One of the primary recommendations for having simple fish and chips in Whitby

Trenchers was established in 1980 and has been a staple for fish and chips in Whitby ever since. It is located opposite the train station and has a spacious, brasserie feel inside. I have long listened to James Martin on Saturday kitchen boast Whitby’s pole position in the UK for fish and chips and visited two iconic Whitby locations to see for myself. This was one of them where all fish is sustainably caught wild and cooked in beef dripping (pescetarians need to make sure you ask for your fish cooked in vegetable oil obviously although the likelihood is the staff will ask). In short, I thought the fish here was extremely good – my haddock was succulent, flaky and with good flavour and was reassuring the Maris Piper chips were cut and made on site. It has the edge on Magpie Cafe for tartare sauce and finishing flavour of the haddock. A quality venue in the UK for fish and chips without doubt.

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Since 2018 Trenchers also opened a restaurant in the leisure complex of Spanish City located in Whitley Bay (roughly 80 miles north in Tyne and Wear. This was awarded the best fish and chip restaurant for 2020 in the National Fish and Chip Awards UK which is a significant feather in the cap for the brand. Having not been to the latter, I assume the presentation and execution is the same as Trenchers.

I really liked the feel of this restaurant which was very family orientated and actually seem to be a very pleasant place for dates and evening meal regardless. Sadly I could not manage any of the other dishes but I would be happy to on another visit. However, for fish and chips this was very good, with its fish supplier being Hope and Wood of Ripon and whilst the batter was slightly better at Magpie Cafe, this was still extremely good overall.

On a final miscellaneous point, I very much enjoyed the service at Trenchers – my waitress was the consummate host and all staff did not charge in to table at any time, waiting for a moment or saying, “Excuse me” before approaching with anything which you are hard-pressed to find at several high end or Michelin starred restaurants – I can think of several immediately that could learn from that alone and this was an entirely humble and lovely place to drop in to. Wherever you are located in the UK, I think this is a lovely option for a day out in general.

Food Grade: 66%