The Best Alternatives to Cod in Fish and Chips: A Guide from Brixham

Cod has been the default fish in British chip shops for so long that for many people it is simply synonymous with fish and chips. But the global pressure on cod stocks is real and well-documented, prices have risen to record levels, and the case for exploring the alternatives has never been stronger. Not just for environmental reasons, but because several of the sustainable alternatives are genuinely as good, and in some cases better, for fish and chip purposes.

We are based in Brixham, one of the most important fishing ports in the UK, which means we have direct access to a wider range of fresh local catch than most chip shops. Here is an honest guide to the best alternatives.

Pollock: The Closest Like-for-Like Substitute

Atlantic pollock (Pollachius pollachius) is the species most similar to cod in its fish and chip application. The flesh is white, slightly softer than cod, and carries a mild flavour that batter complements well. MSC-certified pollock stocks in the North-East Atlantic are in reasonable condition, making this one of the more straightforward sustainable swaps.

The honest truth is that many fish and chip customers who order pollock cannot distinguish it from cod. That is both a compliment to pollock and a useful indicator of how much of what we think we taste is actually context and expectation.

Hake: The Underrated Star

European hake (Merluccius merluccius) is the fish of choice in Spanish and Portuguese fish restaurants, and it is deeply underappreciated in the UK. The flesh is delicate, slightly sweet, and has a beautiful texture when properly battered. South West hake stocks caught by South West dayboats are among the more sustainably managed white fish options available at Brixham market.

Our hake specials consistently attract comment. Once people have tried it, a significant number specifically request it on return visits. It is worth asking whether we have it on the day you visit.

Coley (Saithe): The Working Class Hero

Coley or saithe (Pollachius virens) is the least glamorous fish on this list and one of the most sustainable. Stocks in the North-East Atlantic are generally healthy. The flesh is slightly darker than cod and has a stronger, more pronounced flavour, which some customers prefer and others find takes adjustment. Battered and freshly fried, coley is excellent: the slightly richer flavour works well with the batter and the chips.

Coley is the traditional chip shop fish of Scotland and Northern Ireland, where it is appreciated without apology. In the South West, it is underused. We put it on when we have it and would recommend anyone curious to try it.

Red Gurnard: The Sustainable Standout

Red gurnard (Chelidonichthys cuculus) is one of the most abundant fish in South West waters and one of the least used on British menus. The Marine Conservation Society rates it as an excellent sustainable choice. The flesh is firm, white, and slightly richer than cod, and it performs superbly in batter.

The reason it does not appear on more menus is its appearance (it is a striking, prehistoric-looking creature) and the processing effort required. Once filleted, the flesh is as clean and appealing as any white fish on the market.

Megrim: The Local Secret

Megrim sole (Lepidorhombus whiffiagonis) is caught extensively in South West waters and exported in large quantities to Spain, where it is prized. In the UK, it remains almost unknown on chip shop menus despite being sustainably caught, locally landed, and producing beautiful thin, sweet fillets when battered.

We offer megrim when it lands at Brixham and it sells out quickly. If you see it on the board, order it.

Our Commitment

At Fishionados, we try to keep our menu responsive to what is actually being landed at Brixham. That means cod when stocks and prices allow, and the alternatives listed above as standard options and specials throughout the season. Follow us on Facebook to see what’s on the board this week.

Visit us in Brixham at Summercourt Way or on the seafront in Torquay.