Additional reporting by Oliver Leonard

Today marks one of the biggest days in the calendar for lovers of a good takeaway, as National Fish and Chips Day is here.

In preparation for this annual celebration, KentOnline asked readers on our social media channels where they think is the best chippy in Kent.

We then sent out one lucky reporter to see if the winner was worthy of the crown.

But first, here are the ones that just missed out on the top spot….

13 Papa’s Super Fish in Rochester

Tom Wright said: “Papa’s in Rochester is lovely. And they offer big portions as well.”

Julie Prangnell added: “They were closed for a while when someone accidentally drove into the shop front. We missed it greatly.”

In 2018, the takeaway was closed for four months after a Nissan Micra reversed into the shop front.

No one was injured in the crash, including the elderly driver who it is thought had got her stuck stuck on the road in front of the shop.

Upon reopening with a fresh new look that June, owners Julia and Kiki Matheou hoped to find the woman who had crashed through the window to offer her and her family free fish and chips.

It’s been hugely popular ever since – with queues out the door every Friday night.

12 Crispin’s in Teynham

Anna Jenner said: “Best ever! Great food and friendly family shop.”

Liz Hobbs added: “We’ve only started going recently and what a very pleasant surprise, great food and great staff.”

Sally Gollop praised the shop’s "awesome chips”.

11 Woody’s in Leysdown

Graham Paul Hart voted for this family-run chippy, saying: “Ron Wood and his family are the best.”

Faye Davey added: “110% agree with this. Their curry sauce is the best.”

A TripAdvisor review said: “My favourite chippy ever, chips are always amazing and the chicken burgers are to die for!”

10 The Pilot in Dungeness

A TripAdvisor review said: “Probably the best chips anywhere and the fish batter was excellent too. The staff were friendly and helpful and The Pilot Ale was extremely morish!”

Another reads: “Friendly, helpful staff; well cooked, and presented, and tasty food; portion sizes more than ample and very good value or money.

“What more could you want? A good walk on the beach? You can have that as well.”

9 Ossie’s in Whitstable (and Faversham and Sandwich)

This chain received votes for a number of its Kent locations, with its most popular being Whitstable, but its Faversham branch was not far behind.

An unconnected, family-run Sandwich branch of the same name also got a special mention.

Pearl Ash said: “Ossie’s in Faversham always gives you more than you asked for and if you are in a queue gives you free chips. Super clean and friendly.”

Trevor Fentiman described Ossie’s as the “best for miles”.

8 Peter’s Fish and Chips Gillingham

One TripAdvisor reviewer said: “Quite simply the fish and chip shop that does it properly. Tasty chips, gorgeous cod and generous portions.

“Good prices and good size portions and the quality is off of the scale. Have been using them regularly for quite a few years now and will continue to do so.”

KentOnline voter Merv Lamb praised the chippy for its freshly cooked food.

7 Newington Fish Bar in Ramsgate

The first fish bar in Kent to achieve the prestigious 5-star quality award from Seafish, The Seafish Authority, and also a 5-star rating from The Hygiene Council, this restaurant and takeaway receives resounding praise.

Sharon Bellamy James said: “The food is amazing, staff are lovely, and it’s award-winning. I won’t go anywhere else now.”

6 Park Road Fish Bar in Hythe

One TripAdvisor review of this takeaway chippy reads: “Consistently good fish and chips served by the charming owner and his family.

“Chips are always crispy and very good sized portions. Curry sauce is top notch too. Prices are pretty keen.

“All in all the best fish and chips in the locale and the occasional queue is testament to this.”

5 Peter’s Fish Factory in Margate and Ramsgate

Both branches of this business received praise from our voters.

One TripAdvisor review for the Margate branch said: “Got recommended this by a hotel and it did not disappoint, the best fish and chips I have ever had and every worker there is very friendly.”

Another said: “The chips were beyond amazing and the fish was the best I have eaten in years.

“The whole experience was so lovely and all of us felt so grateful to find a real gem in Margate. I will never eat anywhere else when visiting next.”

4 Barming Fish and Chips in Maidstone

Pip Oakley said: “Always lovely, proper local fish and chip shop with community spirit of a pay-it-forward wall to boot!”

The shop is known for its generosity, introducing in 2019 a “pay it forward” wall where customers can choose to pay for a portion of food that can then be cooked and given to a homeless person who visits later in the day.

Customers pay for vouchers, which are then pinned on the wall and can be collected by a homeless person to collect a bag of chips.

Kellie Baker said: “I’ve been using them for nearly 32 years, the staff are so friendly, the shop is always clean and the food is always top quality, great sized portions, will never go anywhere else.”

3 VC Jones of Whitstable

This traditional family-run fish and chips shop claims to be one of the last in the south still cooking in beef dripping, with one reviewer saying: “The fish was the tastiest I’ve had in years. A generous portion and we knew it would be good as soon as we walked in and smelled the delicious aroma of beef dripping.”

Last year, it was named by The Times as one of the 10 best fish and chip shops in the UK.

2 Fish Inn Two in Herne Bay

Voter Clare Nunley praised this chippy’s “friendly service, freshly cooked and best tasting” fish and chips, adding: “When we visit we won’t go anywhere else. Been visiting there for the last 30 years.”

One TripAdvisor reviewer said his family takes a 200 mile round-trip to Herne Bay when visiting relatives in Kent, made worth it by lunch at Fish Inn Two.

He added: “Fish Inn Two serves the best fish and chips I have ever eaten. Cooked to order, generous portions, very reasonable prices, it couldn’t be better. Oh, and the staff are lovely too.”

And finally,

1 Sandy’s in Folkestone Harbour

As the eighth highest rated restaurant in all of Folkestone on TripAdvisor, Sandy’s is not just the favourite of Kent locals, but has even caught the attention of those from further afield.

The Only Way is Essex star Gemma Collins was spotted ordering food at the shop last month.

First opening in 2021, the chippy has made a mark on locals, with Claire Bonner describing it as “not only the best but it’s also got to be the most friendly”.

Jenny Golding said: “The best chips and amazingly fresh fish, always perfectly cooked and service with a smile.”

Keen to see what all the fuss was about, we sent reporter Oliver Leonard down to check it out.

He said: “After a trip to Sandy’s Fish & Chips on my lunch break, it is clear to see why it has been voted the best in Kent.

“With high expectations and an empty stomach, I was certainly not let down by the award-winning chippy.

“For the price of £3 I ordered a standard sized portion of chips. The portion size was fair, and the chips tasted incredible.

“With a slight crunch on the outside and fluffy potato in the middle, this was the perfect lunchtime treat.

“Sandy’s is just a stone’s throw away from the picturesque Harbour Arm and it is easy to see why the shop is such a popular destination for locals and tourists.

“As well as the chips, I ordered a Dr Pepper for £1.50 and a ketchup packet for an extra 40p. Whilst this was on the expensive side, the quality of the food made it more than worth it.

“If you are in Folkestone, I would highly recommend paying a visit to Sandy’s.”