Swindonians have picked their favourite chippy for National Fish and Chip Day 2024.

June 6 was chosen as the national day for the dish this year - it usually happens on the first Friday in June - to coincide with the D-Day commemorations due to their “intrinsic links”.

And the shop with the most shout outs on the Adver's Facebook post calling for the best chippy in town was Smarts Fish Bar in Highworth.

One commenter said: “Smarts in Highworth, can’t beat them for quality and value for money. Bonus is that the owners and their son are brilliant and work extremely hard.”

Another said: “Smarts in Highworth and lovely people too.”

(Image: Google Maps)

Swindon Fish Bar, Blue Sky, Happy Cod and Lucy’s Fish Bar - which tops the town's Google reviews - were joint runners-up.

Other shops that were commended were Top Fry, Kingsdown, Britannia with “brilliant fish and chips”, Andy's (where “every Friday is fish and chip day) and Britz.

Meanwhile, others made mention of a lost favourite, Philip's, which closed in Gorse Hill this year.

One person said: “It was Philips now I have to go to Friar Tuck in Cirencester.”

What is National Fish and Chip Day?

National Fish and Chip Day was conceived by the National Edible Oil Distributors Association (NEODA).

NEODA say: “National Fish and Chip Day is about giving fish and chips the recognition it deserves and helping to secure its position in the eyes of both consumers and the media as the nation’s favourite dish.”

NEODA explained why the day was moved: “To honour all those involved in the D-Day landings, National Fish & Chip Day will be moving to Thursday 6th June, which marks the 80th anniversary of this momentous day.

“National Fish and Chip Day will recognise the huge importance of fish and chips during WWI and WWII, and on D-Day in particular.  

Fish & Chips were often considered the British national dish and this humble meal was a vital ingredient of the war effort in both the first and second world wars.  

“The British Government safeguarded the supply of fish and potatoes during both world wars in order to keep up morale.”

Gary Lewis, President  of NEODA, said: “National Fish & Chip Day has always brought the nation together to celebrate this iconic dish, and because of the intrinsic links it has always had with the World Wars and D-Day, we decided to move the date to show our support.”