Ever wondered why ... we eat fish and chips at the seaside?

Ever wondered why fish and chips is the classic British take-away meal?

There really is nothing more British than fish and chips with salt and vinegar. It is one of our Great British Institutions.

The spread of the railways in the late 1800's meant that low cost fish - previously thrown back into the sea because it had no market - could be rapidly carried inland. Cheap fried fish became a staple food of the working classes. They looked for it when on holiday too, and soon there were 'chippies' in every holiday resort.

Where did the combination of fish and chips eaten together originate? Do we really know?

It was the French who invented chips or 'pommes de terre a la mode' from the humble potato believed to have been brought to Europe by Sir Walter Raleigh in the 17th century. In 1839 Charles Dickens refers to a 'fried fish warehouse' in Oliver Twist.

In 1860 Joseph Malin opened a shop in Cleveland Street, Bow, east London, combining Franco-Belgic-Irish chips with fish fried in a style popularised by Portugese Jews. From there the traditional fish and chip shop evolved.

Put them together and enjoy your great seaside take-away while strolling along Saltburn Pier enjoying the scenery or sitting on the rocks with a large mug of tea.... or a pint!