McMonagles Fish and Chips, a one-of-a-kind 'sail-thru' fish and chip shop in Clydebank, has been named among the UK's top hidden gems. The waterside eatery, which recently went viral on social media, was included in a list of the best food destinations that can be reached via boat or paddle board.
Paddle UK's hidden gems roundup
On Friday, August 14, Paddle UK shared a list of the UK's best hidden pubs and coffee shops that can be accessed on a paddle board. According to the experts, 'paddle boarding to the pub' has exploded in popularity in recent months, with viral social media videos inspiring people to swap busy roads for rivers and canals.
McMonagles Fish and Chips, housed within a boat on the Forth and Clyde Canal, was one of the locations named in Paddle UK's roundup. The fish and chip shop and tourist attraction allows customers to pick up their order by boat from a window facing the water, earning it a significant following on social media. One recent video on Instagram received more than 530,000 views.
Unique dining experience
McMonagles Fish and Chips was recently named the Daily Record's Chippy of the Week and praised as a top destination for both formal dining and casual meals. In addition to its sail-thru window, it offers an indoor eating space upstairs and casual seating outside.
Paddle UK described McMonagles as one of Scotland's "most unique fish and chip restaurants" and praised its "freshly cooked fish and chips". The eatery sources high-quality and sustainably caught fish, with chips hand-cut every day and fried until golden and crispy.
Other hidden gems
Another destination named a top hidden gem for paddle boarders is The Hidden Tap in Hampshire. The riverside brewery taproom allows paddlers to pull a bell rope from the water's edge and place their order, before drinks are lowered down using a wooden pulley system.
Rich Ramsdale, Head of Recreation at Paddle UK, commented: "Paddle boarding is more than just exercise. Whether it’s paddleboarding with friends, or trying out SUP yoga paddling gives people the chance to slow down, switch off and reconnect with nature. It’s great that we’re seeing more people explore their local waterways, discover independent cafes and pubs, and experience places they simply wouldn't see from the road."
The full list of the best hidden pubs and coffee shops in the UK that can be reached via paddle board includes The Hidden Tap in Hampshire, Riverbank Coffee in Manchester, McMonagles Fish and Chips in Clydebank, The Anglers in London, The Wateredge Inn in Ambleside, and Elsie’s Riverside Coffee Shop in Newcastle.
