Caister-on-Sea – Brilliant Fish and Chips

Usually the word ‘brilliant’ or similar often seems to be a lie in food venue names, there’s something more reliable in ‘Dave’s chips‘ which just seems more down to earth. But, there was a lot going for this fish and chip shop, primarily that it’s the best rated in Caister-on-Sea and there is plenty of competition for that in this holiday location (not that there are many holiday makers here at the moment). It was also the chip shop that had the longest queue outside and since I’m British and really quite like queueing (it provides that sense of order that I like) I opted for this one.

I think that it’s cash only, but the whole arrangement inside the shop felt like someone sensible had arranged it. It was clear where to stand, where to wait, where to pay, where to get salt and so on, avoiding the need for me to stand looking awkward in the wrong part of the shop. I applaud intelligent design, not least because I get slightly annoyed when idiots try and take charge of this sort of arrangement.

The service was friendly, engaging and welcoming, all of which were managed despite them being busy. I had rushed along here at 11:32, giving just enough time for the shop to get themselves ready having opened at 11:30. I don’t want the awkwardness of trying to get in a door that isn’t yet open, so I like to give them a bit more time as it feels a little demanding turning up the minute that they open. Not that this was a problem here, half of the east coast had descended on the shop, so they were fully in action despite the relatively early hour.

I went for a small battered sausage and medium chips, which came to the agreeable price of £3.20. I forgot to ask for scraps, but the lovely staff member asked if I wanted any, a pro-active style of service that I was inwardly delighted by. Fortunately, my order was simple and was prepared immediately, others with their more decadent orders had to wait outside for them to be prepared.

Moving onto the quality of this little meal, I was entirely delighted. The portion size was too big, but that’s not a complaint, although it did take me some time to get through all the chips. They were also incredibly moreish, which was fortunate as I had so many to get through. I had tomato ketchup (I had purloined this from McDonald’s, I wasn’t splashing money about buying it), but the chips didn’t really need it. I’m not sure that I’ve had such good chips for a very long time, they were a delight alongside the crispy texture of the scraps. The sausage was generous in size, evenly battered and tasted as expected.

I have absolutely no complaints here, I thought my £3.20 was very well spent. Nothing wrong with the sausage, but the chips were the star of this little show for me. I think I’d like to get fish from here as well, but there were seagulls circling overhead whilst I was walking down the road, which are an ever present danger in these places. However, when it’s warmer I can see me taking myself here again. I don’t have a chip shop of the year award, but if I did, this would be leading it this year.

For those who don’t like fish and chips, the shop doesn’t judge, as they’ve also got a burger menu with quite a choice, as well as selling chicken and pies. It’s not the largest place (no pun intended), so this menu size is quite ambitious, but the reviews suggest that they’ve been getting it right.

Very lovely.