If you’re on social media and follow a few fellow foodies, chances are you’ve heard of Binley Mega Chippy by now.
This unassuming chip shop in Coventry became a TikTok viral sensation nearly overnight, causing queues out the door with social media fans waiting in line to get a taste of the fried goods on offer.
It’s unclear what or who exactly started the trend, but that hasn’t stopped thousands of people getting in on the action. TikTok account "binleymegachippyofficial" has over 81K followers at the time of writing, while an alternative – called "blnleymegachippy" – has over 124K fans. The hashtag #binleymegachippy has had 164 million views so far, with interest seemingly continuing to rise.
There’s a hole host of videos, memes and gifs now dedicated to the local chippy, with many social media users asking questions such as what would Winston Churchill have ordered from there. A big question indeed.
So, what’s so special about this British institution? Fans are taking videos trying the shop’s chips, battered fish and potato scallops (which see a thick slice of potato covered in batter), giving their followers their thoughts on the goods and then - usually - adding in a song about their experience at the end. It's as bizarre as it sounds, frankly. Famous faces jumping on the bandwagon include Michelin trained chef Poppy O'Toole who found stardom on social media during lockdown when she started an account dedicated to potatoes.
In O’Toole’s Instagram video she rates a portion of chips and a potato scallop, telling fans that they’re soft on the inside, crunchy on the outside and doused in vinegar. Alongside her review she sings the now-famous Binley Mega Chippy song which seems to have become part of the appeal for the takeaway.
The BBC have reported that the staff at the chip shop have described the situation as “absolutely mad” but that they are “loving it”. Operations director Frank Nakra added that "everyone has a big smile on their face,” saying that it was, "absolutely brilliant."
According to Nakra the business is doing more than 10 times its usual trade.
Why is Binley Mega Chippy famous?
Binley Mega Chippy’s fame is thought to have started back in April when a TikTok user posted a video featuring various takeaways across the UK, of which one was Binley Mega Chippy. From there it was picked up by other users who enjoyed making videos about the establishment, its food and its name. It feels like very British paradoy humour. It’s become so famous now that people queue out the door to try the food, with the BBC reporting that a recent group of 'diners' had hired a mini bus to drive down from Scotland in order to try the chips.
What is the Binley Mega Chippy song?
Fans have been quick to share a song about the chip shop which essentially just repeats its name to a sort of radio-style jingle. You can find all sorts of variations across Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.
What are reviews of Binley Mega Chippy like?
Well, while we haven’t been there ourselves it was a pretty standard, under-the-radar chippy until recently. It’s rated 4.5 stars on Google but does hold an impressive 700 user reviews (which we assume will contonue to increase as more fans try its fare).
Where is Binley Mega Chippy?
Binley Megan Chippy is in Coventry in the West Midlands. Until recently it was just a spot for locals, many of whom have been left baffled by its recent viral status.
What’s on the menu at Binley Mega Chippy?
There isn’t actually a menu online, as the chip shop doesn’t have a website. However, social media users have shared videos that include chips, potato scallops, fish, deep fried sausages and chicken nuggets.
Live in the capital and fancy a bag of fish and chips yourself? Here are our favourite chip shops in London.