Royal ring to what could be fish of future for chippies

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, September 26, 2026

Nottinghamshire chip shop chain Cod’s Scallops has added King Tilapia, a sustainably farmed fish, to its menu as an alternative to cod and haddock. This move addresses declining wild fish stocks and reduced quotas, offering customers a high-quality, eco-friendly option that is expected to remain a permanent menu feature.

A Nottinghamshire chip shop chain has introduced a new fish option that could represent a sustainable alternative to traditional cod and haddock. King Tilapia, a premium farmed fish, has been added to the menu at several branches of Cod’s Scallops, including locations in Wollaton, Wilford, and Carrington.

King Tilapia is a responsibly-farmed species raised in deep, clear waters in Indonesia and Mexico by the company Regal Springs. The fish is described as larger and whiter than standard tilapia, with thick, white, flaky flesh that holds up well to frying. Its introduction comes amid ongoing concerns over declining stocks of wild cod and haddock, which have seen fishing quotas reduced to allow populations to recover.

John Molnar, owner of Cod’s Scallops, emphasized the sustainable nature of King Tilapia and its potential as a long-term alternative rather than a temporary substitute prompted by price fluctuations in traditional species. “Stocks of cod and haddock are down, with quotas down on cod by 20 percent,” Molnar said. “There’s plenty of fish in the sea, but they’re just not big enough,” leading to higher prices for cod and haddock as supply tightens.

Molnar, who has been among the first in the UK to trial King Tilapia in chip shops, described the fish as having a delicate yet meaty texture and praised its taste, suggesting it is on par with or possibly superior to cod and haddock. “I tried it and I was blown away,” he said, adding that King Tilapia cooks well and offers a high-quality alternative at a lower cost.

To encourage customers to try the new offering, Cod’s Scallops planned a limited-time promotional deal in October, offering a buy-one-get-one-free option for King Tilapia portions priced at £6.50 each. Molnar noted that the business is committed to quality and is not positioning King Tilapia merely as a cheaper frozen fish substitute, but as a permanent menu option alongside traditional choices.

A taste comparison conducted by a local reviewer found only subtle differences between King Tilapia and cod, noting that the new fish was thicker and maintained a pure white color beneath the batter. The reviewer suggested that while changing consumer habits may be difficult, price advantages and an increasing emphasis on sustainability could help King Tilapia gain wider acceptance as a chip shop staple.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.