Van Looy’s Fish & Chips — Restaurant in England

Gluten free diner. I had read great reviews on a gluten free dining out app, and thought I'd give it a try. The server was very friendly and reassuring when I asked if they still catered for gluten free diners. I was assured everything was prepared separately and they had a dedicated gf frier. I was informed the cod worked best with the gf batter, so I opted for that. I asked if they had gf vinegar...they had proper white vinegar (with onion flavour, but I thankfully could neither smell nor taste said onion flavour!), and Heinz tomato sauce. When my cod and chips arrived...WOW!!! The medium size fish was white, plump, tasted as if caught that morning and a big size! And the gf batter...Oh. My. Goodness! Very light and thin, but not so thin it was see-through! Extremely crispy, to the point I was concerned that if I was too eager when cutting it, batter would fly! It was the lightest, crispiest, tastiest batter I have EVER eaten. No exaggeration! The chips were properly cooked through and brown...and very tasty! All staff were friendly, attentive and knowledgeable. I felt very safe. Fabulous restaurant! I would advise booking tho...it was packed...

The lady who served me was nice. The fish was tasty, just two things.

Ask customers if they’re eating in or taking away, I still gave 4 stars because she offered me to sit outside for free which was nice.

Also, it’s nice to offer customers salt and vinegar if they want it on, my fish was wrapped very quickly and I didn’t want to be a bother and ask her to unwrap it and season it.

Other than that I think the fish is worth the price given it was made fresh to order and was actually one of the best fish I’ve had! I’ll definitely give it another try.

Edit ** I appreciate your response, and want to be very clear that it was my first time attending you restaurant and I saw signs about gluten free options but nothing regarding seating stood out to me??

I was not asked if I was eating in or taking away when I arrived. And I wasn’t offered salt and vinegar. I understand that maybe you want to defend your business but please don’t gaslight me in...

Two of us visiting Southend for the day to go to the football match on Saturday 04/09. Spent a few hours walking round town and sea front. Plenty of fish & chip shops to choose from but went for Van Looys because of the reviews, and weren't disappointed. Arrived about 1.30. It was very busy and had to wait about 15 minutes for a table. Seated in the covered outdoor area which was great, and placed our order as we sat down. Plenty of condiments on the table. We both had the medium cod & chips with mushy peas and a coke. Order arrived very quickly and was excellent. Served on plain white oval plates, the cod was lightly battered and flaky. Chips were chunky and just the right amount for us. Staff polite and...