The best fish and chip shops in Greater Manchester in 2025 - as voted for by you

The five best chippies in the region have been revealed

As we head into Easter, many food lovers will be thinking about unwrapping and cracking open a huge chocolate egg on Sunday morning. But for others, it's a takeaway staple that's always a must at this time of year.

On Good Friday, it's become commonplace to head for a chippy tea. Punters line up outside their favourite shop for thick cut chips with lashings of vinegar, beautifully battered fish and an assortment of accompaniments.

The reason why fish rather than meat is eaten on a Friday has religious roots. According to Christians, Jesus sacrificed his flesh on what is now known as Good Friday.

This is why traditionally, people abstain from meaty flesh on Good Friday. Fish is viewed as a different kind of flesh, and so is favoured over meat on the first day of the four-day break.

For those who still follow the tradition - for religious reasons or not - we decided to ask the M.E.N. readers where they think serves the best chippy tea in Greater Manchester.

The region has some pretty fine fish and chip shops, if we do say so ourselves. And many have racked up a number of national accolades.

We now have the results from our survey, and you didn't disappoint.

While it was hard to whittle the most popular options down from the thousands of votes we received, we have counted and verified the results and have now got a top five featuring places that serve everything from 'delicious' cheese and onion pies, to 'fabulous' fish.

Whether you just want a portion of chips, or you want to go all out with a battered fish or sausage - and all the extras - you can’t go wrong with these top-tier chippies this Easter.

1. Hills fish and chips - Middleton

The traditional chippy on Oldham Road, which has been run by the Hill family for over 20 years, has made it to the top of our list again, after taking home the prize in 2023.

We didn't think this would be last we heard of them, and after trying the chippy for ourselves a couple of years ago, we couldn't be more pleased for the venue.

They received a staggering number of entries and praise from punters with customers describing their fresh fish as 'fabulous', while their chips are hailed 'perfect'. Meanwhile, their cheese and onion pie has some admirers too and is 'second to none, just like their service', according to other customers.

And a standout comment, which shows it hard-earned place in the community: "Would not go anywhere else, food it fab and they look after my 90-year-old grandad when he goes."

2. Harry's Fish & Chips - Moston

In a close second, and literally just ten minutes down the road is Harry's Fish and Chips in Moston. A regular on our Easter chippy guide, this place has legendary status, and for good reason.

Described by one customer as a 'proper community chip shop', they don't just do fish and chips but big breakfasts and sandwiches too, plus special price deals of the week. On the fish and chip side of things, one said its the 'best for miles' while another added that the portions are 'generous' .

The staff here received a number of mentions too. One customer wrote: "They are very friendly and always make you feel welcome. They are so kind and help you with any help or questions."

"Amazing, they're always so jolly and happy to help. They know all the regulars and make an effort to talk to them (including myself). They all work hard and put their heart and soul into quality service and products," wrote another.

3. Town Street Fryer - Marple Bridge

This award-winning chippy is loved locally and nationally, and has a number of accolades under its belt. We've been back many times to this chippy and it really does deserve its place on the list.

The Town Street Fryer situated on Town Street in Marple Bridge offers a range of dishes as well as a gluten-free selection of scampi, fish and chips and curry. Customers described it 'amazing' and somewhere that cooks everything to 'perfection'.

Another wrote: "Owner Richard's the loveliest man and there's nothing on offer that isn't delicious."

Our favourite comment that sums it up nicely is: "First class pies, crispy batter, tasty chips and jolly chatter."

4. Taylors - Woodley

Just down the road in Woodley, is Taylors - always a firm favourite of the M.E.N and our readers. It's picked up numerous awards at the National Fish and Chip Awards, otherwise known as the ‘chip shop World Cup’, and is a cornerstone of the community.

It was founded in 1966 in Hattersley before moving to its current home in the mid-1980s. They’re big on ingredients here, using only the best sustainably caught fish frozen at sea, or fresh pies made in-house.

As well as 'great portions' and praise for their gluten-free options, the chippy on Woodley precinct was lauded as having the 'best tasting chips' one customer has ever had. Quite the compliment.

One customer wrote: "Fish is cooked to order for you, and a great range of alternative courses such as home made cheese and onion pie. Very friendly service."

5. Hollins Fish Bar - Middleton

Taking our fifth and final spot, this Nowell Road eatery also has plenty of admirers. From family favourites like jumbo cod and mushy peas to mini fish and chip pea muffins, this place has an extensive menu that offers something for everyone.

One reader simply declared: "It's got to be Hollins chippy in Middleton."

Others said it has the 'perfect' batter to fish ratio, and one customer commended the 'old-school' chippy as having 'beautiful' food and 'friendly' staff.