Papa’s Fish and Chips

There aren’t very many fish and chip shops which I could describe as the best of the best, but Papa’s Fish and Chips are definitely on this list.
Before Papa’s came along, the building was unused having been taken over multiple times by bars which tried — and failed — to bring in the business. Cap’n Papa’s certainly don’t have that problem.
I’ve never been to the sit-​in restaurant area, so I can’t comment on the décor or the service, but I have been to their chippy take-​away — a lot.
First off, if you’re going here for your chippy tea between 17:00 and 19:00 be prepared to queue. At the height of the evening rush, I’ve seen the queue out of the door by a fair way, but the staff behind the counter are more than capable of striking the balance between getting your food to you and giving you the friendly service you’d expect.
The reason that the queue is so mental is because of the food. I’ve eaten from a lot of chippy’s in Warrington in my time, but nowhere comes close to this place. The chips are, for me, spot on. Fluffy on the inside but ever so slightly crisp on the outside, with plenty of salt and vinegar. The fish is always hot, freshly cooked and in a really light batter which isn’t like wallpaper paste on the inside.
There’s a number of good value deals available too, including my standard order: Fish, Chips and a «Side» (peas, gravy, curry etc) for £3.50. For that price, you’d think it’s a smaller portion as it’s a deal but trust me it’s a good meal.
I’ll have to try the sit-​in service at some point, but for now if I ever want a chippy tea in Warrington I’ll be going to Papa’s — and I can’t see another chippy coming along and knocking them off their perch any time soon. Definitely worth a visit.