The unique 'sail through' Scottish chippy that's a hit on social media
A Scottish chippy has gone viral on social media due to its unique water-based feature.
As we’ve had some good weather this summer, and with more still to come, some of us are discovering a different way to get outside and enjoy the sun. Paddle UK has revealed the rising demand for paddleboarding, and how it is the ideal way to explore riverside coffee stops to waterside pubs.
The trend of ‘paddleboarding to the pub’ is gaining traction across social media, with viral videos showing paddleboarders stopping for coffee or perhaps a non-alcoholic beer along the way.
The trend is inspiring many to swap busy roads for peaceful rivers and canals. Paddle UK has revealed some of the UK’s best hidden waterside cafes and pubs that make the perfect paddleboarding destination.
Rich Ramsdale, head of recreation at Paddle UK said: “Paddleboarding is more than just exercise. Whether it’s paddleboarding with friends, or trying out SUP yoga paddling gives people the chance to slow down, switch off and reconnect with nature.
“It’s great that we’re seeing more people explore their local waterways, discover independent cafes and pubs, and experience places they simply wouldn't see from the road.”
One chippy in Scotland has gone viral on social media as paddleboarders can ‘sail through’ and pick up fresh fish and chips.
McMonagles Fish & Chips in Clydebank is one of Scotland's most unique fish and chip restaurants and is going viral on social media, with an Instagram reel gaining over 530k views thanks to its ‘sail through’ feature. The serving window on the boat allows others on the canal to grab a snack without leaving their boats.
Many are feeling inspired to partake in watersports with the incentive of fish and chips along their route, with users commenting: “Time to dust off my kayak. That’s epic!”
McMonagles is located on the Forth & Clyde Canal in Clydebank. Paddlers can travel along the canal and can pull up outside the window for freshly cooked fish and chips. Known as the world's first "Sail-Thru" restaurant, it's become a popular stop for canal users.
McMonagles is an award-winning business that’s loved by locals and tourists alike. John McMonagle built the boat at a shipyard in Campbelltown, Argyll and Bute to start his business more than 30 years ago.
Mr McMonagle named the boat the Debra Rose for his daughter Debbie, who now manages the restaurant alongside her mother and husband Chris Riley who works as a chef.
Serving classic fish and chips as well as pizzas and burgers, there’s also a restaurant situated upstairs in the boat, which has views of the canal and a fully licensed bar.
McMonagles won best fish tea at the 2025 Scottish Fish and Chip Awards.
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