Five of the best fish and chip shops in Greater Manchester to try this Friday

Greater Manchester's best chippies tried and tested by the M.E.N.

A chippy tea is a Friday staple and this year it so happens that National Fish and Chip Day falls on a Friday.

Sure, there's loads of national days for things from chips and chocolate to coffee and people called Brian - it's good marketing - but truth be told we need little encouragement to shout about the best chippies in Greater Manchester.

The eagle-eyed amongst you will know we published an annual round-up ahead of the Easter weekend, but in truth there's loads more that deserve to be shouted about.

And given today (June 6) is National Fish and Chip Day, it really is the best day of the week for a chippy tea - we're talking handfuls of thick cut chips with lashings of vinegar, beautifully battered fish and an assortment of gravy, curry sauce and maybe a pie for good measure - what better excuse to show our chippies some love.

Our list below is by no means exhaustive but is more of a guide and hopefully source of inspiration should you feel a little stumped on what to make - or buy - this Friday evening.

If there's any you think we should try across Greater Manchester, head to the comments section to leave your suggestions.

Chips @No. 8 - Bury

Chips @ No. 8 on Clifton Road has become a go-to for hungry, chippy tea-loving Mancunians. Known for its two-storey mural of Mark E. Smith of The Fall, and long queues stretching down the street, it's one of the area's most beloved fish and chip shops.

Often named amongst the UK's best in the 'chippy world cup', last year it expanded the original site, which now includes the takeaway, a bar and upstairs restaurant space.

Upstairs in particular represents a big change for the Chips @ No. 8 brand, with a seafood-focused menu where fried food has been swapped out for dishes like ceviche, bouillabaisse and fish tacos.

On a previous visit, there were no complaints from our reviewer: "The chips are perfect. The haddock, perfect. The deep fried discs of black pudding, perfect, particularly when dunked in curry sauce, which is perfect."

Green Lane Chippy - Leigh

Now this place has recently been back in the news after a fish and chip superfan embarked on a 15-month culinary journey, visiting 120 chip shops across the UK, and revealed that 'the best' chippie is in Greater Manchester.Stephen Peel, 62, visits two chip shops a week on his mission to discover the nation's best chippies. It's extensive work and we can't blame him for putting Green Lane up there at the top.

When Parents Editor Emma Gill visited last she couldn't quite believe how much of a buzz there was from the lively restaurant, and the place was packed out.

Ordering a simple order of two fish and chips with curry sauce, along with sausage and chips for the kids, Emma wrote: "The fish was pretty big and the quality of it - fresh, moist flakes coated in light crispy batter - well worth the £5.20 price tag, plus an extra £2.70 for the chips.

"Jumbo sausages are a favourite as far as the kids are concerned and these ones didn't disappoint. I'd have been tempted to add some gravy, but they prefer them plain. Each to their own. One large portion of chips, at £3.30, was plenty enough for them to share."

Hills fish and chips - Middleton

Earlier this year, this traditional chippy on Oldham Road, which has been run by the Hill family for over 20 years, made it to the top of our list again, after taking home the prize in 2023.

We didn't think this would be last we heard of them, and after trying the chippy for ourselves a couple of years ago, we were bowled over by their work and commitment to their customers.

We've since been back and can confirm its still one of the very best around with perfectly flaky fish, golden chips that are never soggy and an almighty trio of gravy, peas and curry sauce - there's good reason there's always queues outside the door.

Taylors Fish and Chips - Woodley

Over in Woodley precinct is Taylors - always a firm favourite of the M.E.N and our readers. It's picked up numerous awards at the National Fish and Chip Awards over the years and is a cornerstone of the local community.

It was founded in 1966 in Hattersley before moving to its current home in the mid-1980s. They’re big on ingredients here, using only the sustainably caught fish frozen at sea, and fresh pies made in-house.

As well as 'great portions' and praise for their gluten-free options, the chippy on Woodley precinct has previously been praised as having the 'best tasting chips'.

For me though, having frequented this establishment a few times, it's not just the fish and chips that are impressive but the sense of community in the shop. Whether picking up a takeaway or popping yourself down to enjoy properly, there's always something going on, and the team are a real asset to this Stockport gem.

Olympus Fish and Chips - Bolton

Earlier this year, this fish and chip institution of 36 years received a coveted Good Food Award for its top class food and customer service.

The restaurant, which is in the heart of Bolton town centre, started from humble beginnings as a small takeaway run by owner Tasos Pattichis in 1988.

As time went on, Pattichis, who moved to Bolton with his family from Greece as a young child, managed to buy neighbouring buildings on Great Moor Street and eventually turned Olympus into a mammoth 200-seater restaurant that has become a tourist attraction.

Olympus has also been a hit with locals, including famous presenter and comedian, Paddy McGuinness, who is known to be a big fan. Recently, the eatery was finally able to display their Blue Ribbon trophy which was in recognition of the chippy's food quality and service.