Fish and chips. Everyone has an opinion on which takeaway is the best.

As it’s national fish and chip day today, we’ve compiled a list of the best takeaways in Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and Swanage, according to reviews on TripAdvisor (because it seemed the fairest way).

Do you agree with their choices? Or do you have a favourite fish and chip shop that isn't in the list? Let us know in the comments below. 

Or join the debate by using the hashtag #NationalFishandChipDay

Please note: we've only compiled a list of the takeaways and not restaurants. 

Bournemouth

Chez Fred, Westbourne – ranked best in Bournemouth on Trip Advisor (and fourth best restaurant overall in town out of 549)

The fish and chip shop is popular with locals alike. Jools Holland once told us he always pops into Chez Fred when he’s in the area and in 2013, Hollywood actor Jack Black trekked an hour and 40 minutes to sample their delights after a recommendation. He went on to describe it as “the best fish and chips in the world”, telling audiences at the Boscombe 02 later that day that it ‘blew his mind’. 

Last year it underwent a major refurbishment with the restaurant now offering fifty per cent more seating and a larger takeaway - and the queues are still out the door. 

Sunny's Fish and Chips, Bournemouth - ranked second in Bournemouth on TripAdvisor (and 126th best restaurant overall in town out of 549)

"Amazing", "fantastic staff" and "fish and chips to die for" are just some of the glowing reviews for this takeaway on Christchurch Road. More than half the people who reviewed it rated it as "excellent" or "very good". 

Fishtales, Boscombe – ranked third in Bournemouth on Trip Advisor (and 127th best restaurant overall out of 549)

Crisp chips, fresh fish, good service and generous portions are among some of the compliments heaped on this fish and chip shop on Christchurch Road. The wedge of lemon that comes on the side also received the thumbs-up.

Malvern Fisheries – ranked fourth in Bournemouth on Trip Advisor (and 150th best restaurant overall out of 549)

“The best fish and chip shop in Bournemouth”, ‘generous portions’ and ‘incredible pea fritters’ are among some of the comments posted about this fish and chip shop on Malvern Road in Bournemouth.

Barnacles - ranked fifth in Bournemouth on Trip Advisor (and 197th best restaurant overall out of 549) 

The generous portions and quality of the batter had reviewers raving about this takeaway on Wimborne Road. One posted: "I ordered the large cod and chips and WOW WAS IT LARGE, freshly cooked and delicious taste, chips were great too."

Poole

Lakeside Fish and Chips restaurant and takeaway – ranked best fish and chip shop in Poole on Trip Advisor (and eighth best restaurant overall out of 274 in Poole)

This stylish fish and chip restaurant and takeaway at Lifeboat Quay was one of the most reviewed places on the list with 494 reviews in total – and 300 visitors rated it ‘excellent’. Good prices, crispy batter (which is apparently made to a secret recipe and is milled exclusively for them) and attentive staff are just some of the things that won the restaurant praise.

Nick The Fish, ranked second best in Poole on Trip Advisor (and 32nd best restaurant overall out of 274 in Poole) 

The quality of the food, friendly staff and all important crispiness of the chips was what people on Trip Advisor liked best about this takeaway which also offers the chance for people to dine in. 

One posted: " Fish is usually cooked very well. Chips are chunky and lovely, crisp not soggy and the salt and pepper squid is worth a visit alone! The owners and staff are always super friendly so well worth a trip - a definite rival to Chez Fred."

Parkway Fish and Chip Shop (and ranked 77th best restaurant overall out of 274) 

The menu selection, location and price all meant this takeaway was ranked among the best in Poole. 

One reviewer said: "Great for fish and chips with eat in restaurant looking over part of the harbour. Booking is a must as long waits occur daily. The fish is fresh and tastes great, they offer loads of different choices of fish. Disabled friendly. Child Friendly."

Christchurch

Brown’s Fish and Chips – ranked best in Christchurch (and second best restaurant overall in Christchurch out of 120)

Sandwiched between The Jetty and Splinters in the list of Christchurch’s top eateries, this popular restaurant and takeaway on Somerford Road had visitors praising its light batter (including a gluten free option), mushy peas and good service.

Be warned: you may have to queue, this place is very popular!

Alexander’s Fish and Chips – ranked second best in Christchurch (and ninth best restaurant overall in Christchurch out of 120)

So good there are reports customers queue out the door to get their hands on the tasty offerings served up at this Stanpit takeaway. You may face a wait, but by all accounts, it’s worth it.

Swanage

The Fish Plaice – ranked best in Swanage (and eighth best restaurant overall in Swanage out of 62 restaurants)

With 157 reviews in total and 133 visitors rating it as ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’, The Fish Plaice seems to have developed a reputation as one of the main places to get fish and chips when you’ve got a craving in Swanage. Customers raved about the reasonable prices, flaky fish and good portions.