Fish and chips are a satisfying treat at any time of the year, but there’s something about the British summertime that makes a portion of the nation’s favourite fried delicacy utterly irresistible. Not only for scoffing in the sun by the coast, but also stopping at a chippy in the city, taking home from your regular local chip shop, or eating out at a traditional fish restaurant, this is a food that feels right for every seasonal occasion.
One longstanding Yorkshire fisheries offers all these things and more across the county. Drakes has been cooking up the good stuff since 1984, and this family business has become so popular that their fine fish and chips are now served in 8 locations, from city to town.
In West Yorkshire, Drakes is known to the folk of four areas as a friendly neighbourhood takeaway where locals queue for their weekly feast, perfect for a fish and chip Friday, or indeed every day. At Chapel Allerton in Leeds, in Bradford city centre, at Bradford Five Lane Ends, and in the market town of Shipley, hearty classics are served up at purse-pleasing prices; fish, fishcake, sausage, pies, gravy, curry sauce, mushy peas, bread cake, fizzy pop… who can resist?!
In North Yorkshire, much of the same is true, but in York, Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon there is the added bonus of some lovely restaurant spaces with smiley service, fit for a proper meal out or a comfortable stop off, and with them come extended menu choices. If you dare move away from meaty haddock and chips, there are fresh fish delights, notably on a seafood platter including squid, scampi, prawn cocktail, mackerel pate and more. Pies, burgers and desserts even make an appearance in such high quality that quite frankly is not expected at a fish and chip restaurant.
Indeed, the quality of their staple food is undoubted; Drakes source their fish from the finest and most sustainable suppliers, using local experts that include renowned fishmongers Cross of York. The cooking too is targeting zero waste, as everything at Drakes keeps an ethical eye on the future whilst elevating a familiar past. It’s all so comfortingly traditional and outstandingly modern.
Images- @drakesyork
