on this research to better understand a sector that plays a very important role in local economies and communities across the UK and provides a vital route through which consumers can enjoy seafood.
“Fish and chip shops also play an important role in connecting the public with a wide range of seafood beyond the traditional cod and haddock – for example lesser-known species such as plaice, skate and pollock, that can offer excellent eating quality and greater choice.”
Andrew Crook, president of the NFFF, added: “This is a very welcome report – its findings help us not only to benchmark the fish and chip sector, but also start to calculate its value to the economy. The findings also highlight the resilience and adaptability of fish and chip businesses. While the sector faces challenges, businesses continue to evolve in response to changing consumer preferences and operating conditions while maintaining a food tradition that remains an important part of British culture.”
Julie Waites, executive director of FASFA, said: “To help the industry, government and wider society to better understand and highlight the sector’s contribution, we endorsed Seafish to undertake an initial independent Fish and Chip Takeaway Analysis Report. The report aims to demonstrate the importance of the sector, provide an evidence-based assessment of its current position and support greater recognition of its value. Ultimately, the goal is to help ensure businesses remain viable while continuing to provide consumers with an accessible, nutritious and valuable source of protein.”
Seafish said it plans to repeat the research in future years with a larger sample, including restaurants, to provide a broader picture of the sector. Click here to view The Fish and Chips Takeaway Analysis Report.
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