The heritage of fish and chips runs deep. Local areas have their own terminologies and unique traditions. Many people celebrate the end of a week with a regular Friday night chippy tea. And folk are loyal to their favourite fish shop like an old friend – the best is always where you’re from! 

There is one fishery friend who are helping the argument that the best fish and chips are indeed from Yorkshire. Drake’s are serving the good stuff in high quality and great quantity across the county. With restaurants in York, Knaresborough, Ripon and Harrogate, plus takeaways in Bradford, Shipley and Leeds, the residents of all these areas can proudly proclaim their local fish and chips to be the best. 

Despite expanding into eight fisheries, Drake’s have retained the personal essence which is essential to a neighbourhood chippy. Surely the secret to this success is that they remain in the family – still spearheaded by the Drakes’ nearly 30 years after the family business began. 

Having set up shop in 1984, this longstanding restaurant and takeaway is now led by Sara Drake, who has ensured the growing Drake’s team maintain its original ethos and friendly character. The York branch opened in 2010 and has increasingly become a favourite city centre stop for visitors and residents to eat in or take out. 

The strong reputation of Drake’s may begin with family values and friendly service, but it would not have gained its wide popularity if the main event didn’t excel. Indeed, the focus on the food means that the produce used and the cooking methods create a fish and chips which is comfortingly familiar and consistently fresh. 

Ethical too, the major attractions of cod and haddock are sustainably sourced from North Atlantic seas, whilst the potatoes are grown by local farmers. These ingredients are transformed into favourite fried feasts using traditional Yorkshire techniques, cooked in beef dripping, for that lip-smacking flavour that only great fish and chips provides. 

As pleasurable as the wrapped up takeaways and the sit-in fish and chips are, Drake’s also extend their restaurant menu beyond the classic. Fish of the day from renowned fishmongers Cross of York and a shared platter elevate the seafood offerings, whilst meat and veg options provide plenty of choice. 

But of course, most people are visiting Drake’s for the star of the show – and once sampled, are proclaiming what we all agree: the best fish and chips are from Yorkshire.

Photos: Drakes