A traditional chippy just two hours from Nottingham has food that people say is 'to die for.' Hill’s Fish & Chips in Middleton, Greater Manchester, has been run by the Hill family for over 20 years, and, as you may have guessed, it’s held in very high esteem by its customers, the MEN reports.
The spot, which is one of the top 10 most ordered from spots in all of Rochdale, was commended for its “outstanding service” and “friendly” staff, who “always support the community". Many highlighted how even amidst the cost-of-living crisis owner John is keeping prices down by offering deals, discounts and giveaways where he can.
One person who voted for Hill’s said: “The food is just TO DIE FOR. The fish is the best fish I’ve ever had…. And the fact they have BATTERED chip muffins?… Need I say more!”
While another added: “Amazing food and amazing staff who help out for people and families who are unable to afford chippy meals - fantastic deals at half price. It’s a little luxury for our families.”
Others raved about their homemade cheese and onion pie, “phenomenal” batter bap, “amazing” curry sauce, and “perfectly crispy” batter. But, the entry that seemed to sum it up best read: “There is a reason why you have to queue up outside come rain or shine to get served and that is the food. Good Fridays are a sight for any passing motorist as they see the queue snaking to the end of the block.
“The food is always served with a smile and jovial joke if you’re a regular. Portions are massive and John’s homemade cheese and onion pie is the best. My mate lives in Stockport and calls in especially for the pie, making his 20 mile round trip for it.”
Manchester Evening News reporter Jenna Campbell went along to see what all the fuss is about. Here is what she thought: "Parking up on Kenyon Lane, the smell of fresh fish and chips wafted through the air - a sure sign as any that I was in the right place.
"After navigating a tricky road junction, which at one point had me cursing up into the sky above, and getting stuck at a seemingly broken traffic light, I finally made it to Hill’s. A tiny and compact building, it was impressive to see just how many orders they were pumping out from this tiny space.
"In the alley next to the shop, a number of Uber Eats drivers waited for their delivery to be ready, while inside a slick team took orders, bagged up steaming hot portions of fish and chips and had a good natter with their regulars. A couple of signs were warming to see especially one plastered against to the back of the til asking customers to vote for them in the M.E.N's 'chippy search'.
"The other was flagging their brand new steak and onion pie, which after peering over the counter to have a good look at, I knew I had to have. Perusing the menu on the wall, it was time to get down for business.
"Over the last day, I've read a lot about their battered chip barm with peas, in fact I watched a video of someone cutting into one on TikTok more times than I would like to admit to. That said, I'm fairly certain I'll be back here - I've just got a feeling - so I keep it simple and get a large cod and chips (£7), mushy peas (£1.20), gravy (£1.20) and Chinese curry sauce (£1.20).
"I know, that seems like a lot of sauce, but it was essentially my Good Friday chippy tea, so I pushed the boat out. In that spirit, the aforementioned steak and onion pie goes on the order too. It's worth adding that to keep things affordable, the chippy also offers a 'fish special' - a half potion of fish and chips plus a side for less than a fiver in store and £5.50 on Uber Eats. It's great for smaller "appetites and the purse strings.
"I waited fewer than ten minutes and my order was ready. Walking round the corner, I parked the goods down on a bench outside The Jolly Carter pub to snap those all important pictures while it was still golden hour. It wasn't exactly warm though, so post photo shoot it was back to car, seat pushed back and paper carefully unravelled.
"The batter of the cod was positively glowing, with beautiful, crispy flecks I was happy to keep picking at with my fingers. I get a bit upset when I'm served more batter than fish, I can't help but feel short changed, but here the fish to batter ratio is spot on, and the cod itself is perfectly cooked."
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