The Mariner Fish Bar — Local services in London

This place has been my local chippy since I was a kid. Has changed management several times but the quality of the food has always been maintained.

Unfortunately, I had a bit of a bad experience recently. Went there a few weeks ago and ordered some food and then asked if I could pay by card as I had no cash (also was trying to limit handling cash because of covid). The female member of staff said only if my order is over £10 and then pointed to a A4 paper sign on the drinks fridge that did say “card payments on orders over £10”.

Admittedly the sign was big enough for me to see, however, I did not see it before I ordered, I think mainly because most food places now accept card payments without any minimum amount (even small shops) or the amount is usually £5. I asked if they could just charge me the fee for paying by card or stick 75p on top of my order but she would not have it. She abruptly said that it’s not down to her and said there was a cash machine further down the road. I didn’t want to handle cash and said I’d just leave it.

Mentioned that I’d be coming here for years and am surprised that the minimum amount is £10, especially during these covid times. I get that businesses have taken a hit but so have everyone else. She just didn’t seem interested in helping me and gave me a blank look.

Considering they had already wrapped and packed my food, I’m surprised they didn’t try and accommodate me rather than waste that food. Especially as I was happy to pay the card charge.

I ended up going to a newly opened chip shop round the corner who had no minimum card charge.

The food is always very nice at the mariner, however, will not be...

We ordered 3 lots of fish and chips last night my parents had lovely big pieces cooked nice however my bit was very small in comparison to theirs .How can you give 2 good bits and one rubbish bit for the same price!!! The batter was burnt, the skin on the bottom was hard scaley and kind of really greasy the fish had bones in it which hurt my teeth when trying to eat it and not very soft like it normally is, also the taste of it was no where near as nice and meaty as it usually iis, as part of it tasted strong and then most of the rest of it had hardly any flavour at all .I don't think my bit was fresh I think it had been sitting somewhere for a long time as it also wasn't as hot as usual. The chips were all little bits not like they usually aree either. The bit I had was diffinately not worth the money which was around £17 supposed of been a big bit. Yeah really I don't think so lol probably worth around the the £8 mark. Overall it was a big disappointment for me as it had been really looking forward to it and was not far off my birthday. I quite honestly not sure if I will have it...

Bought a bag of small chips yesterday. I paid £2 and the portion size was like half a portion of chips. I had to pay for ketchup too. As far as I know sauces are meant to be complimentary. Very over priced and felt ripped off. The lady who served me was very rude and vicious. She never rapped the chips properly and as I left the shop she started shouting after me to come and through a piece of ketchup sachet I forgot on the counter. Never will go back as you don’t get the value for your money. The shop is clean, however, I don’t like being ripped off...