The Mayfair Chippy, a quintessential British restaurant in London, has settled one of the nation's most important debates: what really makes the ultimate plate of fish and chips. Taking to Instagram, the restaurant put the question to its 56,000 followers, asking them to build their dream chippy supper by choosing between three classic combinations.
Those options were: haddock or hake; mushy peas or curry sauce; and vinegar or lemon. Unsurprisingly, there was a clear winner when it came to the fish. However, side orders and condiments proved to be a much closer affair.
The winning combination
"The people have spoken," Mayfair declared. "The ultimate fish and chip order is haddock, chips, mushy peas and lemon."
According to the upmarket chippy, a resounding 81% opted for haddock over hake, while mushy peas beat curry sauce 57% vs 43%. Lemon pipped vinegar to the post 53% versus 47%, meanwhile.
A decidedly traditional combination, the winning order proves that when it comes to what is arguably Britain's most iconic dish, you simply can't beat the classics.
Building your perfect plate
Thankfully, there's no need to choose sides at The Mayfair Chippy. Its celebrated Mayfair Classic dish gives diners the freedom to create their perfect plate, with a choice of haddock or hake (cod has been removed from the menu due to sustainability concerns), alongside curry sauce or HP gravy. Mushy peas, tartare sauce, vinegar and lemon are all available to complete the order, too.
The Mayfair Chippy boasts online: "Hidden in the heart of Mayfair, Mayfair Chippy is all about classic British fish and chips with a modern London twist."
"Expect crispy golden batter, flaky fish, proper chips and all the classic sides, served in one of London's most famous neighbourhoods. If you're looking for a classic British meal in London, this one deserves a spot on your list."
British Food Fortnight 2026
British Food Fortnight 2026 takes place from Saturday, 26 September to Sunday, 11 October, and this year marks the national celebration organised by Love British Food.
According to Love British Food, British Food Fortnight is a national celebration of the diverse and delicious food that Britain produces. "A fun and delicious national celebration that everyone is invited to take part in!" its website states.
"The focal point of Love British Food's activities is British Food Fortnight, the national celebration of our food that takes place every Autumn in the last week of September and the first week of October, at the same time as Harvest Festival, the traditional time for celebrating our food."
The fortnight has a "serious objective" too, however, as Love British Food outlines: "British Food Fortnight is a proven influencer in engaging the retail, catering, education and volunteer sectors and in establishing a more robust market for Britain's food."
"Establishments taking part, whether they are large retailers or small independents, pubs or major food service outlets, all report sales increases as a result of their British Food Fortnight promotions."
British Food Fortnight comes shortly after people in the UK were urged to 'buy British' to 'save Britain's chippies'.
