Fish and chip shops across the UK are taking drastic action as soaring energy costs force prices to skyrocket. The cost of the nation's favourite battered meal has doubled in just seven years, with households now paying an average of £11.17, up from £6.48 in 2019. In the past year alone, prices rose by 9%.
Price Hikes Across the Country
Some establishments have increased their prices even more steeply. Fishcoteque on Waterloo Road in London charges £16.95 for cod and chips. Joseph's Fish and Chips in Bermondsey warns customers that cod prices have surged by 300% over the past 16 months, making it difficult to source sustainably. The takeaway is ordering less cod and offering more affordable fish options, meaning cod may run out earlier in the day.
Suppliers Under Pressure
Andrew Arnold, who runs Railway Street Fisheries in Pocklington near York, reports that a 45lb box of cod cost £110 in December 2024 but now costs £330—a 200% increase. He warns, "The traditional fish and chip shop is going to go if we don't diversify." Arnold sells pollock at £10.50 with a reasonable profit but notes many customers still want haddock or cod. He tells them that cod would cost £17, and nobody wants to pay that.
The rising costs are driven by energy prices, which have increased operational expenses for fish and chip shops. Many are forced to raise menu prices or change their offerings to stay afloat. Industry experts warn that the trend may continue, putting further pressure on both businesses and consumers.
