Bristol’s 11 best fish and chip shops, crafted into a 700+‑word feature to satisfy your appetite for both content and insights:
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🐟 1. Noah’s (1 Brunel Lock Rd, BS1 6XS)
Recently named the third‑best fish & chip restaurant in the UK at the National Fish & Chip Awards 2024, Noah’s has quickly become Bristol’s premier destination for standout seafood . Set beside the docks and offering views of the Cumberland Basin, it treats diners to impeccably light, crispy battered cod and haddock alongside seasonal South West and Scottish catches.
Aldo Zilli, award‑winning chef and national fish‑and‑chip authority, praised Noah’s “selection of seafood … accompaniments are just as good as the fish”—highlighting their artisan chips, homemade mushy peas, and Madras curry sauce . Expect a premium experience: cod runs around £22 and haddock about £19, each with mushy peas, fresh-cut chips, and house-made tartare sauce . Also worth exploring: grilled sole, Orkney scallops, Cornish mussels, and rotating specials.
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2. Salt & Malt
With locations at Wapping Wharf (Cargo 2) and Chew Valley Lake, Salt & Malt delivers a more sophisticated take on classic chippies. Alongside its signature cod and chips, you can order curried battered cod in a bun or small plates like smoked mackerel croquettes, seabass ceviche, crab naan, and oysters . Redditors also love this spot:
> “Salt & Malt @ Cargo … I love Salt & Malt, so good”
A must for those craving both atmosphere and flavour.
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3. Argus Fish Bar (114 West St, Bedminster)
A true neighbourhood favourite, Argus provides no-frills, hearty fish and chips—don’t forget the mushy peas and thick gravy served with your order. Expect queues on Fridays, and plan ahead . One Reddit user put it simply:
> “Argus fish bar in Bedminster. Hasn’t changed since the 70’s… it’s worth a try.”
Another chimed in:
> “+1 for the Argus … Fishminster is OK but can take bloody ages.”
Comfort food at its purest, beloved by locals.
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4. Hamblins (154 Avonvale Rd, Barton Hill)
Operating since the 1950s, Hamblins is Bristol’s classic no-fuss chippy, famed for its “stand-out batter recipe” and generous quantities . Reddit users rave about it:
> “Hamblins, Barton Hill. Accept no alternatives.”
Offering both cod and haddock, plus the local favourite Clark’s Pie, this spot is perfect for an affordable, satisfying feast.
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5. Blue Fish (69 High St, Westbury‑on‑Trym)
This newer addition to Bristol’s fish-and-chip scene is already among the top-rated shops on Google Maps. Known for locally sourced fish and crisp batter, Blue Fish is a must-try in Westbury‑on‑Trym .
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6–7. Clifton Village Fish Bar & Stoke Bishop Fish Bar
These sister chippies, overseen by the same team, reign supreme in their locales. They’re cult favourites, famous for beautifully crispy battered fish and extras like panko-coated squid and seafood baskets, enjoyed with a view of Clifton Suspension Bridge . One Reddit commenter captures the sentiment:
> “Clifton Village Fish Bar by a long way.”
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8. Rendezvous (9 Denmark St, BS1 5DQ)
A trip to Rendezvous is like traveling back in time. No social media, just home-style fish and chips served in a 60‑plus‑year‑old setting . It may be low-profile, but its hearty portions and loyal customer base shine through.
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9. Chandos Fish Bar (4 Chandos Rd, Redland)
This longtime staple runs shoulder to shoulder with nearby Michelin spots yet holds its own with a rich selection of cod, haddock, plaice, and even Pieminister pies . A reliable option in a foodie-heavy neighborhood.
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10. Clocktower Fish Bar (84 Regent St, Kingswood)
A more experimental chippy, Clocktower offers vegan-friendly items like banana blossom and fishless fingers, alongside its classic battered cod/haddock . It’s also brimming with fritters—spam, pea, curry chicken, cheese-onion—plus Bar(e) gourmet fries and brie wedges. Perfect for adventurous palates.
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11. Fishminster (267 North St, Bedminster)
Seeking sustainability? Fishminster delivers sustainably sourced, beer-battered fish, with choices ranging from cod and pollock to plaice and haddock. Sides include scampi, whitebait, calamari, and even battered halloumi with chili jam . Reddit mentions Fishminster often, though some warn to expect a wait.
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🏆 Honorable Mention: Atlantic Fish Bar (224 Kingsway, St George)
One of the most varied menus in Bristol, this shop stocks cod, plaice, haddock, hake, seabass, scampi, pies, and more. Ideal for those hunting for variety .
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What Locals Say – Reddit Rundown
Argus is praised for its timeless appeal:
> “Argus fish bar in Bedminster… it’s worth a try.”
> “+1 for the Argus”
Hamblins garners loyalty:
> “Hamblins, Barton Hill. Accept no alternatives.”
Clifton Village Fish Bar gets high marks:
> “Clifton Village Fish Bar by a long way.”
These heartfelt endorsements mirror the official listings—solidifying Argus, Hamblins, and Clifton Village as local legends.
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Tiers of Fish & Chip Excellence in Bristol
Tier Spots
Premium Dining Noah’s, Salt & Malt
Local Classics Argus, Hamblins, Clifton Village/Stoke Bishop
Heritage Rendezvous, Chandos, Fishminster
Eclectic / Vegan Clocktower, Atlantic Fish Bar
Up-and-Comers Blue Fish
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Final Bites
1. For an upscale outing with scenic tidbits — Noah’s is unbeatable.
2. Craving a smooth fusion of flavour? Go for Salt & Malt.
3. Want the authentic, no-nonsense chippy experience? Argus, Hamblins, or Clifton Village are your best bets.
4. Want to rethink fish and chips? Try the creative menus at Clocktower or the broad spectrum at Atlantic Fish Bar.
5. Seeking ethically sourced, craft-battered fare? Make a point of visiting Fishminster.
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Explore More
Besides these spots, Bristol boasts at least a dozen other honorable mentions—Seafoods Plus in Keynsham, Bishopston Fish Bar, Catch22 for vegan options, Mario’s Fish Bar, and Fairbanks in Winterbourne all earned praise in Reddit threads .
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🎯 Pro Tips for Fish & Chip Lovers
Timings matter: Established chippies often operate limited hours and sell out fast—check opening times.
Locations matter: Choose a riverside or city-center setting for atmosphere, or seek quieter suburbs for more intimate bites.
Beyond cod & haddock: Many shops offer plaice, hake, or seabass, so be sure to sample beyond the basics.