A History of Fish and Chips
- Evans Fish & Chips
- Apr 30
- 3 min read
At Evans Fish & Chips, we believe good food tells a story, one that connects tradition, flavor, and community. When we opened our doors, our goal was simple: to bring a bit of that classic English “chippy” experience to our corner of America. Crispy, golden fish, thick-cut chips, and the kind of warmth that makes you feel right at home — that’s what we’re all about. But the story of fish and chips started long before Evans.
Grab your napkin (and maybe a splash of malt vinegar). Here’s how this humble British meal became a worldwide favorite.
The Humble British Beginning
Around the 1860s, Joseph Malin, a Jewish immigrant in London, and John Lees in Manchester were both selling fried fish and thick-cut potatoes, and the two efforts eventually converged. Though no one knows for certain who actually created fish and chips first. By the early 20th century, the dish had become a national favorite, with more than 25,000 shops serving hot, hearty meals across the country. These shops were especially common in industrial towns, giving factory workers and laborers a filling, affordable bite to keep them going through long days.
Fish and chips weren’t just tasty; they became a symbol of British resilience. During both World Wars, the government recognized their cultural and nutritional importance, keeping them off rationing lists so people could enjoy a comforting, familiar meal even in hard times. Some stories even say Winston Churchill called fish and chips “the good companions,” a small morale booster during the darkest days of the Blitz. Soldiers returning from the front often looked forward to their first proper meal back: a generous portion of fish and chips wrapped in newspaper.
As the dish spread across the country, regional variations began to emerge. In the North, fish was often fried in beef dripping for a richer, crispier taste, while in the South, vegetable oil was more common. Toppings and sides differed too; mushy peas, curry sauce, or gravy each had their loyal fans, and the fish itself ranged from cod and haddock to plaice, skate, and even rock salmon.
But no matter the region, fish and chips remained a unifying dish. From busy city streets to seaside resorts, from workers to holidaymakers, it brought people together with a simple, satisfying combination of fish, chips, and shared tradition.
Crossing the Pond
Though fried fish had long existed in the U.S., true English-style “chippies”, with battered white fish and thick, hand-cut chips, didn’t start appearing here until the 1930s. One of the first was Spud Fish & Chips, which opened in 1935 on Alki Beach in Seattle. Founded by brothers Jack and Frank Alger, the stand modeled itself after the seaside shops of Britain, serving up fresh, crispy fish to beachgoers who couldn’t get enough.
By the 1960s, the dish began to spread more widely across America. In 1965, Englishman Haddon Salt opened H. Salt, Esq. Authentic English Fish & Chips Shoppe in Sausalito, California, importing British frying ranges and recipes to recreate the authentic “chippy” experience. A few years later, in 1969, Arthur Treacher’s Fish & Chips brought that same flavor nationwide, pairing the comfort of fried fish with the convenience of fast food.
Carrying the Tradition Forward
From seaside stands to family-owned restaurants like ours, English-style fish and chips have found a lasting home in the U.S. Each shop adds its own local touch. But at heart, it’s still the same simple, satisfying meal that started it all: fresh fish, hot oil, and a little bit of love.
At Evan’s Fish & Chips, we’re proud to keep that tradition alive, honoring the history while serving up something deliciously timeless right here in our community.
So whether you’re new to the chippy experience or it’s a taste of home, we’re glad to share a little piece of that story with you , one crispy bite at a time.
Visit Us & Be Part of the Story
Every plate we serve carries a bit of history: from the cobbled streets of old London to our kitchen right here in Flagstaff. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick lunch, a family dinner, or a nostalgic bite of comfort, we’ll have your order hot and ready.
Come see why fish and chips have stood the test of time, and why they taste even better when shared.
Sources:
Comments