Happy Birthday, fish and chips

We're celebrating 150 years of the great British institution that is fish and chips! How do you eat yours?

2010 marks the 150th anniversary of the magnificent marriage of fish with chips.

But where did this famous culinary delight originate?

Humble beginnings

The earliest record of fried fish is thought to be in Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist, published in 1837, where he referred to a "fried fish warehouse". 

In the 1850s, street traders sold pieces of fried fish with cooked potato shavings wrapped in newspapers on the streets of London.

Yet both Lancashire and London lay claim to the invention of the classic takeaway dish - chips were the staple fare of the industrial north whilst fried fish was introduced in London's East End.

Southerners claim that the first fish and chip shop was set up by a Jewish immigrant, Joseph Malin, in about 1860 in east London.

Northerners insist that the first chippy opened for business in Mossely, Lancashire in 1863, set up by a Mr Lees.

Nowadays the UK boasts around 11,500 fish and chip shops.

Have your say

But we want to know your thoughts on this quintessentially British dish.

Where is the best chippy near you? Does it have a fabulously quirky name? Is it good value for money?

What is your favourite accompaniment? Do you like mushy peas, a pickled egg or an onion? Are you partial to a certain sauce, be it ketchup, mayonnaise or brown?

How about a deep-fried Mars bar for dessert? We welcome your comments below!