National Fish and Chip Day celebrates this iconic dish, and because of the intrinsic links it has always had with the World Wars and D-Day, this year the date has been moved to coincide with the 80th Anniversary of D-Day.
Fish and chips are often considered the British national dish, with Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill describing the combination as "the good companions". During the Second World War, fish and chips remained one of the few foods in the United Kingdom not subject to rationing. The Government safeguarded the supply of potatoes and fish to ensure that this meal remained readily available on the nation's plates to keep up morale.
Today, The National Edible Oil Distributors’ Association (NEODA), run National Fish and Chip Day to celebrate this meal and to thank everyone associated with this industry, from the fishermen and farmers who source and grow the ingredients needed, to the fish and chips shops and restaurants who turn cook up a British staple.
Gary Lewis, President of NEODA, founders of National Fish and Chip Day, said:
“National Fish & Chip Day has always brought the nation together to celebrate this iconic dish, and because of the instrinsic links it has always had with the World Wars and D-Day, we decided to move the date to show our support."
Commenting, Ed said:
"I was delighted to attend the best fish and chips shop in the whole of Surrey Heath(!) today at Oysters in Lightwater to celebrate National Fish and Chips day! It was a great opportunity to speak to Gavin Singh, the owner, about the pride he has in his local area. It was also a fabulous turnout of the local community in support - and the amazing Fish and Chips were certainly a draw!
"Oysters is an award winning Fish & Chip shop in Lightwater UK taking pride in making the Great British dish the traditional way using the finest, freshest ingredients.
"They are a real community based business which takes pride in constantly working with local groups to get involved and support just causes."
Pictured, Ed McGuinness at Oysters Fish & Chip shop in Lightwater
