Papa’s Fish & Chips
Johnny James, Managing Editor
Not many chippies have a blue plaque outside, but not many chippies are as noteworthy as Papa’s in Blackpool.
Sitting between Church Street and the Promenade on the Golden Mile, you really can’t miss this place – not just because of its prime location, but because of its sheer size. With over 250 seats plus outdoor dining, it’s the largest fish and chip shop in Blackpool. It’s also undoubtably one of the best.
But don’t take our word for it. As well as the dozens of awards it proudly highlights on its website, that aforementioned blue plaque celebrates what might be Papa’s greatest achievement yet – being designated the purveyor of ‘Britain’s Best Fish and Chips’, following a televised competition on the BBC’s Best of British Takeaways, judged by several Michelin star chefs.
But this place is much more than a takeaway – it’s a real-deal restaurant, and a beautiful one at that. Tiled floors, mahogany booths and a huge, licensed bar bring a newfound sophistication to the humble chippy. They’ve even got branded newspaper on which they serve their chips, doubling up as a rundown on the chippy’s history. This stretches right back to 1966, when Papa perfected the secret recipe batter that is still used to this day.
The food is everything you could ask for – fresh and fluffy chips, succulent fish and oh-so-crispy, feather light batter. And if you don’t eat fish, there’s a host of homemade pies to choose from plus a brilliant vegetarian option in the form of the honey-drizzled battered halloumi (sealing the deal on Papa’s Best of British Takeaways victory). Vegans aren’t forgotten either; there’s even ‘Tofish’ AKA deep-fried tofu on the menu.
As for drinks, this ain’t a warm can of Lilt kind of chippy. Choose everything from champagne to cask ale. There’s even a cocktail menu, with a daily happy hour from 12pm to 4pm. And if you somehow manage to leave room for dessert, there’s a host of seaside treats available, from Papa’s trademarked doughnuts to classic sponge and custard, plus an option that will have the kids pulling on your sleeves: battered Oreos and ice cream.
For fish and chips elevated to a whole new level, it really doesn’t get much better than Papa’s.
