A couple decided to put the North and South parts of England against each other as they determine which part of the country has the best fish and chips – and the results surprised them
It’s a question that has divided the English for years – who has the best fish and chips? Travel creators Ryan and Jade wanted to settle the debate once and for all. So they decided to put the North and the South against each other in a fish and chip cook off.
“Which is best? Fish and chips in the North or fish and chips in the South? Let’s find out,” Ryan said in a TikTok video. Then the pair went to work, comparing offerings from various locations. Starting off with northern England, they picked a The Magpie Café in Whitby.
They had high hopes – as they’d been told it’s the home to ‘the best’ fish and chips in the North. They understood the hype – but were still surprised to see a long line of people waiting for their food outside.
Thankfully, this didn’t scare them off. They just started a timer when joining the queue to see just how long it’d take for them to get their food. The video soon cut to them ordering inside the chippy.
“It took 37 minutes to get hold of these fish and chips,” Jade later revealed. She added that their portion had cost £11.95 for battered cod and chips.
They moved down to the beach to enjoy their food, saying it always tastes better with a view. Then it was time to dig into their meal, which they smothered with gravy, curry sauce, and mushy peas on the side.
“It’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside,” Ryan said. “I don’t know if the Southern chip shop’s even gonna sell gravy.”
Jade then added: “Mm these are so good… If the South are gonna beat this, they’re gonna have to put on a good show.”
Ryan gave Magpie Cafe’s fish and chips a score of 8.9 out of ten, arguing that the fish could have been ‘a bit’ better. So how would the second takeaway measure up?
In a second video, the pair revealed that, by suggestions from their viewers, they ended up at Forum Fryer in the unassuming Blandford Forum in Dorset.
As they got their meal, Ryan said the same order of battered cod and chips had cost them £10.90, making it more affordable than the other option.
They also didn’t have to queue for their meal as they had to do in Whitby. Taking a bite out of the fish, Ryan said: “Mm, considering we are no way near the sea, the fish is exquisite.”
“The consistency and texture of that doesn’t feel great,” Jade said as she poured a generous helping of gravy onto her fish.
However, she then changed her mind as she said: “I take it back, it tastes good. Very good. Sublime.” But which part of the country provided the best fish and chips?
Ryan revealed the all-important results – and they are bound to upset half the country. He added: “After our scientific experiment, the winner is unexpected. Hopefully you agree the clear winner was the South.”
Judging by the comments section, the debate remains as divisive as ever. One viewer smugly wrote: “South is just better at everything.”
However, another commenter disagreed. They said: “As a Southerner living in the North, the North does fish and chips better.”
