A Timeless Tradition: How to Make Fish & Chip Day 2025 Your Biggest Splash Yet

I'll never forget the buzz we felt two years ago on Fish & Chip Day 2023 when we first joined forces with the Chelsea Pensioners. We delivered ingredients, frying expertise, and a good dose of camaraderie, and in return, we witnessed over 200 pensioners tucking into fish and chips with pure delight. The staff said it lifted everyone's spirits—there's just something special about this classic dish that brings out a collective cheer. For many older Britons, fish and chips aren't just another meal; they are the taste of home and a link to cherished memories, so much so that we did the same last year for our friends at the Chelsea Pensioners.

Some argue that today's children aren't as enamoured with fish and chips because they have endless choices. But speaking as a father whose own kids still plead for battered cod and fluffy chips, I'm convinced the love is there—it just needs a gentle push.

Perhaps it's in their blood since they're growing up with grandparents who devoted their lives to perfecting the art of frying and a father (me!) who spent a quarter of a lifetime behind a frying range and building Ceres supporting some of the UK's best chippies. But it's because we, as a family, actively seek out top-notch fish and chips whenever we can, whether it's Exmouth, Weston Super Mare, Bristol, Whitby or Bournemouth.

I learned the importance of taking bold marketing steps from my dad. He was relentless about driving sales in his fish and chip shop—always full of ideas, some of which I thought were bonkers at the time. But as I've grown older, I can see they were pretty clever. He never wanted a good opportunity to go to waste, and Fish & Chip Day is precisely one of those chances. The groundwork—national awareness, brand buzz—has already been laid, so all you need to do is build upon it.

Now, here we are in 2025: fish prices are high, potatoes weren't cheap last year, and there's a sense that we should "play it safe." But quoting Prime Minister Harold Macmillan, "Events, dear boy, events," shows us there will always be reasons to hold back. Yet this year marks the 10th anniversary of Fish & Chip Day, on Friday 6th June 2025, and with it comes a built-in burst of national awareness—one that can lead to an immediate boost in sales and spark the kind of goodwill that builds future loyalty.

We've got exactly 85 days from 14th March 2025 until the big day—that's 12 weeks and 1 day. In other words, now is the perfect time to start mapping out your strategy. I've been reading up on Benjamin Franklin, and one of his famous quotes resonates strongly here: "Failing to plan is planning to fail."

Plan, Plan, Plan

Don't simply open your doors on the big day and hope for the best. Book extra staff, stock up on fish (try a new variety—like haddock or hake—if cod is the usual star), and double-check your supplies to handle an influx of customers. You could even test a special portion size or unique combo deal. Times like this let you experiment without overhauling your entire menu—and you've still got those 12 weeks to fine-tune.

Engage the Community

Connecting with local care homes, schools, or charities isn't just about giving back—it also amplifies your shop's story. You create a personal bond with people, which can translate into foot traffic on Fish & Chip Day and beyond. Hand out vouchers or freebies, or donate part of your proceeds to a cause. These gestures earn local goodwill and often attract media coverage, and if they don't think of the goodwill.

Amplify with Media & PR

This day is made for buzz and visibility, so reach out to local journalists, radio stations, and social media influencers. If you can handle a surge, consider a loss leader (e.g., a discounted fish portion, free chips, etc.) to reel in new customers. That initial throng could turn into future regulars once they see all you have to offer.

Think About the Kids

We owe so many fun childhood memories to our parents' creativity— Set up a small corner for children to draw their ideal fish and chip box or bundle a family meal deal with a branded sticker. It may seem simple, but you're sowing seeds of nostalgia that'll pay off when they want their kids to have that same experience.

Build Momentum & Gather Data

Promote your event in-store and online, encouraging customers to follow you on social media or join an email list for future deals. Digital engagement and data collection can be a goldmine. For instance, if you're testing something new, invite people to vote on whether it should stay. After they taste it, give them a coupon for their next visit—another way to foster repeat business. (For ideas on what you can do on National Fish & Chip Day 2025, click here)

Financial Upsides & Goodwill Go Hand-in-Hand

Yes, a well-planned Fish & Chip Day can drive up awareness and lead to increased sales on the day itself—nothing wrong with that! But it also reinforces goodwill, building those long-term connections that keep customers coming back. Even if you only break even, think of the loyalty you'll forge. That's how businesses stay vibrant and profitable in the long run.

Spotlight the 10th Anniversary

We can't ignore how big a deal this is. Ten years of Fish & Chip Day is the perfect excuse to decorate your shop, hype it up in social media posts, and remind customers they're part of something that's been growing nationwide for a decade. People love special occasions, so let them feel that excitement when they walk in.

A Look Beyond the Day

After 6th June, you don't have to drop back into business as usual. Post a thank-you message on social media, share photos of your day, or ask customers to post their own pictures. Tease another upcoming promotion, or talk up new dishes you're planning for summer. Keep the enthusiasm going so the energy lingers—and your shop stays top-of-mind.

Conclusion

I'm putting the finishing touches on a "Top Tips for a Stress-Free Fish & Chip Day" guide, covering everything from staff scheduling to social media hacks. If there's one lesson my dad hammered home, it's that trying something—anything—beats doing nothing at all. Fish & Chip Day 2025 is your chance to introduce new families to the dish we've loved for generations, boost immediate sales, and secure long-term loyalty. 

Let's show the world that while prices might be high, our spirit and creativity are even higher. With 85 days (12 weeks and 1 day) to go, now is the time to plan, prepare, and execute a celebration worthy of Fish & Chip Day's 10th anniversary.