FISH and chips were the new food of love at one Lytham chip shop on Valentine's Day after they put some fizz in the batter.

Whelan's in Clifton Street laced their famous mixture with champagne to really get into the spirit of romance.

Sarah Whelan, who co-owns the restaurant with her parents Chris and John, said they wanted to offer the same salt-of-the-earth fish and chips as usual, but with an added twist to celebrate Valentine's Day.

Sarah said: "We made up our batter to almost the right consistency and then added a glass of champagne for an extra bit of fizz. The fish fried really well in it -- it went a slightly darker colour and came out really light and crispy." She went on to say: "You can actually taste it a little bit but it is not overpowering as the heat takes some of the alcohol out."

This is not the first time Whelan's have added a touch of class to their popular menu. Sarah said they used the champagne batter last Valentine's Day, and seafood guru Rick Stein even praised them in his latest book, The Seafood Lover's Guide.

Sarah said: "Rick visited us and tried the batter and then wrote in his book that he thought a nice glass of Chardonnay went well with cod, chips and mushy peas."

He added in his book: "Although I lean towards good dripping for fish and chips, I had to admit there was a cleanness and crispness to both the fish and the chips which pleased me."

Sarah added: "We were really pleased with the mention and I think those who came here on the night really enjoyed the change."