Eric's Fish & Chips — Restaurant in King's Lynn and West Norfolk

Eric’s used to be one of Hunstanton’s standout spots for high-quality fish and chips, albeit at a premium price — but it was worth it. Unfortunately, like much of Hunstanton, the quality has noticeably declined over the years.

The business has clearly diversified, creating more of a “holiday camp” feel with extra amenities beyond the chippy itself. That may be great for revenue, but sadly the food quality has taken a hit while prices have continued to climb. We paid £55 for two adult meals and two children’s meals.

The children’s meals attempt to be more “premium” by offering chicken strips instead of nuggets, but it doesn’t work. The strips are southern-fried (not advertised as such), too spicy for young kids, and the chicken itself was tough. My large fish was well cooked and flaky, but the batter was mushy and slid off — and at £14, it was no bigger than a medium portion you’d get locally for half the price.

Even the vinegar was disappointing: pale, weak, and watery, which makes little sense given how cheap proper vinegar should be. The indoor seating area was another let-down, with flies everywhere — the walls were covered, and we had to constantly bat them away while trying to eat.

Sadly, Eric’s is no longer the reliable treat it once was. With declining quality, rising prices, and an unpleasant dining environment, we’ll be sticking to the local alternatives...

So disappointed. For a chippy that is billed as the best in Norfolk and one of the top establishments in the UK, I was left wondering who judged it! The ordering process was odd for a start. No option to order fish, chips and peas for one or any adult “meals”. After taking advice from one of the staff (who were all lovely) we ordered one large chips for two adults and one child. This was not enough. Along with two medium cod, a battered sausage and two peas. Chips were tasteless and not at all crispy and compared to the fish, pretty cold. When judged against the volume of chips suggested for three, there were enough peas for about 6 people! Peas were tasty but very dry. Fish was decent, but the batter was another tasteless disappointment. Even the salt and vinegar lacked any bite. The chippy in my local village, in fact, all the local fish and chip shops in my area would more than give this a run for its money. As for the venue, the school canteen feel, sat on spinny stools that squeaked like a just-trapped mouse combined with the insane racket made for a wholely poor experience. The only bright star would be for the staff who were really welcoming and friendly, quick to help when asked a question and service was quick too. Wildly overpriced. One of the worst fish and chips I’ve eaten. Will not be coming back. Don’t...

Not to be confused with Eric’s in Holt which has been fabulous on every visit. Unfortunately, we found ourselves closer to Thornham and thought we’d try the original flagship Eric’s. What a tragic waste of time & money as the food, service and attitude of the staff was appalling. 3pm we were the only two in the restaurant so politely asked if we should take a seat, we were told to choose a table and we’d be served. Must have had 10 young staff behind the counter all chatting and amusing themselves. So we waited, waited and then waited a little longer. As we were about to leave a waitress wandered past us to gaze out the window. “Oh have you been served?” she asked as we sat with no food or drinks! Order now placed (which we had to repeat twice) we waited again. Fish & chips was duly banged down on the table without a word or smile, oh the drama. Fish was lukewarm, spongy batter and cold chips with an ice cold tub of tartare sauce. After waiting yet another 20 minutes with empty plates and no service decided to find a member of staff to pay. Chap had an attitude a mile wide and told me to “go back to your table” as 10 young, blank faces of the remaining staff looked on. Eric, honestly mate what are you thinking? I can’t single out one member of staff who was trained, motivated or wanted to be working in your Fish &...