A last minute change of plans with my Girl Guide unit led me to need some chips last night. Spoke with a friend who highly recommended the Trawler. Checked Google which stated they would be open until 8 pm. Perfect for us as our meeting starts at 8 in Sheringham. The website says they may close half an hour before “closing time” if they have been busy, so took my chances. Not wanting to be “that customer” we aimed for just after half 7, which would give them a chance to have closed if they were shutting early. They were still open and I walked in just before quarter to 8. Not 5 to 8, not even 10 to 8. Quarter to 8. They were clearly packing up which is understandable. I imagine the clean down in a chip shop takes a while to do.

As I walked through the door I was greeted with “I’ve got one small bit of fish”. Slightly taken aback, but we continue. “That’s ok, I don’t want much”. “No, All I’ve got is one small bit of fish”. “Sure! I just need chips” At this point I got my phone out. “Let me check how many I need”. “I don’t think you understand, all I have is fish”. “I do understand, all I need are 6 portions of chips” “Well I don’t know if I’ve got 6 portions of chips”

Well. At this point I probably should have just cut my losses and walked away. But I endeavoured to continue my transaction. She started cooking the chips and I asked how much it would be. “I don’t know if I’ve got 6 portions yet” I bit back at this point “Well I don’t know if I’ve got enough cash to pay you, and thought I could go to the cash point while I wait.” “Well if it’s any less, you can’t pay by card”. A guppy moment from me, but kept quiet, I learnt young never chip off the people cooking your food and had done a reasonable amount of that by my presence already.

“Yeah, I’ve got enough” comes the comment from the fryer. I hand over my £11.40 (very good value) and they get ready to wrap my chips. The young staff who had all been rather quiet and sheepish throughout the exchange were very quick and efficient, wrapped my chips, offered salt and vinegar (declined), and offered a bag. Took our chips, and off we went.

The chips themselves were… well not bad. Portion size was reasonable, and didn’t leave too much of the nasty furry feeling you can get after some chips in beef dripping. I imagine, hot, fresh and with less of an attitude they are quite delightful. Would I recommend it? Yes, in a pinch I’d even go back, but for crying out loud, DO NOT GO AFTER HALF 7.