When it comes to traditional food in the United Kingdom, nothing comes close to fish and chips. The dish is a meal that millions have grown up eating, with many families often marking the start of the weekend with a takeaway chippy tea.
That has been made even more popular with the growing number of restaurants specialising in the dish, including some of the best places to get fish and chips in Birmingham. But, where did the success of fish and chips in the United Kingdom come from?
When Did Fish and Chips Become Popular?
Despite originating from Northern Europe, fish and chips are proudly one of the institutions in British daily life. The dish reportedly first started making a breakthrough in the UK back in the 1860s with more shops appearing on the high street. That breakthrough was just the start for the industry, as there were reportedly over 35,000 takeaway ships by the 1930s.
Fish and chips were first mentioned in pop culture by Charles Dickens in his book ‘Oliver Twist’. The book was published in 1838 and mentions a ‘fried fish warehouse’. However, the popularity of the dish in London didn’t reach the same kind of scale until towards the end of the 19th century.
First Takeaway Shop
Historical records show that the first chip shop was opened in Oldham’s Tommyfield Market. However, it still remains unclear when the two trades became combined. Joseph Malin, a Jewish immigrant, opened the first chip shop in London in the 1860s, while the concept was pioneered by Mr Lees in the north of England just slightly before that date.
While many will enjoy a chippy takeaway nowadays, many used to prefer sitting down in a restaurant and enjoying the fish. The first restaurant was opened by Samuel Isaacs in the 19th century. Here, the owner operated a wholesale and retail fish business throughout the south of England. His first restaurant opened in 1896, and served fish and chips, bread and butter and a cup of tea for nine pence.
Isaacs success within the sector was profound, as he offered table service in the upmarket dining option. There were a number of different locations for his restaurant, including Brighton, Ramsgate and Clacton. They were extremely prominent around southern beach resorts. They continued to evolve into the 20th century, as a number of other meat dishes were introduced at the near 30 restaurants that he owned.
Number of Takeaway Shops
The most popular period for the takeaway shops came around the 1930s, with business at restaurants such as Harry Ramsden’s booming. During this period, it was reported that around 35,000 shops were in operation around the United Kingdom. However, that golden age now appears to be over, as 2009 records show that there are only around 10,000 open at present.
However, the success of the dish is unlikely to ever change as it still has a huge place in the hearts of the British public.
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