Wetherby Whaler

The Wetherby Whaler in Wetherby is as good as a Fish ‘n’ chip shop can get.
Look it up in the encyclopia — there should be a photo of the Whaler. It really is THAT good.
Perfect, thick, crispy beer batter. Gorgeous, tasty, thick, dense, meaty fish that’s really fresh and perfect. Chips are things of beauty to be relished with a splash of vinegar and a sprinkling of salt. Mushy peas are fantastic, full of flavour and just the right texture and consistency. Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant.
There is a sit-​down restaurant up-​stairs, but the take out is just as good. Awesome. ¹¹⁄₁₀!

nothing better than been able to go to your local chippy for fish n chips, then sitting down by the river to eat them, shame they dont still wrap em in newspaper though some how they always tasted better must have been the print after you covered your fish n chips with salt and vinegar. so yummy

I grew up in Knaresborough and was often taken by my parents to the original Wetherby Whaler for a treat. Even though we had a very very good Fish and Chip shop in Knaresborough (Drakes) the trip was always well worth it. I was always of the opinion that the Wetherby Whaler served the best Fish and Chips in the world.
I now live in LA and so did not have the opportunity to visit the Wetherby Whaler for well over a decade. that is until I was able to return last week. I have to say that, even as favorable as they were, my childhood memories did not do the place justice. Every aspect of the meal was perfect, including the service in the upstairs restaurant.
Still without a doubt the best Fish and Chips I have ever had.

I know we’ve got good fish and chippies in abundance in Leeds. But, for many years now, my parents have made us make a pilgrimage for an «even better» version of our English classic. This pilgrimage, down the A1 to Wetherby, has been — over the years — on the whole, worth it. Recently, the chips haven’t been up to their usual standards.
I like my chips you see. And my scraps. They’re more important than the fish for me, but not mum and dad who, asked for three words to describe the Wetherby Whaler to add to my reviewe said: «perfect bloody fish».
I apologise for that language. But they really like the fish they get from the Wetherby Whaler. So, if like them, you like your fish — make the trip. Wetherby’s a nice little spot, with a few good pubs to bob in for a sly shandy pre/​post din-​dins.
The cost of fish and chips seems to go up and up. So be prepared to not get much change, if any, from a tenner if there’s a couple of you. The restaurant’s fine, but if it’s a nice night — get them wrapped and wander down the hill to find a more scenic spot.
Don’t forget salt and vinegar, either.

OK, so it’s only Fish n Chips were talking about, But! I honestly believe these are the best I’ve tasted! Have been coming here for many years, I grew up here, I now live more than 1 hour away, but when in or around Wetherby and looking for Fish n Chips, no contest. They also have a café /​restaurant upstairs.

was not impressed dont cater for coelics and not good for vegitarians as its cooked in beef dripping
i also found the chips pale i like a proper brown chip
a wasted trip

Well worth a detour off the a1/​m. great fish and chips plus they offer more than just the usual cod and haddock.

These are very good fish & chips, not the best — but I would say second best. We buy them and take them down to eat by the river. Very friendly staff here, always seems to be busy so no food kept waiting — have seen coaches drop people off to the restaurant attached so it must be popular. For some reason the Wetherby Whaler at Clifton Moor near York doesn’t seem quite as good.

I lived in wetherby for all of my childhoodborn and bred! my favorite childhhood memory was walking down to sit by the river with my mum and grandma, feeding the ducks with fish and chips from the wetherby whaler. i now live in manchester and everytime i go back to wetherby i have to get fish and chips from there! they are by far the best in the country. so fresh. the batter is clean and crispy! and the chips are to die for. amazing.

Great fish and chips here in this bustling chippy. Nice people behind the counter and much of the food is freshly prepared so the batter doesn’t go soggy and the chips are hot.
Classic fish and chips with efficient service. Recommended.