DORSET has missed out in the National Fish and Chip Awards 2022.

Sadly, none of our fish and chip shops have been included in a list of the top 20 finalists unveiled yesterday.

However, we do have lots of much-loved chippies across the area that are batter (sorry) than all the rest.

Here are the top fish and chip shops across the conurbation and what people have to say about them on Google and TripAdvisor.

Chez Fred in Westbourne

This popular takeaway and restaurant is loved by residents and Hollywood stars alike.

Actor Jack Black made the pilgrimage to Chez Fred in 2013 ahead of his sold-out performance at the O2 Academy with band Tenacious D.

The musician described his meal as “the best fish and chips in the world” and many agree.

Ranked the number one fish and chip shop in Bournemouth on TripAdvisor with a rating of 4.5 out of five with 2,227 reviews.

One Google review read: "Best fish and chips I’ve ever had in my life! The batter is so light and so thin it was perfectly wrapped around my fish. We tried the cod, haddock and hake and they were all very fresh and delicious."

Fish fans can choose from cod, haddock, scampi, fishcakes and cod roe with sausages, chicken also available for meat eaters.

Meanwhile, vegans and vegetarians can choose from a plant-based version of fish and chips in the form of banana blossom, plus there’s also a halloumi fish option.

Open Tuesday to Saturday lunchtimes 11.30am to 2pm and evenings between 4.30pm and 8.30pm. It is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Brown's Finest Fish and Chips in Christchurch 

With 4.5 out of five on TripAdvisor and 435 reviews (with 327 rating it 'excellent'), it's not hard to see why Browns is so popular. 

Situated in Somerford Road, Browns is open between 12pm and 2pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday and from 4.30pm to 7.30pm six days a week, apart from Sunday when it is closed. 

One happy customer posted on TripAdvisor: "Excellent. Challenge you to find better fish and chips. Gluten free everything if required, very tasty. We dined in and Amelia gave great friendly service. Recommended."

Another added: "Absolutely fantastic cod and chips. Welcoming staff. Everything you want from a fish and chip shop. The restaurant is light and airy. Plus super convenient for parking. Perfect."

Lakeside Fish and Chips in Poole

Located on Lifeboat Quay, Lakeside offers a dine-in and takeaway service.

It has a rating of 4.5 out of five on TripAdvisor with 1,786 reviews of which 1,043 rate it as 'excellent'. 

One of the reviews read: "Had the lunchtime deal which was a good sized portion and very affordable. The food tasted great and got great service - the chefs were also very friendly towards us which is a rarity in places like this. Would recommend to anyone."

Lakeside also offers some pocket-friendly lunchtime offerings from as little as £2.95.

Open 11am to 10pm Thursday to Saturday, 12pm to 9pm on Sunday and 11.30am to 10pm Monday to Wednesday. 

Nick The Fish in Penn Hill 

Nick The Fish has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 on TripAdvisor and 351 reviews with 288 describing it as 'excellent'.

One TripAdvisor review read: "Nick's is a regular weekly enjoyable experience . Great quality and cooked well. Double cooked chips and not too greasy and easy on the batter unlike many competitors."

Meanwile, it has a rating of 4.4 on Google with 316 reviews.

One person said: "Fresh and very, very tasty! Best fish and chip shop around. Thankyou guys."

The menu includes cod, scampi and fishcake, plus burgers, sausage, pies and chicken with a vegetarian burger option. 

Open 12pm to 1.45pm and 5pm to 9pm Tuesday to Saturday, closed on Sunday and Monday. 

Sunny's Fish and Chips

Located in Christchurch Road, Sunny's has a rating of 4.5 on TripAdvisor out of 166 reviews with 103 branding it 'excellent'. 

It even picked up a 'Travellers' Choice 2022' accolade.

Meanwhile on Google, it also has a rating of 4.5 with a whopping 447 reviews.

One person proclaimed it to be the "best chip shop".

Another person said: "Exactly as you'd expect, a good straight-forward chip shop - likely to visit again."

Open 12pm to 10pm Monday to Saturday and then 3pm to 10pm on Sunday.

It prides itself on using groundnut oil for frying and serves cod, haddock, plaice, cod roe, fishcake and scampi, plus sausages, chicken, burgers and pies.