We fancied fish and chips last night. I'd heard good reports about the Fryar Tuck on Bloomfield Road in Belfast, so motored over at about six forty-five. I parked opposite the place, at a little block of shops.
Inside, there were about four or five others. I was studying the menu when I heard a voice uttering "what would you like?"; indicating that I hadn't decided yet, she broadcast to her colleagues - and everyone else - "he doesn't know what he wants". She must have reiterated this statement three times. I can tell you that she wasn't the kind of person I'd wish to cross swords with, judging by her demeanour.
The menu didn't list cod; simply "fish". I ordered one fish supper and one fish, the supper costing £4.40; the fish £2.80. So the total was £7.20. I didn't have to wait long - it was quick.
At home, we were a bit disappointed with the fish, which was less than chunky. That said, we haven't had really chunky fish from a chip shop for ages. Nor was the batter the finest: the colour and texture was uneven, as if two pieces of fish had stuck together whilst frying. As I said before, we thought the fish was quite thin. The chips were fairly good though.
In summary, I wouldn't go out of my way to buy the fare at the Fryar Tuck. It was all right. I'm still on the look-out for the best chip shop in my vicinity. Our nearest one, John Dory's, is as good as any and may, at times, even have the edge; so I'll probably return there.
20 comments :
When I was living in Greyabbey the best place to get a take away from was the chip cart that parked outside the Orange Hall.The last time I was there was before Christmas, whether or not he's still there on Thurs - Sat nights I don't know. If your down that way try him out.
Is the Hot Spot on the Upper N'ards Rd, still open?
Hi Dave,
The Hot Spot may well be my next port -o'-call.
The general cod shortage could be a factor in thinner fillets. We had Birdseye pollock in breadcrumbs during the week and it tasted fine. Not particularly chunky but not dissimilar in taste to cod.
I wonder why chip shops don't sell pollock; or, at least, try it on their menus? Perhaps it's unobtainable too!
Tim
Hi,
You really should try Richies on the castlereagh rd 1 of there fish could easly feed two and always well cooked
Richies: I'll remember that :-)
Tim
How about the Silver Leaf on the Belmont Rd? Was always my favourite when I lived in the East and won many awards IIRC. For burgers try the Clio at the Holywood Arches. Making me hungry just thinking about it. :)
I tried the Silver Leaf recently Mike; it has changed hands countless times. I thought it was hard to beat twenty or thirty years ago. I didn't think it was great a few months ago. Maybe I'm just too hard to please!
Tim
Bit of a trip for you but theres a big van opposite the Police station in Hillsborough, they cook everything fresh to order (he dips the fish fillet in the batter etc)but the best bit is they use only beef dripping to fry in. Chips are home cut and browned to perfection!
Roger
Send him over here!
Head out the towards Dundonald and try the chippy beside the Elk Inn. If you remember the name of the chippy and get their phone number, order by phone in advance, it'll save you a few minutes.
Sorry you had a disappointing experience at the Fryar Tuck; we get fish and chips there about once a fortnight and always enjoy it.
Must try the Silver Leaf sometime as it always appeals when we walk past.
If you haven't been warned against the Belmont Bethany yet, then consider this such warning. Avoid.
hi timothy, would just like to invite you to our fish and chip shop in east belfast to help in your quest for a decent local fish supper. i see someone has already recommended us, ritchies on the castlereagh road. my brother, Peter, and I, would be pleased to welcome you anytime for a freshly cooked fish supper, and good home cut chips prepared fresh each day. look forward to welcoming you soon!! nichola
Hi Nichola,
You're just slightly further away from where I live; however, I'll try to get over in future!
Tim :-)
you should try valentinos fish & chip shop in Rostrevor its the best.
was reading your comment on Valentino's in Rostrevor, Just tried it tonight & wasit great, fish & chips are the best, & the other shop they have for pizzas must be the best in Ireland, you want to tell all your mates about these two places..
all three for cod and ulsters are great there is one on albertbridge road, the new one on holywood road/circular road, and ballyhack..
valentino’s fish & chip shop in Rostrevor it’s the best.it great, fish & chips are the best, & the other shop they have for pizzas must be the best in Northern Ireland, you want to tell all your mates about these two places.. It’s only a bit of a trip up yea road. But it’s the best & they cook everything fresh to order (he dips the fish fillet in the batter etc) but the best bit is they everything is cooked & browned to perfection!
WEE BILLY - kilkeel
13th-July-2009
Yeah wee billy tried it tonite was down your way for the 12th & yeah it’s Probably the best fish & chip shop in Northern Ireland!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
king billy – Belfast
Valentino’s
Valentino’s is one of the busiest fish & chip places in Northern Ireland, it’s based in Rostrevor, Co. Down, & is probably the perfect place to go if you're after delicious fish and chips and will not disappoint if you're tummy is rumbling and you fancy a fishy treat. This award winning shop really has to be visited if you're exploring the area and after travelling along the majestic beauty of the south Down coast, a visit to the Valentino’s is highly recommended & the best is they have two shops so if you don’t fancy fish & chips try the pizza it’s the best Italian pizza anywhere around.
Hi Tim
Have you ever tried Hake its a lovely fish the best place to get it is John Doreys in the Garage on the Holywood Road east Belfast, its a large chunky fish very tasty,well worth a try you wont regret it.
I invariably go for cod; but yes, must try hake for a change.
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