The method described below is the basic one for mixing most batters when making by hand. Batter may also be made by putting all the ingredients into a blender, liquid ingredients first then dry ones, and blending until smooth, or by putting dry ingredients into a food processor and, with the motor running, adding liquid ingredients through the feed tube.
Use basic batter when frying fish, and for toad-in-the-hole, Yorkshire pudding and breakfast fritters.