An ordinary town known for its rich history and green spaces is home to the UK’s “best” fish and chips, despite being dozens of miles from the coast. Prestwich in Bury, Greater Manchester, is around 50 miles from Southport Beach and the Merseyside Coast.

However, Chips @ No 8 in Prestwich has been named among the top 20 fish and chip shops in the UK - and it's also a restaurant. A review in The Guardian read: “Until recently, this well-regarded shop was a corner site, known for a giant mural of Mark E Smith, and frying in dripping (veg oil on request).

“Now, they have reopened next door in order to serve more people more efficiently, though the name’s the same.”

The restaurant is extremely popular among the foodies who have shared their experiences on TripAdvisor travel forum. One person wrote: "The service was excellent, we were very well looked after, and the portions (aside from the ice cream) were excellent. We shared prawns in garlic to start, 5 delicious garlic king prawns with homemade croutons, and then had haddock and chips and moules and fritte, all fabulous. The ice cream on the other hand, whilst delicious was very small, I’d rather have paid a bit more for decent-sized scoops."

Another one wrote: "We ate in the upstairs restaurant which has recently opened as an extension to the takeaway downstairs. The food was amazing as always (we usually purchase the takeaway fish and chips) and the staff was really kind, helpful, and attentive. The restaurant menu includes additions to the usual takeaway items which I’d love to try next time. A massive thank you to the whole team for the brilliant food and service we received. The staff really are a credit to the restaurant."

The town of Prestwich has become an increasingly popular place to live in recent years. Prestwich lies about five miles (8 km) north of Manchester city centre, making it an easy commute for those working in the city.

It is situated between the towns of Whitefield and Salford, and close to Bury. The town has a long history, with evidence of human activity dating back to the Roman period.

Its name is thought to derive from the Old English "preost" (priest) and "wic" (settlement), suggesting it was once a priest’s town or religious community.

Over the years, Prestwich has grown into a sought-after residential area, attracting young professionals and families due to its mix of urban amenities and green spaces.

The town has a variety of shops, restaurants, and local businesses, as well as a strong sense of community.

Apart from all this, it is also known for its cultural diversity, particularly its Jewish community, which has had a significant presence in the area for many years. This adds to the rich cultural fabric of the town.

One of Prestwich's most notable features is its proximity to Heaton Park, one of the largest municipal parks in Europe.

The park offers a range of activities, including walking, boating, and concerts, and is home to historical landmarks such as Heaton Hall.

A lesser-known but equally beautiful green space, Prestwich Clough is a wooded valley ideal for walking and nature enthusiasts.

The town is well-served by public transport, particularly the Metrolink tram system, which connects the town to Manchester city center and surrounding areas.

There are also frequent bus services and good road links via the M60 motorway.

Its location makes Prestwich a popular choice for commuters who work in Manchester, Salford, or other parts of Greater Manchester.

Prestwich has seen considerable development and regeneration in recent years, with new housing, improved public spaces, and a growing selection of cafes, bars, and restaurants. This has added to the town’s popularity and appeal.