Legend has it since the 11th September 1894, the day on which Barry Fishfinger was credited for constructing the world’s very first fish finger sandwich, this age-old tradition has been passed on through generations to spawn new variations and permutations which can only endeavour to pay homage to his humble legacy.

In the United Kingdom in the 1930s, most of the herring catch was pickled and exported to other Northern European countries. In an attempt to make herring more appealing on the home market, companies tried to present it in a new way, creating herring fish fingers called “herring savouries” and were tested on the market against a bland control product of cod sticks, sold as “fish fingers.”

Shoppers in Southampton and South Wales, where the test was conducted, confounded expectations by showing an overwhelming preference for the cod. In 1953, Gorton-Pew Fisheries, now known as Gorton’s of Gloucester, was the first company to introduce a frozen ready-to-cook fish stick, Gorton’s Fish Sticks. Cod fish fingers were first mass produced in Great Yarmouth and introduced in Britain on 26 September 1955.

Whilst working in a restaurant in Islington, the fish finger sandwich was an institution in its own right. Everyone seemed to have their own opinion as to what the perfect fish finger sandwich should be……and so did I.

Many a debate and discussion were had on this topic, but week after week the sales figures showed, the beloved fish finger sandwich was one of the best selling menu items, with a healthy profit margin as well. Who was I to argue with that? Except that this fish finger sandwich was made using Birds Eye frozen fish fingers.

What would everyone think if they found out? Was my chefy ego getting in the way of sound business judgement? The manager was a great advocate of this ‘lower caste’ of fish finger sarnie, and tried to convince me as well, so I would give up this professional arrogance and snobbery I had instilled in me.

However there were a few things that resounded from all of our versions of the fish finger sandwich – nostalgia, comfort food, reminiscing about the days growing up, familiarity and simplicity.

So whatever your take on this timeless classic, the key is ‘beauty in brevity’ Benny Caspersz b.1977 – present.

The following recipe is my stairway to fish finger sandwich heaven, and in case you were wondering, those frozen fish fingers….can burn in hell!

Ingredients:

140g Cod fillets skinned, pinned, boned

50g Panko breadcrumbs

1 Free range egg beaten

4 Tbsp plain flour seasoned with salt & pepper for dusting

2 Slices of thick sliced quality farmhouse bread

2 fl oz Tartare sauce

½ zest of Lemon grated

2 Lettuce leaves roughly torn (I prefer iceburg)

Salt & pepper to season

Method:

1. Pat the cod fillets dry of any excess moisture with paper towel, portion into 3 to 4 substantial fish fingers.

2. Combine the Panko crumbs, lemon zest and season lightly

3. Dust each fish finger in seasoned flour, dip in egg wash (beaten eggs), and cover with Panko breadcrumbs.

4. Deep fry the fish fingers at 180ºC for 5 to 7 minutes, until golden brown. Drain on paper towel.

5. Spread the butter & on one side of both slices of bread. Spread tartare sauce on one of the slices, top with the fish fingers and lettuce.

6. Place the remaining slice on top, cut the sandwich on the diagonal. Serve immediately.