A CHIPPY tea is a Friday night tradition across the UK.

And to celebrate this Good Friday, the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) has issued a map featuring the nationally-recognised top 40 chip shops in the UK, made up of those up for the fish and chip takeaway of the year award, organised by the NFFF.

However, only one Dorset chippy features – the Forum Frier, in Blandford. In neighbouring Somerset, the Oyster Shell in Bath also makes the list.

The tradition of a Friday-night chippy tea can be traced back to eating fish on Good Friday as part of a Roman Catholic custom of not eating warm-blooded animals on Fridays, as well as acknowledging the death of Jesus.

Similarly, Christianity recognises that Jesus died for our sins on Good Friday and, while it’s not a biblical requirement, some people choose to abstain from meat on the anniversary of Christ’s death.

The Forum Frier, in Blandford, makes the list. Picture: Google

NFFF president, Andrew Crook, said: “Good Friday is a huge trading day on the fish and chip shop calendar when businesses across the country welcome hundreds of customers through their doors keen to enjoy this holiday staple.

“Making the top 40 fish and chip Takeaway of the Year list is a huge achievement for these outlets that have all worked extremely hard to make it on there and all of which have had to go through a rigorous judging process by a panel of fish and chip experts.

“Each and every one will be dishing up delicious portions of the finest fish and chips so if you’re lucky enough to live locally to one of the shops mentioned or are keen to visit one, then it’s 100% worth it.”

Which Dorset chippy do you think should have made the list? Let us know in the comments below…