National Chip WeekWeekFeb 20 to 26
Friday, February 20, 2026
The Rise of Fish and Chips. The real turning point came in the 1860s, when chips paired up with fried fish in England. Joseph Malin, a 13-year-old from a Jewish immigrant family in London's East End, is widely credited with opening one of the first fish-and-chip shops around 1860. In the north of England, John Lees began selling the combination from a wooden hut at Mossley Market in Lancashire around 1863.These small ventures sparked a national industry. By 1910, roughly 25,000 fish and chip shops dotted the UK, and during both World Wars, fish and chips were among the few foods not subject to rationing, with Winston Churchill calling them "the good companions
History
The Rise of Fish and Chips. The real turning point came in the 1860s, when chips paired up with fried fish in England. Joseph Malin, a 13-year-old from a Jewish immigrant family in London's East End, is widely credited with opening one of the first fish-and-chip shops around 1860. In the north of England, John Lees began selling the combination from a wooden hut at Mossley Market in Lancashire around 1863.These small ventures sparked a national industry. By 1910, roughly 25,000 fish and chip shops dotted the UK, and during both World Wars, fish and chips were among the few foods not subject to rationing, with Winston Churchill calling them "the good companions
How It's Celebrated
National Chip WeekWeekFeb 20 to 26 is observed by recognizing the importance of the day, learning about its background and significance, and sharing awareness with others through conversation and social media. Many people take time to reflect on the meaning of the observance and participate in relevant activities or community events.