Scottish fish and chip shop with 'sea on doorstep' that has incredible quirk on menu
There are thousands of fish and chip shops across the UK, but one of the best can be found on Scotland's east coast.
A quintessentially British favourite, fish and chips represents the unpretentious meal that's cherished from one end of the nation to the other.
With roughly 10,500 fish and chip establishments across the UK, selecting the finest can prove challenging. In Scotland, many benefit from the freshest seafood sourced directly from surrounding coastal waters, creating an ideal setting for savouring a proper 'chippy'.
And there are fewer better locations to relish this gastronomic delight than Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire, perched overlooking the North Sea, reports the Scottish Daily Express. Once you arrive, a visit to The Bay Fish and Chips becomes absolutely essential.
The Bay could arguably claim the title of Scotland's most perfectly positioned chip shop, positioned directly on the seafront with panoramic vistas across the shoreline.
Their beer-battered haddock arrives virtually through the front entrance and almost immediately onto your plate. You can even monitor which boat delivered your fish using their electronic displays that detail precisely how fresh the day's catch truly is.
Speaking to Hidden Scotland, proprietor Calum Richardson explains there are occasions when "the sea is literally at the doorstep" and it's this intimate connection with the coast that provides The Bay with its distinctive advantage.
The Bay has been showered with accolades, including being named Fish and Chip Shop of The Year at the National Fish and Chip Shop Awards 2013 and earning recognition at the esteemed Cateys in 2020.
Mr Richardson himself is a two-time UK Young Fish Frier of the Year. The shop even earned a spot in Lonely Planet's list of top global food experiences.
Mr Richardson shared his approach to business, stating: "We are continually striving to improve. It's about never standing still and the willingness to learn."
Patrons clearly agree that he's on the right track, as The Bay boasts a solid 4.5 rating on TripAdvisor from over 1,000 reviews. One customer praised: "Fantastic haddock, chips and mushy peas. Amongst the best I have tasted. The Scots certainly knows how to cook their fish!"
Another satisfied diner commented: "The best fish and chips I think we have ever had. Placed an order on line for collection, we did wait a few minutes for it but the shop was very busy at the time and this wasn't a problem. Freshly prepared, piping hot and very tasty."