Plan B Forum

Few people need an excuse to head down to their local takeaway and treat themselves to an indulgent dinner of freshly fried fish and chunky golden chips.



But with this Friday marking National Fish and Chips day, shops across the country are encouraging fans to celebrate this iconic British meal.

The event brings together individuals and businesses involved at every stage of creating the traditional fast-food dish, from pubs and restaurants, to fishermen and farmers.

And in addition to showcasing the best produce that their fields, fishing nets and fryers have to offer, they will also be promoting the work of The Fisherman's Mission.

Britons consume an average 382 million portions of fish and chips every year, spending roughly £1.2 billion. With 10,500 speciality fish and chip shops scattered across the UK, the industry is also a big source of employment.

Gary Lewis, of the National Edible Oil Distributors' Association, said: "National Fish and Chip Day celebrates the stars who work hard to bring Brits their favourite traditional takeaway.

"We want to bring the whole industry together to celebrate and showcase the great British institution that is fish and chips."

Did you know....? 5 Fun fish and chip facts:

Fish and chips were first served together as a dish around 1860 - although their origin is contested.In London, the Malin family claims to be first, as do the Lee family in Manchester
Fish and chips were two of the few foods not subject to rationing during World War II because the government feared the dish was so embedded in the nation's culture that any limit would damage morale
The longest running fish and chip shop still in operation is based in Yeadon near Leeds.It is believed that fish and chips have been served from the premises continually since 1865
The record number of fish and chip portions sold in one day is 12,406 at Marini's in Glasgow. The record was set in 1999
The Guinness World Record for wrapping chips is held by Steph Celik of Blue Whale Fish & Chip Shop in Maltby, South Yorkshire. Beating a previous record by two seconds in 2012, Ms Celik wrapped up five 350g portions of chips, with added salt and vinegar, in just 58 seconds

Gob wrote:Few people need an excuse to head down to their local takeaway and treat themselves to an indulgent dinner of freshly fried fish and chunky golden chips.

Mushy peas are essential.