'I drove 44 miles to get Friday tea from this Salford chippy but it was worth it'

How far would you travel for a really good chippy tea? It's a question worth asking yourself before you set off on a two-hour round trip to track down one that’s just been named amongst the best in the UK.

The sort of people who carry a map in their car and all the paraphernalia you need in case of a breakdown would probably roll their eyes at someone attempting to travel from the far end of Stockport to Pendlebury at the tail end of rush hour, but that’s how this story goes.

Crawling along the slip lane at Simister Island is something many of us will have endured, but the added pressure of being up against the clock adds an extra level of anxiety. It’s almost half past 6, and the chippy in question closes at seven.

READ MORE: The Greater Manchester fish and chip shops named among top 50 in the UK

Calling up to place my order, I can’t give a firm time and I tediously ask the woman on the other end to essentially list the entire menu. She humours me, but by the time we’ve got to the canned drinks her patience is wearing thin.

I have a good feeling about this place though and I’m making the 44-mile round-trip because I’m always willing to travel great distances for a decent chippy. That and it’s just been named among Fry’s Magazine’s 50 Best Fish and Chip Takeaways in the UK.

It’s one of a select few from the region to be bestowed the honour and sits in good company alongside Chips No.8 in Prestwich, The Fish At Goose Green in Wigan and The Little Chippy in Tyldesley. Completing the pack, and my chippy of choice on this early spring evening is Sykes Fish and Chips in Pendlebury.

A former family bakery turned into a classic fish and chip shop, Sykes is still going strong after 32 years and is classed as an institution in these parts. Consistently named as one of the best in Salford, its owners have previously put their success down to making sure everything is fresh on the day and make sure to use only the best and most sustainable ingredients.

The shop has undergone a few changes since Covid in terms of its layout, so now whilst you now won’t find a dining area, there’s a separate counter for delivery drivers and the general public, adding to what you can tell from waiting in line, is a seamless operation.

In the short while I wait, it’s interesting to watch everyday routines play out. Bowie’s ‘Let’s Dance’ hums along in the background as an older gentleman pops in, he’s on first name terms and his fish supper arrives almost immediately.

Then there’s the couple debating whether they should add on one of the cakes they’re eying up near the till, and a woman perched at the end of the counter and blocking a bright orange neon sign reading ‘Fry Me to The Moon’, is holding court with the staff, who are busy flipping fish and sinking potatoes into the deep depths of the fat fryer.

My turn comes and I take my cue from the couple before and add on a couple of cakes - an old school one like the ones you would get in the canteen on a Friday lunch and a Jammy Dodger Blondie (£3.50). The rest of the order is bundled up ready to be eaten in the car while I wait for the traffic to subside.

Back in the Asda car park, seat pushed back and the big lights on, the golden cod (£4.90) and chips (£2.20) are revealed. The car will most likely smell like a packet of salt and vinegar crisps for the foreseeable, but it’s worth it. It’s a decent sized portion, the fish itself is fresh and moist, the crispy flecks of batter stay intact and add that unmistakable crunch and texture.

Large pots of gravy, mushy peas and curry sauce (£1,80) are poured generously over the chips - a well balanced combination of slightly sweet peas, proper thick brown sauce and a Chinese-style sauce which is mild with a fruitiness that shines through.

It was slightly gutting to hear that their homemade pies had sold out. I’d been eyeing up one of their cheese and onion pes after seeing a picture of them basking in the glow of the warmer. Plump and domed, their slightly uneven tops looked ready to burst with savoury filling.

There’s next time though, and one of Holland’s own softens the blow. It may look slightly anaemic from the outside, but tearing into the buttery pastry, the cheese and onion filling pours from it, slightly tangy and deliciously rich.

In truth, even with the cakes to finish things off, I’ve only really scratched the surface of Sykes. There’s battered sausages, fritters and a series of homemade specials like chilli con carne, chicken madras, braised steak - the latter is raved about online.

It's clearly a special place and with a menu that has been carefully put together for regulars. And it certainly warrants another trip across Greater Manchester for a round two - just perhaps not during rush hour.