The Bearded Sailor Pudsey: I tried the award-winning Leeds fish and chip shop recently named among UK's best
For National Fish and Chips Day 2024, I visited one of Leeds’ most popular chippies for a taste test.
The day is a celebration of the country’s favourite dish and has been deliberately scheduled to coincide with the 80th anniversary of D-Day this year.
Fish and chips was one of the few not rationed during the Second World War, and was also used as a code word to help identify friends on the battlefield.
The day also served as a great excuse for me to head down to the Bearded Sailor, in central Pudsey.
An award-winning chippy that opened in 2016, the Bearded Sailor has claimed a number of awards since including being named Chippy of the Year in 2017 by the Yorkshire Evening Post.
More recently, it was named amongst the UKs 50 best takeaway chippies in 2024 by Fry Magazine.
Run by former teacher Alex Papaioannou, who left behind his decade-long career in the industry, and his welcoming and warm crew, the chippy serves all the classics.
I chose the haddock that is served as part of the regular fish and chips meal. Cooked to perfection with crispy batter and flavourful fish, the dish was complemented perfectly with the tartar and the special sailor sauce, which had tantalising hints of garlic and chilli.
The fish paired beautifully with the flawlessly fried but not greasy chips, which I obviously dipped in the delicious sauce and mushy peas.
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This was my first visit to the Bearded Sailor - and I’m certain it won’t be my last.
While the chippy is famed for its quality fish and chips offering, it is equally well-known for its other menu items that I am eager to try. This includes popcorn halloumi and unsmoked bacon loaded chips, and a filet-o-sailor, a sandwich made using a handmade tartar sauce and cheese on a brioche bun.
With a wealth of chippies across the city, it can be difficult to choose where to go next but I’d certainly recommend a trip out to Pudsey if you value quality fish and chips and fantastic service.