Best Fish and Chips in Essex 2026 (Coastal & Inland)

Essex takes fish and chips seriously. The Blackwater estuary, Leigh cockle sheds, Southend seafront and a chippy on every proper high street mean this is one county that gets it right. Here are the 2026 winners.

Best on the coast (worth the drive)

1. The Boatyard, Leigh-on-Sea

Not a chippy — an actual restaurant — but the fish and chips are exceptional. £16 for cod, chunky chips, and estuary views.

2. Osbornes, Leigh-on-Sea

Landmark cockle shed. Cash-only. £9 large cod-and-chips. Eat outside on the harbour wall.

3. The Company Shed, West Mersea

Byob (yes, really) — bring your own bread and wine. £14 for a full plate. Book, always.

4. West Mersea Oyster Bar

Sister venue, more upmarket. Same-day fresh fish. £15 fish and chips with excellent chip standards.

5. Sammy's, Frinton

Best chippy on the Essex sunshine coast. £8 large. Try the "special" batter on Fridays.

6. The Sailing Oak, Hullbridge

River Crouch views, garden dining. £14 fish and chips.

Best in Southend

7. The Boston, Southend seafront

Right on the Golden Mile. £9. Chunky homemade chips, batter the ideal ratio.

8. Oldfellows, Westcliff

Local secret. Cod, plaice, skate — always fresh. £8.50 large cod.

9. Peters Fish Bar, Leigh

Old-fashioned, no-nonsense. Best mushy peas in the county.

Best in Chelmsford

10. Squids, Springfield Road

The lunchtime queue is legendary for a reason. £8 cod-and-chips, generous portion.

11. Little Prince, Baddow Road

Portuguese-run, chunky chips, sea-salt-and-vinegar the way it should be. £8.

Best inland market towns

12. The Chippy, Great Baddow

Tiny, always busy, chef-owner. £8.50 cod, £6.50 kids meal.

13. Coggeshall Fish Bar

Village chippy done properly. £8. Cash preferred but card accepted.

14. Halstead Fish Bar

Best "big" fish in Essex — huge portions, £9 cod.

15. Saffron Walden Fish & Chips (Church Street)

Cod £8.50, plaice £9.50. Also does excellent gluten-free batter on Wednesdays and Fridays.

The Essex chippy checklist

The good ones share these traits:

• Batter is golden, not dark brown. Dark brown = old oil.
• Chips are thick, not thin. Skinny fries belong in a burger joint.
• Mushy peas are made in-house, not from a bag. Grassy green not military green.
• Cod is white and flakes cleanly. If it's grey or tough, it's been sat.
• They fry to order at busy times. Beware the "we've got some ready" answer.

Coastal walk + chippy = perfect Sunday

Try one of these combos:

• Old Leigh cockle sheds walk (2 miles) → Osbornes
• Mersea Island wreck walk → The Company Shed
• Frinton beach walk → Sammy's
• Southend Pier full walk (1.3 miles each way) → The Boston

Never miss a good chippy again

Our fish and chips directory lists every chippy in Essex — opening hours, delivery options, and locals' ratings. Filter by town.

Own a chippy? List free and appear when hungry locals search "fish and chips near me" — peaks Friday 5-7pm and Saturday lunchtime.