This famed food spot in Bath has been named one of the top 10 fish and chip restaurants in the UK in the latest Fry Awards – and it happens to be a favourite of this celebrity chef
Bath’s culinary scene finds itself in the spotlight once more, with one cherished restaurant earning recognition as amongst the UK’s top 10 fish and chip establishments in the latest Fry Awards.
With 2026 on the horizon Fry Magazine has revealed its exclusive rankings and Bath’s treasured seafood venue proudly flies the flag for the city in the restaurant category. The demanding judging process — involving months of secret visits and evaluating everything from food standards and hygiene to service and value — means only venues achieving 96% or above secure their place, and this establishment was amongst them.
Now in its 13th year, the Fry Awards honour the country’s finest, and this year The Scallop Shell emerges as a genuine Bath treasure. Local gastronomy enthusiasts have every cause for celebration, as the city’s standing for exceptional cuisine receives official recognition on the national platform.
This marks not the first occasion The Scallop Shell has garnered such acclaim; celebrity chef Marco Pierre White frequents the venue, famously saying: “My favourite restaurant in all of Wiltshire and Somerset is, without question, The Scallop Shell – it serves just the finest food,” according to their website.
Within, guests can anticipate discovering a welcoming environment characterised by timber features, boasting a shabby chic atmosphere, alongside a menu focusing on seafood.
Despite its inland location rather than a traditional coastal setting, the restaurant has claimed one of the premier positions in the awards, demonstrating that exceptional fish and chips can originate from across the UK. A glowing TripAdvisor review said: “Had a wonderful meal here last night with my husband. First visit, and I would recommend it to anyone. Ate in the little room upstairs, which was lovely. Our food was delicious. The best cod in batter I’ve had. Great service too.
“You can tell all the staff are proud of the restaurant and their food. Would visit again next time we’re in Bath.”
Another raved: “This restaurant really is exceptional in every way. Beautiful, cosy decor and the most delicious food served by friendly and attentive staff. The beetroot salad was SO yummy, and our fish and chips were fresh and so well cooked.”
One recent delighted diner revealed they felt they “couldn’t fault” their experience, penning: “Probably one of the best date nights we’ve had. Our server Nina was fantastic; she was very attentive and checked in on us. The food was beautifully presented and fresh. Thank you for the lovely hospitality; we will return!”.
The Scallop Shell is a trailblazer for local fresh, sustainable catch sourced directly from UK waters, with a proprietor who fully embraced the surroundings and regional culinary scene. Spanning two levels, the eatery boasts a more intimate dining space upstairs available for exclusive hire, whilst the entire venue welcomes guests during lunch and evening hours throughout the week – apart from Sundays when they shut at 3pm.
