The UK's Top 10 fish and chip shops 2010

It's a wrap... from thousands of entries here's the shortlist for the national Fish and Chip Shop of the Year competition

In the 150 years since Joseph Malin is said to have opened the country's first fish and chip shop in Cleveland Street, London the classic takeaway meal has changed very little.

A survey in 2009 reported that the nation’s favourite accompaniment to fish and chips is salt and vinegar (51 per cent) - vinegar was first splashed over fish and chips by Victorian cook, Eliza Acton, as a means of sweetening the fish - followed by tomato ketchup (15 per cent) and mushy peas (8 per cent).

The hunger for a fish supper reached its peak in 1927 when there were about 35,000 fish and chip shops in the UK. Now there are about 11,500 (that's eight chip shops for every McDonalds).

Today shops are judged on their sustainable sourcing practices, customer service, hygiene and staff training, and most importantly, the quality of their fish and chips.

Last year, the ethically sound Anstruther Fish Bar and Restaurant in Fife was crowned champion chippy.

According to Nikki Hawkins, the project manager and a judge for the competition, “Many fish and chip shops are giving customers the opportunity to try different kinds of fish, such as pollack and coley, as a way of addressing sustainability.”

The organisers Seafish provides “buyers’ top tips” to encourage responsible seafish sourcing. For example, the fish supplier needs to know the management stock from which the fish has been caught and use traceability systems to assure the origin of the product.

The winner of the 22nd national Fish & Chip Shop of the Year competition will be announced on January 21 at a ceremony in London.

Tell us about your favourite chippy in the comment box at the bottom of the page.

TOP 10 CHIPPIES

1. Linford’s Traditional Fish & Chips, Market Deeping, Peterborough, Eastern England

With a 36-year family history in the fish and chips business it’s no surprise that Paul Linford has featured in the competition on several occasions.

Serving mainly cod (steamed, floured or battered), the shop prides itself on its high level of customer service and quality products. When available from sustainable sources, Paul also serves haddock, plaice, lemon sole and huss.

A very traditional fish and chip shop, the building dates back to 1771 and was a former stables and coach house, before it became a counting house and then latterly a butcher’s.

Linford’s Traditional Fish & Chips, 6 Market Place, Market Deeping, Peterborough, PE6 8EA