Beyond Cod: Why Our Weekly Specials Are the Best Fish and Chips You Have Never Tried

Let’s be honest about cod. It is the default choice in British fish and chips for a reason: mild flavour, firm white flesh, and brilliant batter adhesion. But cod stocks in UK and North Atlantic waters have been under serious pressure for years, and the fish you see on most menus has often travelled a very long way before it reaches your plate.

At Fishionados, we are based in Brixham, one of the most important fishing ports in the UK. We land fish from the boats that were in the water yesterday. And what those boats bring in is not always cod. Which is where our weekly specials come in.

The Cod Crisis: What It Means in Practice

North Sea cod stocks have declined significantly over recent decades due to overfishing and changing sea temperatures. While management measures have helped some populations recover partially, cod remains one of the least sustainable choices you can make at a fish counter. The Marine Conservation Society currently rates North Sea cod as a species to avoid for most consumers.

For a chippy that cares about the sea it overlooks every day, serving only cod feels like the wrong choice. So while we still serve good cod when we have it, our specials board reflects what is actually landing at Brixham market each week. And the results are often better than anything on the main menu.

Red Gurnard: The Underdog of British Waters

Red gurnard is one of the most abundant fish in South West waters and one of the most underused on British menus. It has a slightly firmer, slightly richer flesh than cod, holds together beautifully in batter, and tastes genuinely of the sea rather than nothing in particular. It is rated as one of the most sustainable choices by the Marine Conservation Society.

The reason you do not see it everywhere is partly habit and partly appearance: gurnard is a strange-looking fish with a large bony head. But once filleted, the flesh is clean, white, and delicious. When it lands at Brixham, it goes on our specials board and sells out consistently.

Pollock: The Sustainable Alternative Most People Have Never Noticed

Pollock is the quiet workhorse of sustainable British fish and chips. The flesh is slightly softer than cod with a mild flavour that batter complements perfectly. Many customers who order pollock when cod is not available say, unprompted, that they cannot tell the difference. Given that pollock stocks are in a significantly healthier position than cod, it is the obvious substitute.

We use MSC-certified pollock and, when available, locally landed pollock from South West dayboats. This fish does not need to travel to be good.

Hake: The Continental Classic

Hake is the king of the chippy in Spain and Portugal, and entirely underappreciated in the UK. The flesh is delicate, slightly sweet, and has a beautiful texture when cooked correctly. It is also well managed in the waters around the British Isles, with South West hake stocks in reasonable condition.

Our hake special is one of the most popular items we have ever put on the board. If it is on when you visit, order it.

Monkfish: When We Are Feeling Generous

Monkfish tail, in batter, is an occasional treat when the market price allows. It is meatier, denser, and richer than any white fish on the standard menu, and it stands up to deep frying in a way that rewards the effort. This is a special occasion chip shop order.

How to Keep Up with the Specials

The specials board changes weekly depending on what lands at Brixham. We post updates on our social media when the week’s catch is in. Following us means you will know when the gurnard is on before you make the trip, which, if you have tried it before, is reason enough to check. Follow us on Facebook here < https://www.facebook.com/FishionadosBrixham>

Visit us in Brixham at 10 Summercourt Way. The fish landed at Brixham this week is on the board today.