Alfie's Fish & Chips — Restaurant in England

Standard Fish & Chips, Strange Charges & Questionable Behaviour – ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

Overall, I’d give this place a 2.9 out of 5, but I’m rounding it up to ★★★☆☆ (3 stars). I’ve never been much of a fan of Southend-on-Sea fish and chips to begin with, and this spot didn’t really do anything to change that opinion. It just seems like nowhere along the seafront or even in town serves truly decent, traditional fish and chips anymore, which is a real shame.

★ Food – ★★★★☆ (3.7/5) I had haddock and chips with gravy; my mate had a veggie burger and chips. Food-wise? It was fine. The fish was okay, but for something listed as “large” it really wasn’t. I’ve had bigger portions from takeaways. The chips didn’t taste homemade not saying they weren’t, but I’d honestly be shocked if they were. The salad was just some lettuce, a tomato slice, and balsamic. Very basic. The gravy tasted like pre-made packet gravy. So, overall, it’s passable, but nothing impressive. Feels like frozen café food trying to be something more.

★ Service – ★★☆☆☆ (2/5) If I could give less than 2 stars here, I honestly would. There were some surface-level positives food came quickly, and staff were generally attentive. But beyond that, the service here was completely out of line.

While my friend was eating, a staff member sprayed down the table right next to him, which made him feel physically sick later that evening. Then she did the same thing next to us while we were still mid-meal myself and my friend. I don’t care if it’s just “water and washing-up liquid” spraying cleaning solution around people while they’re eating is completely unacceptable.

What really crossed the line though was the staff writing a 5-star Google review on my vulnerable friend’s phone. He didn’t want to write it. He told me after that he felt uncomfortable but gave them the phone. That doesn’t make it okay. It’s still taking advantage of a vulnerable adult, and it’s absolutely unethical. How many other reviews have been written this way? My friend Rally doesn’t ever leave reviews check the profile, 1 review they’ve left and was yesterday which was totally manipulated! It completely undermines the trustworthiness of all their online ratings. This is not just bad service this is manipulative and totally inappropriate behaviour by two laddies that worked there. And for that alone, I can’t give anything more than a 2, and frankly, they’re lucky it’s not lower.

★ Atmosphere – ★★★★☆ (4/5) Atmosphere was decent. We went midweek, so it was quiet, and the seafront location gives it a bit of a lift. Most of the good vibe came from the people I was with rather than the place itself, but still, not a bad spot to sit down for a bite if you ignore everything else.

★ Cost/Value – ★★☆☆☆ (1.5/5) This is where I really had a problem. Our total bill came to £33.50, which, on the surface, doesn’t sound too bad until you break it down: • Fish & chips: £15.80 • Veggie burger & chips: £10.00 • Gravy: £1.50 • Coke and hot chocolate: both was £2.50 each on the menu or less.

That puts the total at £31.80 max so how did it hit £33.20? Was it a service charge? A billing error? Either way, it wasn’t explained. And yes, it’s “only” £1.40, but overcharging is overcharging, whether it’s £2 or 20p. Especially when the food is average and clearly not premium quality. From a value-for-money standpoint, it just doesn’t add up both literally and morally.

★ Final Total Score: 11.7 out of 20 ★ Average Rating: 2.9 → Rounded to ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

Conclusion: This place is what I’d call “standard at best.” The food is average and overpriced, the service is not only unprofessional but crosses ethical lines, and I’m almost certain we were overcharged. What tipped it over the edge for me was seeing staff write fake 5-star reviews using a vulnerable customer’s phone that’s just not acceptable in any setting. If you’re looking for great fish and chips and honest service, I’d give...

I was down in Southend for the day—bit of sea air, a walk along the pier, the usual—and decided I couldn’t leave without some proper fish and chips. Ended up at The Fish House just off the seafront (you can’t really miss it—classic blue signage, smells amazing from halfway down the road).

Ordered the cod and chips with curry sauce, because why not go full seaside mode? Sat outside on the benches with a view of the sea and a ton of seagulls eyeing me like it was a showdown. Totally worth it.

The fish was spot-on—massive fillet, fresh, flaky inside, with a light, golden batter that actually crunched when I bit into it. Chips were thick-cut and proper old-school—none of that limp nonsense. You know they’re good when you forget to breathe between mouthfuls. The curry sauce was rich and spicy, not too watery, and went perfectly with the chips.

Honestly, it just hit the spot. Something about eating hot, salty chips in the sea breeze makes everything taste better. Service was fast, friendly, and no fuss—what you'd hope for at a busy chippy.

Only downside? I dropped a chip and a seagull stole it mid-air. Classic Southend.

Would I come back? Without a doubt. If you're in Southend and don’t get fish and chips, did...

I don’t usually leave reviews, but I just had to after visiting Alfie’s fish and chips . From the moment I walked in, the staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming, which immediately made the whole experience feel warm and personal.

Now, let’s talk about the star of the show , the fish and chips. The fish was perfectly cooked with a beautifully light, crispy batter that wasn’t greasy at all. You could tell it was fresh, flaky, and full of flavor. The chips were golden and wonderfully fluffy on the inside , exactly how they should be. I also appreciated that they served them straight fresh from the fryer.

What really set this place apart for me were the extras like mushy peas , curry sauce, gravy , beans or even buttered rolls (which were delicious), and the fact that everything was clearly made with care. Even the portion sizes were generous without being over the top.

I’ve tried quite a few fish and chips shops over the years, but this one genuinely stands out for its quality, cleanliness, and great customer service. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Alfie’s fish and chips is absolutely worth a visit. I’ll definitely...