The Scots town with floating fish and chip shop that is the ‘best in country’

It may not seem like it thanks to Scotland’s predictably unpredictable weather, but we are now in the peak of summer.

Whether the sun is out or it is bucketing down, nothing can beat a good old-fashioned Scottish fish and chips on a summer evening. Everyone has their local favourite chippy, but a West Dunbartonshire town is supposedly home to the “best fish and chips in Scotland”.

If you are looking for a unique staycation destination to make the most of the holiday break, Clydebank is a great shout. While there is plenty to see and do around the town on the north bank of the River Clyde, it is McMonagle’s that we are interested in today.

This family-run restaurant has the unique honour of being one of Scotland’s only ‘floating restaurants’. Situated on a moored boat on the Fourth and Clyde Canal in the heart of Clydebank, it has been serving up mouthwatering suppers since the 1990s.

Thanks to its amazing location, McMonagle’s is both a top food spot and a tourist attraction. It features a formal dining room and casual outdoor seating, as well as of course takeaways.

Most amazing, though, is the fact that McMonagle’s is the world’s first “sail-through” chippy. If you are on a boat on the canal, there is a window on one side of the restaurant that you can pass by and pick up your order without ever having to step on dry land.

Unsurprisingly, McMonagle’s has earned rave reviews amongst visitors. The chippy currently has an average rating of 4.5 out of five on travel website Tripadvisor.

A recent customer wrote: “Great wee place. We have sat in lots of times after taking kids swimming locally, always fresh and tasty with a great service. The kids really love the big plate of bread and butter served along side.

“Had a takeaway today, just as good as we remember! Special mention for the gravy also, really tasty. We won’t leave it so long next time.”

Another even went so far as to call it the “best fish and chips in Scotland”. They added: “Excellent Catch of The Day once more, service was excellent and very professional, of course we shall be returning.”

McMonagle’s isn’t all that Clydebank has to offer, though. Far from it.

If you are heading to the town yourself, then must-visit attractions include the Clydebank Museum and the Titan Crane. The former is the perfect spot to learn more about the area’s fascinating social and industrial history, while the latter allows you to take in spectacular panoramic views out over Clydeside.

More information about what you can get up to in and around Clydebank can be found on the VisitScotland website.

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