When I was at Saltley in the 60's, a few of us would sometimes go to a local chippy in the lunch break. Not sure of the location, but we would come out of the school, and turn left on Belchers Lane and wander down. Not too far, we could get there, and walk back with chips, finishing by the time we were back at school. Can't speak for the fish, but the chips were bostin. Open wrapped too.
Worst invention to me was 'the cone'. Maximum appearance, minimum chips.
Best chips for us were in Street in Somerset, people would come a long way for eat in or take away. Worst were in N. Devon (sorry). Carefully cooked for minimum crispness and zero taste.
If I had a list of what I miss from UK, fish and chips would be on it. Chips can be tolerable, but over done. Battered fish is not on the menu, but can be bought frozen in supermarkets. We do our own sometimes, but it just ain't the same. (Needs English newspaper for wrapping perhaps).
Andrew.