Fish and chips is a British classic loved by many. The perfect combination of crispy, battered fish and golden chips is hard to beat. But what makes this dish even better? The right beer to wash it down with!
When choosing a beer to go with your fish and chips, you want something that will complement the flavours and textures of the food. The key is finding a brew that can cut through the richness and greasiness of the fried fish and chips without overwhelming your taste buds. Let’s dive into some top beer styles that pair perfectly with this beloved pub grub.
If you’re looking for a balanced beer that won’t steal the spotlight from your fish and chips, a pale ale is an excellent choice. The light maltiness and moderate hop presence in pale ales work great for cutting through the oiliness of fried foods. The subtle flavours allow the taste of the fish to shine through.
For a classic pairing, try an English pale ale like Timothy Taylor’s Landlord. Its well-rounded profile and soft bitterness make it a delightful match for fish and chips.
For a crisp and refreshing beer that will cleanse your palate between bites, look no further than a lager. The clean taste enhances the lightness of the fish batter while keeping your taste buds primed for more. Lagers are easy-drinking beers that don’t fatigue the palate.
German-style pilsners and Helles lagers are great options. Pilsner Urquell and Weihenstephaner Original are two delicious examples that will complement your fish and chips nicely.
Wheat beers bring some bright and zesty notes to the table that go well with fish and chips. The light body and citrus flavours, often with hints of coriander and orange peel, pair beautifully with the lemony tang frequently served with this dish.
For a refreshing wheat beer, grab a Belgian witbier like Hoegaarden or a German hefeweizen such as the iconic Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier. The fruity tones will enliven your fish and chips experience.
You can’t go wrong with a traditional British bitter when eating fish and chips. The combination of mild hop bitterness and malty sweetness in these amber-hued ales makes them a go-to partner for fried pub fare.
Fuller’s London Pride and Adnams Southwold Bitter are two delicious bitters that will stand up well to fish and chips. Their balanced characters ensure the flavours of the food and beer harmonize together.
IPAs are loved for their bold hop presence, but when it comes to pairing with fish and chips, you’ll want to go for a dialled-back version. Session IPAs and milder American IPAs have the fruity and floral hop flavours that can contrast the savoury fish without hijacking your taste buds.
Lagunitas DayTime is a great session IPA with a lively hop character that goes well with fried foods. Other light IPAs can add a pleasant hoppy accent to round out the flavours in your meal.
For something a little different, try a brown ale with your fish and chips. The nutty and caramel-like notes often found in brown ales can complement the taste of crispy fried batter surprisingly well.
Newcastle Brown Ale is a popular choice, though you might also enjoy the richer, maltier notes of Samuel Smith’s Nut Brown Ale. These beers bring some deeper flavours to contrast the relatively light taste of white fish.
Okay, it’s not a beer, but hear me out! A crisp and dry cider can actually be a great partner for fish and chips. The prominent apple flavours and crisp acidity slice right through the deep-fried richness, providing a tasty contrast.
Look for a dry English cider like Aspall Dry or Strongbow Gold for a thirst-quenching pairing. The fruity tang may be just the twist your fish and chips needed.
When selecting your beer, consider the type of fish used in your dish. Lighter beers like lagers and wheat beers are great for delicate white fish such as cod or haddock. If you’re having a heartier fish like shark or swordfish, you can opt for a beer with a bit more body and flavour, such as a brown ale or IPA.
Don’t forget about the sides! The classic accompaniments to fish and chips, like mushy peas and tartar sauce, can also influence your beer choice. A light lager or wheat beer can temper the sweetness of mushy peas, while a hoppy IPA can balance out the richness of tartar sauce.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to experiment. While these guidelines provide a solid starting point, the best beer and food pairings often come down to personal preference. Try a few different styles and see what you like best. You might discover a new favourite combination!
No matter which delicious beer you choose to drink with your fish and chips, make sure to serve it properly chilled so you get the most out of its flavours and refreshing character. And if you want to add extra zing, put a splash of malt vinegar on your fish and chips before digging in. The acidity really makes magic with the malty notes in beer.
Now that you’ve discovered what beer goes with fish and chips, why not let us serve up the ultimate experience at Fish! Restaurant? Nestled in the heart of Borough Market in Southwark, London, we pride ourselves on crafting this iconic dish using the freshest fish sourced from our very own fishmonger, Jarvis. Pair it with your favourite pint and enjoy a meal that celebrates quality, tradition, and the unbeatable flavours of London’s finest produce. Whether you’re a lager lover or a pale ale enthusiast, we’ve got the perfect match waiting for you. Contact us today for more information, to book a table, or to order food for delivery. Cheers to great food, great beer, and great company!
