Yet, every year, communities across the United Kingdom and beyond pause on the first Friday of June to celebrate National Fish and Chip Day. Enjoying fish and chips on a Friday is somewhat of a mainstay at Pilgrims’, and it just would not be the same if anything else were served. On the surface, it might seem like a light-hearted nod to a beloved meal, but beneath the crispy batter and golden chips lies something far more enduring: the power and value of tradition.

Traditions are the rituals, customs, and stories we pass down through generations. They give shape to our collective memory and serve as a bridge between the past and present. Whether it's a national holiday, a religious celebration, or simply a weekly family dinner, traditions ground us in identity and meaning. In the case of Fish and Chip Day, we celebrate more than just a dish—we’re celebrating history, resilience, and shared cultural heritage.

Fish and chips first emerged as a working-class staple in 19th-century Britain, offering a hot, affordable, and filling meal. Fried fish was brought over by Jewish immigrants, while chipped potatoes had already become popular amongst the English. The combination caught on rapidly and became a unifying food—one that crossed class divides and offered comfort during hard times, including both World Wars.

By choosing to celebrate Fish and Chip Day, we acknowledge the immigrant contributions to British cuisine, the tenacity of communities that endured hardship, and the joy of simple pleasures that bring people together.

Traditions like Fish and Chip Day provide more than just nostalgia—they foster continuity. In a time when global connectivity can sometimes make local customs feel diluted, traditions act as anchors. They remind us of where we come from and what values we share. For many, gathering at the local chippy on a Friday isn’t just about the food; it’s about connection—family, neighbours, routine, and the comforting familiarity of something that endures.

One of the most beautiful aspects of traditions is their communal nature. On Fish and Chip Day, people of all ages queue together at local shops, swap stories about their favourite places to eat, and perhaps even remember loved ones who introduced them to their first paper-wrapped meal by the seaside. These shared experiences foster a sense of belonging—something increasingly precious in today’s often-isolating digital world.

Upholding traditions isn't about resisting change or romanticising the past. Rather, it's about choosing to carry forward the elements of our culture that continue to nourish us—literally and metaphorically. Celebrations like Fish and Chip Day allow us to pause, reflect, and find joy in continuity. They teach younger generations about their roots and give older generations a space to relive cherished memories.

As you bite into that flaky cod or crispy haddock today, take a moment to reflect on what it represents. Fish and Chip Day is more than just a celebration of a national dish—it’s a reminder of the power of tradition to connect us across time and place. It invites us to honour where we’ve come from while recognising the simple, enduring joys that bind us together.

So whether you're eating your fish and chips by the sea, in a bustling city shop, or around the family table, know that you're part of something bigger—a tradition that continues to thrive because we choose to uphold it, year after year. 

Craig Cuyler
Designated Safeguarding Lead/Director of Wellbeing/Head of PSHEe