Fish & chip shops have new £11 charge with households warned over 5 items

Fish and chip shops have introduced a new £11 charge as UK households are warned to curb spending on several categories before giving up a weekly treat. The report by Seafish says the average cod-and-chips portion now costs £11.41, while haddock-and-chips averages £10.29. Seafish estimates about 7,210 fish and chip shops operate across the UK, but rising costs for fish, potatoes, cooking oil and energy are increasing pressure on businesses. Insolvency specialist Molly Monks at Parker Walsh said financial strain usually comes from many small purchases that “quietly creep” into budgets rather than a single meal. She advised reviewing bank statements for forgotten subscriptions, limiting food delivery mark-ups, and being cautious with Buy Now Pay Later interest, daily convenience spending, and one-click online shopping. Monks also suggested delaying online purchases overnight and protecting the “Friday chippy” for families that genuinely look forward to it.