For a sit-down meal, try the fish and chips at Maggie’s, a long-standing cafe with spindle-back chairs and swooping seagull views. The Crown pub is the spot for a locally brewed pint, while further along the seafront, in St Leonards, you’ll find Half Man Half Burger. The pioneers behind the cool joint took a punt settling in this once rundown town in 2015, but dozens of restaurants have followed.

We passed Maggie’s as we walked on the beach – a rackety wooden shack displaying a “house full” sign. We crunched across the shingle and sat down for a moment’s post-prandial contemplation. Nearby, gulls squabbled loudly over discarded crab shells, a man moved slowly along the shore with a metal detector and a few hardy souls paddled in the murky sea.

Maggie’s is reputed as not only the top fish and chip shop in Hastings but is also known as the spot serving the largest portions too. Found on Rock-a-Nore Road, their fish is locally sourced and they have vegetarian options for non-pescatarians. Grab a portion of chips with lashings of vinegar and enjoy looking out over the boats.

This fish and chips café, set among the net shops, permanently sports a 'fully booked' sign at the bottom of its rickety stairs, and no wonder: the vast, pearly fish in its light batter escapes from the confines of its plate; the chips – crisp and floury, always double-fried – are some of the best we’ve tried. Cod and haddock comes from the fish market directly underneath it. We exit stuffed, our coats fragranced with frying and vinegar, happy as clams.

I had made a lunch booking at Maggie’s, an award winning fish and chip restaurant located on the Stade, Hasting’s shingle beach from which Europe’s largest beach launched fishing fleet launches each day. The restaurant wasn’t easy to find; we got directions at one of the small museums nearby on Rock-a-Nore Road. To get there, find the Stade end of the miniature railway and you’ll see a sign for Maggie’s on the first floor of a nearby building.

Finally, as with every picturesque English coastal resort, it is (almost) the law that you try fish and chips (or nearest battered veggie equivalent) on the beach. A culinary rite of passage, to enjoy fresh battered fish and chips on the beach has to be one of the best things to do in Whitstable (and tastiest!). And if you don’t like fish, simply get a cone of chips – a small cone generally costs between £1 and £2 – cheap as chips (literally).

Maggies Fish & Chips stands as a beacon of classic British fare in St Leonards. With a focus on simplicity and quality, this establishment serves up crispy,golden fish and perfectly cooked chips. The unpretentious atmosphere and friendly service create a laid-back setting, perfect for those craving a taste of traditional fish and chips by the seaside.

Village Fish and Chips in Hastings has no menu available, but can choose from many other options such as Seasonal vegetable or Butter vegetable from Star Of India - Authentic Indian Restaurant. Shed 2 Cafe offers many options including Potato Wedges and Shed 2 fried potato chips. Provedore Restaurant includes a wide range like Steak sandwich or Fish.

Writing for the paper Chris Haslam saluted chip shop owners and said “they provide an essential public service delivering protein, carbohydrates, and whatever nutritional value mushy peas have, at a fair price and without pretension.” He then went on to name Maggie’s in seventh place above almost all of the UK’s estimated 10,500 chippies.

Maggie’s are in their third decade of serving customers hearty portions of fresh fish. Located on Fisherman’s Beach, you and your partner can enjoy spectacular views as you tuck into the dishes on offer within the welcoming café. Some of the specials have come straight off the boat the same morning – you can’t ask for fresher than that.

Maggie’s is a traditional British Café that serves the freshest local fish sourced from the nearby Fish Market. Your fish is cooked to order and served with chips. The restaurant also serves your favourite drinks at their well-appointed bar.

We couldn't start a round-up of Hastings restaurants without celebrating fish and chips, and that's where Maggie's come in. Having served the town for more than thirty years, expect hearty portions and a welcoming atmosphere.

For lunch, we headed inside one of the old fishermen’s net drying huts for the best fish and chips in town. Maggie’s Fish and Chips is right on the Stade, overlooking the fishing fleet who bring in their specials every day.

Like in any seaside town or city, where to get the best fish and chips is hotly debated. I’d highly recommend Neptune on Pleasant Row for a bag to eat on the move. The chips are always fresh, piping hot and crisp.

Have your traditional British fish & chips at Maggie’s – known as Hastings’ best fish & chip shop. Maggie’s has been going for over 20 years and serves only the freshest fish at her café on the Stade.