The very best chip shops in and around Manchester

This long-standing spot has been run by the same family for decades. Located directly opposite Altrincham Market, the town’s thriving centre has changed much over the years, but Altrincham Fish Bar has continued to do what it does best: fry truly great fish and chips. There’s a cosy dining room in the back, while the front seating area is a perfect spot to people-watch.

Proclaiming themselves the ‘home of the jumbo cod’, Armstrong’s in both Shaw and Prestwich are more than just one trick ponies. In fact, every single item on the menu is a winner, including every single one of their three varieties of curry sauce (English, Irish and Chinese). The rag pudding, an Oldham speciality, is one to write home about too.

This outstanding Prestwich chippy is regularly ranked among the best in the whole of the UK, with several nominations in the National Fish and Chip Awards, and all thoroughly deserved. This is an exceptional chippy. Their daily fish deliveries from the Scottish coast are the real deal, plus, the chips are blanched and then fried in beef dripping (you can request the veggie alternative, of course). Their menu will tug at those heartstrings with nostalgic rag pudding, battered sausages, dandelion and burdock, and pickled eggs too. With a new and improved location – they moved next door to the bigger number 10 – there’s even an upstairs dining room to enjoy it all in, with great fish dishes you won’t find on the chippy menu downstairs.

Located a stone’s throw from Piccadilly Station, The Chip Shop is the answer to the question: what if a chippy was also edgy? The modern late-night spot (they fry ’til midnight) is inspired both by the British approach as well as the Amsterdam way of doing things – where condiments come from a dedicated sauce bar, with outré offerings like satay and Dutch mayo alongside your standard ketchups and whatnot. It’s cool, it’s convenient, and it definitely beats a train station meal deal.

The love and affection people have for The Dolphin chippy is evident as soon as you get on the topic of fish and chips in Reddish. Everyone seems to love this place and once you’ve started digging away at their perfectly fried fresh fish and chunky chips, you’ll see why. If you’re gluten intolerant too, their gluten-free fried fish (a genuine rarity out there) is outstanding.

Another chippy with a heaving trophy cabinet, The Fish at Goose Green are regularly noted for their quality, presentation and all-round impeccable vibes. Located in Wigan, they do all your chippy faves, as well as some decent fried chicken too.

A big favourite in the city centre, this little Castlefield chippy has been delighting local office workers and the odd resident for many, many years now and it’s still just as impressive as it always was. If you ever hear anyone decry the lack of proper chippies in the city centre, send them here. They’ll come back with a bag of chips, a Tango and a massive smile on their face.

The Hip Hop Chip Shop started its life, as all good things did, as a food truck. It focussed on ‘pimped up’ chippy classics such as epic fish finger butties, battered halloumi, beer-battered pickles and the best curry sauce ever. Their Ancoats restaurant has become a firm favourite in the area for low key dining, and even offers a space for events and club nights. A real plaice for bass. Sorry.

Immensely popular amongst almost everyone in the local area, Kingfisher is a cross between a traditional caff and a chippy. While this might sound like an unholy union to some, to others, it is a type of perfection. Simply put, you can get a full English with a side of fish and chips. Bonus points for being an excellent spot to sit and watch the world go by, too.

Home to the world’s first fried chip, Levers in Tommyfield Market even has a coveted blue plaque outside to let you know all about it. The first chips were fried here around 1860, and it’s thought that from here a fella named John Lees went and opened up the first chippy in Mossley just up the road, or so the story goes. Levers is still absolutely fantastic too, easily the best place for a rag pudding in the whole of the UK.

Mother Hubbard’s is a legendary name in the F&C game, having been first established in Bradford, Yorkshire, where they simply do not mess around when it comes to such matters. Their Cheetham Hill and Salford spots are no exception. Think huge, crispy fillets cloaked in a batter so light and crispy it defies logic. The chips are proper chippy chips, and there are a few wildcard menu items too, like their tantalising fiery fish sandwich.

This unassuming chippy is tucked away in the corner of Cheadle and looks like something taken from a bygone era. Little is most certainly the operative word when it comes to this spot, and it may be small, but it is perfectly formed with some of the crispiest batter, chunkiest chips and friendliest service around. No bells and whistles, just a proper traditional chippy.

The accolades for Swinton’s Sykes Fish & Chips just keep piling up. It’s a community staple over in Pendlebury, and it’s all down to their exceptionally high levels of quality – using only use cod, haddock and hake which have been sourced from the sustainable fishing waters of Iceland or the Barents Sea.

Easily one of the city’s most beloved chip shops, Tony’s is so iconic, it really ought to have a blue plaque. Located in Ancoats, still going strong while surrounded by encroaching trendification on all sides, they absolutely nail it on both quality and price. If you’re looking for an unbelievably fresh fish supper a stone’s throw from the city centre, Tony is undoubtedly your man.

A city centre chippy with some of the swankiest decor we’ve seen (it’s all vintage lighting and chalkboards), Wright’s is a reliable stop-off for reasonably priced fish, chips, pies, barns and other associated savoury delights. Our lunchtime recommendation? Grab yourself a tray of whatever you’re craving, and take it the short walk to Parsonage Gardens to enjoy a delightful al fresco lunch on a budget.