IT'S SOMETHING every British person knows - that eating fish and chips on a beach is one of the great culinary experiences of life.

Now it's been acknowledged - along with afternoon tea, Ploughman's lunches and Sunday pub roast - by the Lonely Planet guides as one of the world's top 500 foodie things to consume on their Ultimate Eatlist.

The Lonely Planet places 'fish and chips in the UK' as number 31 on a list topped by 'Tapas in San Sebastian'. 'Curry Laksa in Kuala Lumpur' is placed at second, with 'Sushi in Tokyo' at third.

Ultimate Eatlist reckons its readers should try their fish and chips at a chippy in Stonehaven, northeast Scotland.

However, Jason Leese, of Lakeside Fish and Chips in Poole believes the success of the dish is because you CAN find it everywhere. His restaurant has been voted Dorset's best chippy and they were also awarded the MSC - Marine Stewardship Council - certification in May, meaning their fish is sustainably caught. "We have a restaurant and do a roaring trade in takeaway too, which is understandable because we're right by the water," he said.

He is unsurprised that fish and chips has been singled out as a 'must eat' by Lonely Planet.

"Everyone who comes on holiday in the UK, even the Americans, want to eat fish and chips on a beach because it's such a tradition," he said. "It's so important to our culture that it was the only food not rationed during the War; Churchill said it was important for keeping us going."

He says the meal is 'wholesome' and is 'probably one of the most healthy takeaways' compared to kebabs and pizzas.

Other British foodie bucket list experiences named by Lonely Planet are eating a Scotch egg at Fortnum & Mason and a Full English breakfast in London.