Harry’s History

They’re a British institution and the classic seaside food. Yet the origins of the world’s most famous fish and chip brand lie in the West Yorkshire town of Guiseley, almost 100km from the nearest beach.

Here on 20th December 1928, Harry Ramsden began serving from a small striped wooden hut beside a tram stop. His reputation soared as takeaway customers flocked to taste his delicious fish in light, crispy batter and golden hand cut chips.

Within three years, Harry Ramsden opened a sit-down fish and chip ‘palace’ on the same site, which still attracts devotees from far and wide. Though he modelled the oak panelling and grand chandeliers on London’s Ritz Hotel, Harry cooked each piece of fresh cod and haddock exactly as he had always done, even when the restaurant served a world record 10,000 portions during a single day in 1952 to celebrate its 25th anniversary. After all, for Harry Ramsden detail was everything.

Today 35 UK restaurants bear his name, maintain his exacting standards and prepare his secret batter recipe fresh each day.

It’s why Harry Ramsden’s remains the king of fish and chips.