Can the UK kick its cod habit? Fish and chip shop favourite slips down the menu as prices soar

Harbour Lights fish and chip shop in Falmouth, Cornwall, conducted a "cod-free week" in late April, removing cod from its menu entirely for the second time. Owner Pete Fraser replaced cod with coley, pollack, hake, and hoki, noting a significantly more positive customer reception compared to his first experiment 15 years prior. This shift reflects a broader trend in the UK where the cost of traditional fish and chips has doubled since 2019, prompting more outlets to offer cheaper alternatives. Fraser's shops in Penzance and Helston also participated in the cod-free initiative, indicating a growing acceptance of alternative fish species among consumers. The experiment suggests a potential change in consumer preference, moving away from cod as the sole staple for the popular takeaway meal due to escalating prices.