UK fish and chip shops are facing yet another struggle as heatwaves are expected to cause a shortage of mushy peas, according to the National Federation of Fish Friers President Andrew Crook. He described the "massive" impact the weather is expected to have on peas and potatoes, two essentials for fish and chip shops.
Growing List of Challenges
Fish and chip shops across the country have already revealed major struggles in 2026, with soaring energy costs, business rates and labour costs threatening many with closure. The price of fish such as cod has risen, leading some chippies to use pollock instead. Mushy peas could be the next item to disappear from some shops as extreme weather affects harvests.
"Everywhere we look, there's a challenge," Crook said. "Peas and potatoes, we rely on them. The weather has a massive impact on those things. We are expecting a bad year on both."
Financial Strain on the Industry
Industry body Seafish found that the average cost of cod and chips was now £11.41, with haddock and chips at £10.29. Crook revealed: "We're expecting an expensive year. Everything's stacked against us. With peas, it's another blow." He added: "Peas are important for fish and chips. It's one of your five a day, which makes it a nutritionally balanced meal."
Potential Closures and VAT Pleas
The Daily Express recently reported that nearly a fifth of UK fish and chip shops could shut within a year as owners warn that Labour has killed Britain's traditional takeaway. Desperate pleas for a VAT cut to help the struggling industry are still being ignored as owners face dwindling margins amid soaring costs.
A survey of 105 businesses by the NFFF found that 45% of chip shop owners were "extremely worried" about the future, while 19% revealed they planned to leave the trade within the next 12 months.
George Morey, manager of Knight's Fish Restaurant in Glastonbury, said customers should consider switching to a different species of fish as the cost of cod soars.
