Chez Fred — Restaurant in England

When you think of quintessential British food, one dish comes to mind above all others: fish and chips. For those lucky enough to live in or visit Westbourne, Bournemouth, there's one place where this traditional dish is elevated to an art form: Chez Fred. This family-run restaurant has been a staple of the local dining scene for over 30 years and is renowned not just for its high-quality fish and chips, but for its welcoming atmosphere, exceptional service, and commitment to excellence. From the first bite to the last, Chez Fred promises a dining experience you won't soon forget. Chez Fred is best known for its exceptional fish and chips, and the quality of both the fish and the chips is unmatched. The fish is always fresh, sourced from the finest catches from Devon and Cornwall, ensuring that every dish is of the highest possible standard. The selection of fish varies depending on the season, but the classic cod and haddock are staples, and for good reason. The fish is tender and moist, with a perfectly flaky texture that melts in your mouth. What truly sets Chez Fred apart, however, is the batter. Light and crispy, it has just the right balance of crunch without being greasy or overpowering. Each piece of fish is coated in the batter and fried to golden perfection, creating the ultimate contrast of crispy exterior and soft, delicate fish inside. It’s clear that Chez Fred has perfected its batter recipe over the years, and the result is a dish that feels both nostalgic and refined. Then there are the chips. These aren’t your average fries—Chez Fred’s chips are a revelation. They’re hand-cut from fresh potatoes and double-fried to achieve the perfect crispness on the outside, while remaining soft and fluffy on the inside. These chips have a satisfying bite that complements the fish perfectly, and the portion size is incredibly generous, ensuring that you leave the restaurant fully satisfied. And perhaps the best part? Chez Fred offers unlimited chips with every meal, a feature that is rare in many fish and chip shops, but one that keeps patrons coming back time and time again.

For those who like a little extra with their meal, Chez Fred offers a variety of sides that add depth to the experience. Their mushy peas are a classic accompaniment, smooth and flavorful, with just the right amount of seasoning. But the true indulgence comes in the form of their desserts. The sticky toffee pudding is a standout, rich and moist with a deeply comforting toffee sauce. Pair it with a scoop of honeycomb ice cream, and you've got a truly decadent treat to round off your meal. While the food at Chez Fred is the main event, the drinks and extras certainly don’t disappoint. The wine list, though not extensive, features a carefully curated selection of wines that complement the flavors of the fish and chips. If you're in the mood for a light, refreshing white wine to pair with your fish, or a bold red to accompany one of their heartier options, you’ll find something to suit your palate. If wine isn’t your thing, there are also a range of locally sourced beers and ciders, as well as traditional British soft drinks like fizzy lemonades and ginger beer. Chez Fred also offers a variety of hot beverages, including freshly brewed coffee, tea, and hot chocolate—perfect for sipping while you enjoy one of their delicious desserts. It's the kind of place where you can linger over your meal, savoring the flavors and enjoying the relaxed, convivial atmosphere. The moment you walk through the doors of Chez Fred, you’re greeted by the welcoming warmth of the restaurant’s cozy, vintage-inspired interior. The decor reflects the restaurant’s long history, with nautical-themed touches and quirky maritime memorabilia adorning the walls. It’s a place that feels both familiar and special, with a personality that’s warm, inviting, and full...

I have eaten at Chez Fred before the Covid pandemic and do accept that things have changed in many respects from how life used to be. However, the cost of the same meal has increased by quite a bit - around 20%. I don't mind that per se as supply costs have increased. On this occasion though the customer service was not as good as previous experiences. The staff appeared rushed and apart from very quickly asking if everything was OK as they walked by they did not return to offer further drinks or chips which are unlimited on the menu. We could have called someone over if we were desperate but the staff attention is normally far better, more relaxed and more welcoming. When the waitress took our plates she asked if we were finished but did not ask if we would like anything else. Grabbing the chance we asked her for a dessert fearing a long wait if we let her go without asking her. The bread roll is usually hot. Ours were barely warm on this occasion. We did comment during the meal that it was not as good an experience as we have had previously and we would not rush back. We tend to go for a lunchtime special to celebrate a birthday or other occasion which is why we visited on this occasion. It was disappointing and we could have done better by choosing elsewhere had we have known that standards have dropped. The fish and chips were hot and tasty as were the mushy peas but the sense of just being served hastily and abandoned was...

Recently visited Chez Fred on a day trip to Bournemouth after searching for the best place for fish and chips in town... we were not disappointed! We arrived at around 16:50 on a sunny Saturday, and the restaurant was almost full. We were warmly greeted and given a choice of the available tables (a nice touch!). Once seated we were attended to quickly and put our orders in. The restaurant got pretty busy while we were there, and the takeaway side seemed pretty busy too, but the atmosphere remained pleasant. Our food arrived within a reasonable time and was absolutely amazing! Everything was piping hot. The chips were super crispy and lovely when doused in salt and vinegar. The cod was extremely flaky and meaty, and the batter was wonderfully crisp and not at all greasy. The curry sauce was also very good! We were asked if we wanted extra chips (which are unlimited!) and were happily given an extra bowl. All the staff were super smiley and happy to help, checking everything with our meal was okay partway throught. I would highly recommend Chez Fred to anyone wanting some amazing fish and chips - it is definitely worth the walk away from...