Fishy Plaice — Restaurant in St Albans

AVOID Avoid this place as it is not child friendly. I always pass this place and have popped in once before as I didn’t have any cash I was unable to purchase anything as the gentleman said they only accept cash so that should of been my cue to avoid this place from the beginning. Popped in today with my young toddler in his stroller and I went in through the restaurant entrance as the step was lower and was easily accessible only to find the takeaway part blocked off so I had to come out and pop in through the takeaway entrance which has a high step. Once in I only ordered some regular chips to take away as I had my toddler with me. At that time the gentlemen did not mention anything about how long the wait will be. So as it was getting to 10 minutes my toddler in the pram was getting agitated and was shouting. As an already anxious mum I was trying to play with him so he could keep the noise down. When the gentleman who took my order and money said to me can you keep your child quiet as we have customers in the restaurant I was literally taken back. I replied back saying he is a toddler and I am trying my best to keep him quiet. We had now been waiting for some chips almost 20 minutes. Once the customers were being served with their food in front of me they were getting apologies for the delay in their food and the gentleman behind the counter was explaining they are two staff short as his father has broken his leg and another staff member is on a speed awareness course. They even gave the customers in front of me extra chips to make up for the long wait for their food. When it came to packing my food the gentleman rushed and packed my order and I received no apology or nothing for the delay just for some chips. After trying the chips it was not worth the almost 30 minutes wait and the rudeness from that staff member. I wanted to try this place out before I bought my family back to eat in at the restaurant but after that experience I think any families with young children should avoid this place as it’s not a child friendly establishment. I am all about supporting my local businesses but I will stick to my local fish and chip shop who are friendly and welcoming and even have made my toddler laugh when he has been a...

So we used to love this place, and it was the only chippy we’d order delivery from, but something appears to have changed, and now I can’t recommend it. Twice in a row now we’ve placed orders for two, regular-sized orders of cod and chips and received virtually no chips. I actually counted the ones that just arrived (with both pieces of cod along with the accompanying chips in one, small box), and there were thirty chips there. Now, if they were clear that an order of cod doesn’t actually come with chips, fair enough, but their menu doesn’t indicate that, and neither does the price- we paid £19.80 for the two cod and chips, which is not cheap.

The first time this happened, we thought it might be a fluke, since it hadn’t been an issue previously, but since it’s happened again, and the person preparing the order put everything in one box, it must be their new way of doing business. I ended up having to run out to get some more chips in order for us to have an actual dinner. I don’t know if they’re trying to make up losses by shrinking their portions or what, but either way, avoid unless you’re on a serious diet and enjoy paying £9.90 for one fried cod...

Met my sister here for lunch as it’s one of the few chippys to have tables and the reviews were really good. Very friendly greeting on a Wednesday lunchtime. Had to wait while sis found the place, so ordered calamari, denied - “it’s finished”. A 330ml London Pride is £6.50 so no. Ordered a sad-looking onion rings instead. Ordered 2 medium cod & chips and mushy peas. When food came we were told that they were large for the same price; great. I honestly think they were trying to do us a favour. Except they were very thin and dry. Batter not bad. Chips a bit oily but OK. Good mushy peas. Worn out Heinz bottle but not Heinz ketchup. Not good. The spell broke and we realised we were probably in a Tourist Trap. We told the friendly server who asked how things were, then just kind of withdrew. Total meal was almost £50 with three soft drinks. Very pleasant staff but not good food. Maybe we came on a bad day? Very...