Let’s be honest—not all fish and chips are created equal. Some are soggy, some are greasy, and some leave you wondering if the fish was ever actually swimming. Riverside breaks that sad cycle. Their batter is crispy enough to make a satisfying crunch, yet light enough that you don’t feel like you’ve swallowed a brick.
The fish itself? Flaky, white, and utterly fresh. It’s the kind of cod that pulls apart with a gentle fork, steaming gently like it’s saying, “I’m ready to make your day better.” And the chips—oh, the chips—are thick, fluffy on the inside, and gloriously golden on the outside.
It’s the sort of meal that reminds you of childhood summers, when a paper-wrapped parcel of chips felt like the greatest treasure on earth. Except now, you’re an adult, and you can add a generous splash of vinegar without anyone telling you off.
A little story from a rainy Tuesday
Last week, I was having one of those days where everything went wrong. The car made a funny noise, the rain started exactly when I left the house, and I forgot my umbrella. By the time I reached Bakewell, I was damp, grumpy, and ready to give up on the world.
Then I walked into Riverside. The warm, salty air hit me like a friendly slap, and the queue moved fast—because even in chaos, they run a tight ship. I ordered the standard cod and chips, added a side of mushy peas (because you simply must), and sat by the window watching the rain streak down.
Bakewell | Riverside Traditional Fish and Chips Bakewell | England
That first bite? Absolute heaven. The batter was still steaming, the chips were salted just right, and the peas were the perfect green comfort blanket. For ten minutes, nothing else mattered. That’s the power of proper fish and chips—it turns a crumby day into a good one.
