Anstruther Fish Bar, an award-winning takeaway overlooking the harbour in the Fife town of Anstruther, has been named the only Scottish chippy included in a roundup of the "best seaside fish and chip shops around the UK". The list, published by The Week on Monday, August 17, singled out five chippies across the nation, with the Anstruther Fish Bar the sole Scottish representative.
Family-owned favourite with secret batter recipe
The family-owned takeaway and restaurant is popular with locals and tourists alike, with all fish locally caught and landed and every dish made to order. It is renowned for its light and crispy batter, with only four people knowing the secret recipe.
The Week quoted Gordon Thomson in The Telegraph, who wrote: "'My heart belongs to Anstruther Fish Bar'. Edinburgh has 'salt and sauce', a 'piquant brown-sauce-and-vinegar combo', and in Glasgow, the 'mighty fish supper reigns', but fish on the east coast of Scotland is something else.
"Once you've navigated the queue under the 'watchful eye of the mannequin fisherman', you settle down into an 'old-school caff table'. Last time I was there, I had haddock, with the 'most incredible chips—perfectly crisp and yet fluffy inside—and mushy peas, all washed down with white wine and a craft beer. Truly 'award-winning fare'."
Extensive menu and strong customer ratings
The Anstruther Fish Bar offers a huge menu that includes fresh Scottish haddock in 'secret recipe' batter, lemon sole, Pittenweem prawns, hake, and smoked haddock and mozzarella fishcakes. Traditional favourites such as sausages in batter, haggis, and beef steak pie are also available, alongside chicken curry and rice, macaroni cheese, and a selection of pizzas and burgers. The dessert menu features hot apple pie and ice cream, banana split, chocolate snowball delight, and ice cream floats.
The eatery currently holds an overall rating of 4.5 out of five based on more than 7,900 reviews, with customers praising its friendly and professional staff and perfectly cooked fish. One visitor posted: "Anstruther Fish Bar continues to show why it's one of the most talked-about chippies in Scotland. On our visit, I went for the traditional haddock in batter, and it was exactly what you hope for from a proper East Neuk fish supper—fresh, flaky fish inside a crisp, golden batter that wasn't greasy or heavy. You can tell the fish is handled with care and cooked at the right moment."
Another stated: "Stopped in for a late lunch. Had the smaller portion of battered haddock and it was delicious. Light crispy batter and super fresh fish. Served up with some classic chips, bread and butter and a cup of tea."
