Celebrate National Fish and Chip Day the Hungry Horse way
Friday 5th June 2026 marks National Fish and Chip Day, and if you're craving golden batter and proper chunky chips, you're never far from a Hungry Horse.
We don't do small plates or half measures: just classic comfort food, plenty behind the bar and room for everyone to settle in. Sure, fish and chips by the seaside has its charm, but with pubs all across the country, you can tuck in wherever you are — no seagulls required.
Now lets find out a little bit more about this special day!
What date is National Fish and Chip Day 2026?
National Fish and Chip Day 2026 takes place on the first Friday in June every year. This year it lands on Friday 5th June. Longer evenings, lighter nights and a ready‑made reason to eat out instead of cooking? We'll take that.
It's an iconic dish in the UK for a reason. Almost everyone agrees on the famous British meal, and it's even better when someone else handles the frying and the clean‑up.
A British classic worth celebrating
Few meals feel more British than a plate of fish and chips. It's comforting, familiar and always hits the spot — whether it's a midweek tea, a family outing or a catch‑up with friends.
If you've been searching for the best fish and chip restaurants near you, chances are you're not just after food. You want somewhere easy, relaxed and actually enjoyable to sit down in. And that's where Hungry Horse wins.
Fish and chip meals have been a staple British dish since the 1800s. Fried fish arrived in London, chips were already popular across the country – put them together and the whole of the UK was hooked. It forever changed Fridays as we knew them, and the country officially had a new favourite dish.
Delicious fish fried in a light, crispy batter, paired with hot, fluffy chips, quickly became the go‑to meal for workers. It's filling, affordable and fast. Fish and chips are so British that they were exempt from wartime rationing because they were seen as essential comfort food. And today, it still holds the title as one of the best options you can order when you're looking for a proper meal that delivers every time. No wonder it gets its own national day!
Why a restaurant beats the local chippy on National Fish and Chip Day
Takeaway has its place, but sitting in wins.Skip the classic fish and chip shops – traditional comfort food is always best enjoyed at the pub, with all the comforts of your favourite restaurants. Hot, fresh and eaten straight away, not wrapped up for the journey home. Unless you like chips that taste like steamed paper, of course.
At Hungry Horse, we're all about proper pub grub that fills you up and leaves you satisfied, with fish and chips being the most reliable choice on our extensive menu. When you don't want to overthink, it's the fishy dish that does the job and has you coming back every time.
Space to relax
No balancing trays or rushing home before your chips go cold. Spend National Fish and Chip Day sat down with friends and family, soaking up the atmosphere and good company. If the sun's out, pick one of our pubs with beer gardens and eat outdoors — though we can't promise a passing seagull won't try its luck.Something for everyone
One person wants fish, another wants a burger, someone else suddenly fancies a pudding. That's where takeaway plans at local fish and chip shops usually begin to crumble. At Hungry Horse pubs, nobody has to compromise. Our menu is packed with proper plates like burgers, steaks, sharers, puds, and more, so everyone can order what they want and stay put.Our fish and chips is also part of our Two Classics Deal available Monday to Friday, so a proper sit-down meal doesn't have to cost more than a takeaway. And while you're in, keep an eye out for chances to save big with other daily deals too — a trip to the pub can be better value than you think.
Drinks sorted
Even some of the best fish and chips can be ruined by a lukewarm can on the sofa. A proper chippy tea always tastes best with a proper drink. Grab a pint, a crisp glass of wine, soft drink or something hot to finish – whatever floats your boat. With a full bar behind you, you can make a day of it and make it a National Fish and Chip Day to remember.Fish and chips the right way
When it comes to satisfying your fish and chip cravings, we stick to what works.
Dig into crispy battered fish cooked until golden, chunky chips with fluffy centres and your choice of peas – garden or mushy. Traditionalists know where they stand, but we'll let you decide. Add a squeeze of lemon, dip your chips in tartare or ketchup, or stray from the norm and dig out the mayo. But don't forget something from the bar to wash it all down.
And National Fish and Chip Day is not just for grown-ups. Take a closer look at our Kids' Menu, and you'll see little guests can tuck into omega-3 fish fingers with chips and veggie sides like peas, beans, corn or more, plus a drink and a pud to finish. Celebrate with all the family and enjoy proper comfort food for all ages, done the pub way.
Keep the kids entertained
We know keeping kids entertained is half the battle when eating out. At selected Hungry Horse pubs, our Wacky Warehouse indoor soft play area lets little ones burn off energy while you sit down and enjoy your meal. They play, you relax, and everyone's ready to tuck into dinner afterwards. It turns a quick stop for fish and chips into a proper outing that the whole family enjoys.
Use our pub finder to plan your visit to a Wacky Warehouse near you.
Food from the sea, near the sea: enjoy fish and chips in our Hungry Horse coastal pubs
Sea air works up quite an appetite, and fish and chips always taste better near the coast. After a beach walk and a bit of fresh air, swap the promenade bench for a proper seat at your nearby Hungry Horse.
Take a look at some of our favourite coastal Hungry Horse pubs below, ideal for spending National Fish and Chip Day. Six great spots to dry off and sit down – perfect if you're on the hunt for the best fish and chips after a day by the water.
The Gatehouse makes an easy stop after exploring cobbled streets, riverside walks and the town's maritime past. Wander along the River Great Ouse, browse the Stories of Lynn Museum or take a short drive out towards the Norfolk coast, before swapping walking shoes for a proper seat at The Gatehouse.
The Star is the perfect pit stop after exploring the Medway area. Spend the day at the Royal Engineers Museum, visit the Historic Dockyard Chatham or fit in a shop at Hempstead Valley before settling down for the best fish and chips.
The Sovereigns is a handy spot after a day by the sea. Visit the Charles Dickens Birthplace Museum, wander along South Parade Pier or try your luck at Clarence Pier's amusements before heading in for a pint to pair with your legendary fishy chippy tea.
Close to Victoria Dock's marina walks, with easy access to The Deep aquarium and Princes Quay waterfront shopping centre, The Kingstown Hotel is the place to stay after a day out. Let the kids loose in the indoor Wacky Warehouse and, if needed, stay the night at our attached hotel.
A cosy spot in Scarborough, The Byways is just a short drive from Bridlington South Beach and a handy place to stop for a bite to eat after a coastal day out. Pop in, grab a drink and sit down properly with some of the best fish and chips.
Celebrate National Fish and Chip Day every day at Hungry Horse pubs
If you're looking for great fish and chip restaurants near you, there's only one place you have to look. With a warm welcome, a great menu and fun for all the family, there's no better place to enjoy everyone's must-have British classic than your local Hungry Horse. What are you waiting for? Head to our pub finder, pick your favourite pub near you and book your table now.