A poll conducted by London’s Mayfair Chippy’s ahead of British Food Fortnight produced some interesting results when it comes to the nation’s favourite fish and chips order
To mark British Food Fortnight, quintessentially British restaurant, The Mayfair Chippy has resolved one of the country’s most pressing debates: what truly constitutes the perfect plate of fish and chips? Taking to Instagram, the London establishment posed the question to its 56,000 followers, inviting them to construct their ideal chippy meal by selecting between three traditional pairings.
According to Love British Food, British Food Fortnight is a nationwide tribute to the varied and mouth-watering produce that Britain has to offer. “A fun and delicious national celebration that everyone is invited to take part in!” its website states. “The focal point of Love British Food’s activities is British Food Fortnight, the national celebration of our food that takes place every Autumn in the last week of September and the first week of October, at the same time as Harvest Festival, the traditional time for celebrating our food.”
Mayfair’s poll, meanwhile, offered the choices of: haddock or hake; mushy peas or curry sauce; and vinegar or lemon. Predictably, there was an obvious favourite regarding the fish. Nevertheless, accompaniments and condiments turned out to be far more contested. “The people have spoken,” Mayfair announced.
“The ultimate fish and chip order is haddock, chips, mushy peas and lemon.”
According to the upmarket chippy, an overwhelming 81% chose haddock over hake, while mushy peas triumphed over curry sauce 57% versus 43%. Lemon narrowly edged out vinegar 53% to 47%, meanwhile.
A distinctly conventional pairing, the victorious selection demonstrates that regarding what is arguably Britain’s most legendary dish, you simply cannot improve upon the classics.
Fortunately, there’s no requirement to pick a side at The Mayfair Chippy. Its renowned Mayfair Classic dish offers customers the liberty to craft their ideal plate, with an option of haddock or hake (cod has been withdrawn from the menu owing to sustainability considerations), together with curry sauce or HP gravy.
Mushy peas, tartare sauce, vinegar and lemon are all on hand to round off the order, too. The Mayfair Chippy boasts online: “Hidden in the heart of Mayfair, Mayfair Chippy is all about classic British fish and chips with a modern London twist.
“Expect crispy golden batter, flaky fish, proper chips and all the classic sides, served in one of London’s most famous neighbourhoods. If you’re looking for a classic British meal in London, this one deserves a spot on your list.”
British Food Fortnight carries a “serious objective”, however, as Love British Food explains: “British Food Fortnight is a proven influencer in engaging the retail, catering, education and volunteer sectors and in establishing a more robust market for Britain’s food.
“Establishments taking part, whether they are large retailers or small independents, pubs or major food service outlets, all report sales increases as a result of their British Food Fortnight promotions.”
The Fortnight culminates in a competition to find the best British community event, from small gatherings to entire towns.
Love British Food adds: “Previous winners have included the village of Haslington in Cheshire that organised a whole day of festivities on the green for everyone in the community; the City of Peterborough that held a two day food celebration culminating in a tremendous harvest lunch for 500 people in the Cathedral square; the coastal town of Emsworth that organised the best food festival we have ever seen with activities for every part of their community; a group of 450 schools in Hampshire that organised foodie activities, farm visits for children and themed British food Fortnight menus throughout the two weeks; and a collection of villages in Somerset that organised and ran a Great British Harvest Trail with our Harvest Torch travelling from parish to parish.
The event comes after London’s ‘best fish and chips’ was named that’s apparently so good, people travel hours to get there.
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