These $2.50 potato scallops have everyone talking—and the story behind them is even better

By Veronica E.

Today at 3:04 PM
Replies 1

Food and Lifestyle

These $2.50 potato scallops have everyone talking—and the story behind them is even better

V
By Veronica E.
Today at 3:04 PM

Screenshot 2025-10-29 at 11.06.53 PM.png — Golden, crispy, and perfectly seasoned—these potato scallops are reminding Australians why simple comfort food never fades from favor. Image Source: Instagram / northernsoulchipshop.

These $2.50 potato scallops have everyone talking—and the story behind them is even better — Golden, crispy, and perfectly seasoned—these potato scallops are reminding Australians why simple comfort food never fades from favor. Image Source: Instagram / northernsoulchipshop.

There's nothing quite like the Great Australian Fish and Chips Debate to get people talking. Whether you call them potato scallops, potato cakes, or fritters depends entirely on which state raised you—but right now, food lovers across the country are united on one thing: a little shop is serving up the best ones in Australia.

From Manchester dreams to Melbourne reality

Northern Soul, tucked away on Inkerman Street, has become something of a pilgrimage site for anyone serious about their battered potato.

At just $2.50 each, their hand-crafted potato scallops have earned rave reviews that would make any traditional chippy owner back in Britain proud.

The story behind Northern Soul reads like something from a feel-good film.

Jessica Tosh and Joe Grimshaw, a Mancunian duo who run the operation, didn’t set out to become Melbourne’s most talked-about chip shop owners. They simply missed proper fish and chips when they moved to Australia.

Source: Instagram / banginsangas and northernsoulchipshop

Both Jess and Joe have worked tirelessly chasing perfection, experimenting with different potato varieties to recreate the authentic taste and texture of the fish and chips they grew up with in the UK.

What started back in 2012, when the pair quit their day jobs and converted a 1970s caravan into a food truck serving proper fish and chips to locals, has since evolved into a permanent fixture in St Kilda. Locals couldn’t be happier about it.

‘The batter is like honeycomb, solid gold crunch, drenched in chicken salt, with a soft and seasoned potato centre,’ wrote food reviewer Ross James Howse, who also praised the shop’s curry sauce as 'fundamental' to the experience.

What makes these potato scallops special?

The magic happens in the batter. Northern Soul’s hand-battered potato cakes are known for their golden crunch and soft, seasoned centre—earning praise from both locals and tourists.

Fans say the batter is always crisp, the servings generous, and the flavour worth the trip alone.

The potato scallops come with a choice of five seasonings: regular salt, chicken salt, prawn cocktail, salt and vinegar, or the increasingly popular ‘spicebag’—an Irish-inspired blend that’s been taking Melbourne by storm.

Source: Instagram / northernsoulchipshop

Value that makes sense in 2025

At $2.50 each, Northern Soul’s scallops represent genuine value in today’s market.

Most Melbourne chip shops charge between $3–$5 for similar items, making these a rare and affordable treat.

Reviewers describe them as ‘potato cakes the size of your head,’ meaning one or two could easily satisfy most appetites.

A taste of home in Melbourne

Founded by Manchester-born owners with Irish roots, Northern Soul has become more than just a chip shop—it’s a slice of nostalgia.

From a converted caravan to a thriving St Kilda institution, their story represents good food done right and priced fairly.

For British expats and Aussies alike, it’s a reminder that simple comfort food still has the power to connect communities.

Northern Soul in St Kilda has earned national attention for its $2.50 hand-battered potato scallops, praised as some of the best in Australia.
Founded by Manchester-born owners Jessica Tosh and Joe Grimshaw, the shop began in 2012 as a converted 1970s caravan before becoming a local favourite.
The potato scallops are freshly prepared and come in five seasoning options, including the increasingly popular ‘spicebag’ blend.
Customers and reviewers alike have praised Northern Soul for its golden, crispy batter, generous servings, and affordable prices that offer true value in 2025.

Have you tried Northern Soul’s famous potato scallops, or do you have your own favourite local spot for classic fish and chips? Share your go-to chippy in the comments—we’d love to hear where you get the best value and crunch!

Primary Source

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/lifesty...tml?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490

Northern Soul is the nostalgic chippie Melbourne's Brit expats needed

Cited text: The Mancunian duo who run the operation, Jessica Tosh and Joe Grimshaw, have set up a permanent shop in St Kilda so you can get your Northern Soul fix...

Excerpt: Jessica Tosh and Joe Grimshaw, a Mancunian duo who run the operation

https://www.timeout.com/melbourne/restaurants/northern-soul

Northern Soul | St Kilda | URBAN LIST MELBOURNE

Cited text: Both Jess and Joe have worked tirelessly chasing perfection,

Excerpt: Both Jess and Joe have worked tirelessly chasing perfection,

https://www.theurbanlist.com/melbourne/a-list/northern-soul-st-kilda

Northern Soul Chip Shop | What's On St Kilda & Southside

Cited text: Originally operating from a lovingly restored 1970s caravan, the food truck began serving up authentic fish and chips to the local community during lo...

Excerpt: a lovingly restored 1970s caravan, serving up authentic fish and chips to the local community

https://whatsonstkilda.com/listing/17729-a/northern-soul-chip-shop

Northern Soul is the nostalgic chippie Melbourne's Brit expats needed

Cited text: They’ve nailed that quintessential British technique with a crisp-laced batter that shatters with each bite.

Excerpt: They

https://www.timeout.com/melbourne/restaurants/northern-soul

Northern Soul is the nostalgic chippie Melbourne's Brit expats needed

Cited text: The fish and chips are a winner, better yet with the shop’s authentic British sides like housemade chippy gravy, real malt vinegar and salty ‘tato sca...

Excerpt: The

https://www.timeout.com/melbourne/restaurants/northern-soul

Northern Soul Chip Shop—Reviews, Photos & Phone Number—Updated October 2025—Seafood Stores in St Kilda Suburb, Melbourne City—Wheree

Cited text: Closed 04:00 PM—08:00 AM See Hours 6 Inkerman St, St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia +61 4218-250-92 Suggest an edit

Excerpt: Northern Soul operates from 6 Inkerman Street, St Kilda, with opening hours Monday, Thursday, Friday 4pm-8pm, Saturday 12pm-3pm and 4pm-8pm, Sunday 4pm-8pm

https://northern-soul-chip-shop.wheree.com/

Menu | NORTHERN SOUL

Cited text: top of page · H O M E · A B O U T · S H O P · C A R A V A N C L U B · S O U L S E S S I O N S · C O N T A C T · O R D E R O N L I N E · Chip Shop Open...

Excerpt: Northern Soul operates from 6 Inkerman Street, St Kilda, with opening hours Monday, Thursday, Friday 4pm-8pm, Saturday 12pm-3pm and 4pm-8pm, Sunday 4pm-8pm

https://www.northernsoulchipshop.com/menu

Northern Soul | St Kilda | URBAN LIST MELBOURNE

Cited text: The entire menu is a homage to former 70s Manchester soul music venues—take the

Excerpt: The

https://www.theurbanlist.com/melbourne/a-list/northern-soul-st-kilda

Northern Soul | St Kilda | URBAN LIST MELBOURNE

Cited text: Other regional specialties include

Excerpt: Other regional specialties include

https://www.theurbanlist.com/melbourne/a-list/northern-soul-st-kilda

Northern Soul Chip Shop—Reviews, Photos & Phone Number—Updated October 2025—Seafood Stores in St Kilda Suburb, Melbourne City—Wheree

Cited text: Customers have praised the shop for its generous servings and the delightful curry sauce that perfectly complements the crispy fish and chips.

Excerpt: Customers have praised the shop for the delightful curry sauce that perfectly complements the crispy fish and chips

https://northern-soul-chip-shop.wheree.com/

Northern Soul Chip Shop | What's On St Kilda & Southside

Cited text: Drawing inspiration from the rich cultural heritage of British northern towns, the shop blends classic, comforting flavors with a vibrant and energeti...

Excerpt: Drawing inspiration from the rich cultural heritage of British northern towns, the shop blends classic, comforting flavors with a vibrant and energetic twist, influenced by the Northern Soul music scene of the 60s and 70s

https://whatsonstkilda.com/listing/17729-a/northern-soul-chip-shop

Northern Soul is the nostalgic chippie Melbourne's Brit expats needed

Cited text: Ask any Londoner, Scouser, Irishman or Scot living in Melbourne where to get the best fish and chips and they

Excerpt: Ask any Londoner, Scouser, Irishman or Scot living in Melbourne where to get the best fish and chips and they

https://www.timeout.com/melbourne/restaurants/northern-soul

Northern Soul: British & Irish Fish & Chips l Food Truck

Cited text: We pride ourselves on combining the essence of a classic British chippy with the best of Victoria’s amazing local produce, all served up with a side o...

Excerpt: the best of Victoria

https://www.northernsoulchipshop.com/

NORTHERN SOUL CHIP SHOP (@northernsoulchipshop)

Cited text: 28K Followers, 3,342 Following, 830 Posts—NORTHERN SOUL CHIP SHOP (@northernsoulchipshop) on Instagram: "FEED YOUR SOUL St Kilda ~ Melbourne ...

Excerpt: 28K followers on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/northernsoulchipshop/

Seniors Discount Club

The SDC searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.