National Fish And Chips Day

Joan Agie
Dec 22, 2023 By Joan Agie
Originally Published on Feb 15, 2022
Fact-checked by Amanpreet Kaur
Celebrate National Fish And Chips Day.

Where is National Fish And Chips Day celebrated?

Every year, National Fish And Chip Day are celebrated by the National Edible Oil Distributor's Association's (NEODA) in the U.K.

Who is National Fish And Chips Day celebrated by?

National Fish And Chip Day are celebrated by members of the NEODA and everyone that loves fish with a chip.

When did National Fish And Chips Day first start?

In 2015, National Fish And Chip Day were first celebrated as Fish and Chip Day in June. It was sponsored by the NEODA in the U.K. Regional media, such as newspapers and television cover this event every year in June.

Who started National Fish And Chips Day?

In 2015, the NEODA introduced this day as a way to show the nation's love for these food items and to support fisher people. The president of the NEODA, Andrew Marriott, revealed that it was introduced to celebrate this iconic British dish.

History And Timeline

Let's take a look at the event that led to the creation of fish and chip day.

Fried batter-coated Fish Introduced in the U.K.

While fleeing persecution, Jewish refugees to the United Kingdom brought fish recipes that included coating fish in flour frying it.

16th Century

Jefferson Writes About Fried Fish

President Thomas Jefferson wrote about consuming 'fried fish in the Jewish fashion' after taking a tour of London.

18th Century

First Chip Shop opened

John Lees, a Lancastrian entrepreneur, was thought to be the first person to open a fish and chip shop. A wooden hut functioned as his shop after which he launched a restaurant.

At around the same time, Londoner Joseph Malin opened his first shop. However, it is thought there were fish and chip shops before this but there is no official record of them.

1860s

Popularity peaks for this tasty food

More than 35,000 fish and chip shops were active in the country, and it soon became a cheap luxury.

1930

This national day was celebrated for the first time

The first National Fish and Chip Day, to spread awareness for the industry was sponsored by the NEODA.

June 2015

Traditions And Customs

An ideal way to celebrate this national day in June is to dine out at a restaurant with this option on the menu, or enjoy a takeaway. You can also get involved by making a donation to the Fishermen's Mission that helps fishermen and those working in this industry. Giving fish to a loved one is another fun way.

Ways To Celebrate National Fish And Chips Day

Celebrating National Fish Chip Day is a lot of culinary fun.

It's a family favourite event where you can enjoy different serving options, such as a bit of tartar sauce for the fish, and curry sauce or ketchup for the chip. Additionally, malt vinegar is a popular ingredient that gives a delicious tang.

British people, particularly in the north, enjoy mushy peas as an accompaniment. Maybe try making this dish yourself, by battering fish such as salmon instead of the usual white fish. Or why not try battering other food items, such as chocolate bars, which is popular in Scotland.

Every year, more than 60 million people get involved in the celebration of National Fish and Chip Day in June. The NEODA provides many shops with decorations and promotional material, through their marketing campaign.

Facts And Stats

  • Battered fish was introduced to Britain in the 16th century. The origin of this day can be traced to the 16th century.
  • Did you know this delicious combination of a meal was once served in the newspaper? Learn more interesting facts on this day.
  • This dish is so popular that during World War II there was no limit put on the consumption of this meal. Hence, this national holiday can also be celebrated as an ode to those veterans.

Is it National Fish and Chip Day?

Every year, from 2015, the first Friday (Fryday!) of June is celebrated as National Fish and Chip Day. 

Why do the British eat fish and chips on Friday?

In the U.K., a longstanding belief from the Roman Catholic church is that meat should not be consumed on a Friday, as penance. That's why it is served in many schools on this day, and many British people consider Friday night as 'fish night'. 

What is England's national meal?

England's national meal is now Chicken tikka masala (which was invented in Birmingham), although this dish is still considered one of Britain's national dishes.

What is the national dish of Yemen?

The national food of Yemen is saltash.

Who invented the concept of National Fish and Chip Day?

The NEODA invented this concept of national fish and chop day which was celebrated on the first Friday in June. 

Why are kids so excited for National Fish and Chip Day?

Children love chips and other fried foods, so they are excited to celebrate this fish and chip day.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Wednesday, June 03, 2020
  • Thursday, June 03, 2021
  • Thursday, June 02, 2022
  • Thursday, June 01, 2023
  • Thursday, June 06, 2024

We Want Your Photos!
We Want Your Photos!

We Want Your Photos!

Do you have a photo you are happy to share that would improve this article?
Email your photos

More for You

See All

Written by Joan Agie

Bachelor of Science specializing in Human Anatomy

Joan Agie picture

Joan AgieBachelor of Science specializing in Human Anatomy

With 3+ years of research and content writing experience across several niches, especially on education, technology, and business topics. Joan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Anatomy from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria, and has worked as a researcher and writer for organizations across Nigeria, the US, the UK, and Germany. Joan enjoys meditation, watching movies, and learning new languages in her free time.

Read full bio >
Fact-checked by Amanpreet Kaur

Bachelor of Business Administration, Masters of Business Administration specializing in Accounting and Finance

Amanpreet Kaur picture

Amanpreet KaurBachelor of Business Administration, Masters of Business Administration specializing in Accounting and Finance

Amanpreet has a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree in Business Administration from the Birla Institute of Technology and Xavier Institute of Social Service respectively, coupled with her internships at Decimal Point Analytics and the Royal Bank of Scotland, has equipped her with the necessary skills to analyze complex data and present insights in an easy-to-understand format. Her paper on the impact of COVID-19 on CSR programs has received high commendation.

Read full bio >