Fontana's Fish & Chips

Fontana's is a proper traditional chippy on the south-eastern side of Carlisle, and the numbers back up its reputation: it holds a 4.5/5 rating from well over four hundred Google reviews. The fish is the star, with Icelandic cod and haddock skinned, boned and frozen at sea within hours of the catch, then fried in a light, crisp batter that regulars rave about. The chips are cut from quality potatoes and cooked to a soft, golden finish.

Beyond the classic Haddock Supper there is plenty to tempt you, from locally sourced Cumberland Sausage to hand-made pies in flavours like steak or chicken and mushroom, plus the much-praised cheese and onion patties. The shop makes a point of using environmentally friendly packaging, a small touch its long-time customers appreciate. It is the sort of unfussy, consistent fish-and-chip spot that families come back to week after week, and a reliable choice when you want a quick, hearty meal cooked the way a good chippy should do it.