The "expensive" meal was not that expensive but was very poor quality and poor value for money. That "expensive" cod was 100% definitely stored frozen and not fresh, there is no other way of getting such an excess of water. I always get my fish and chips unseasoned, so no salt or vinegar, then I know if I add it myself, I know exactly how much I am getting and I do not spoil it by adding too much. It is difficult judging things purely on price alone; in fact I never would. However, in terms of value for money, I think the cheaper GIG's wins without question. I am surprised you did not mention and compare the hatred of your Tom Kerridge fish and chips. 😝 Happy New Year and all the best for 2024 ♥
Gary, first of all. Thank you for the comment and the kind words that you consistently give to myself and the channel. Thank you so much for the Superchat, that’s incredibly generous of you to do and if possible, could you drop me an email? It’s on the about page. If you cannot find it, I’ll send it on here. Absolutely speechless - thank you. Happy new year and all the best. 😃
But not totally pants down for that area of London I think that's what he's getting at. You should expect to pay over 20 quid for fish and chips in W1/W2 areas. The pisstake is a 2.50 surcharge for the mushy peas and curry sauce, things that should be a staple side to the point you shouldn't need to even ask for them and at worst, you should get at least one of those for free.@@Phife_Diggy
What a very kind and generous donation to the channel Gary... Thank you for supporting Gary... And the Gary Eats channel... Have a very Happy New Year my friend... Cheers mate. 🥂🍾
One of the nicest guys on TH-cam that you wouldn't mind having a drink with. Simple, straight to the point presentation, no exaggerations or clickbait. Keep it up mate!
@@GaryEats I don't live in London anymore (1 hour away when in the UK) but I'd battle the lunatics into Waterloo for a pint and a nosh anywhere. You should arrange a meet up and a "global" review !
Gary brings something new to reviews. Unbiased and very fair, love his feedback on the food he knows what to look for. Not another social influencer reviewing for free food! Deserves many more follows.
The “expensive” option genuinely looked like something you’d be served in a Sainsburys cafe; a frozen Youngs slung in the fryer for 2mins. Absolutely awful. The chips looked vile (and you do give fair leeway with “chips are chips”) Anyway, well done in 2023 Gary - really pleased I found your channel this year, great videos and here’s to an even better 2024! Cheers fella 🥂
Gary, the expensive place had nice tartare sauce. The fish had definitely been frozen, hence all the liquid. The batter was undercooked and the chips needed a second or third fry. The curry sauce was like water and the peas were luminous. I can see why they do bottomless chips as nobody would order a second portion.
You nailed it, the first fish and chips were cooked in an oil that wasn’t hot enough, and the fish might of been frozen or simply not dried enough before battering. Same here in New England. Go to a fine restaurant, and they treat fish and chips like peasant’s food, and don’t take it seriously. Mom and Pop places usually put their hearts and souls into it, and give you a much superior experience.
I live in the Midlands and visit my local chippy sporadically. It’s now about £12 for haddock and chips with a curry sauce or peas but there’s enough for both me and my wife. The chips are crispy and rustle in the paper - particularly when they’re frying new potatoes. Same family has run the shop for about 40 years.
I don't think I've enjoyed listening to a food review channel as much as I've enjoyed listening to yours. It makes you feel like I want to get out more myself and try different places as well. Keep it up and keep it going, I thoroughly enjoyed this video, however watching your videos does make me hungry!! 🤣
This seems weird. In the 70s I was at school just round the corner and the Seashell was a bog standard chippy, where we bought our lunchtime chips, with a sit-down area next door. Talk about gentrification! Nice review Gary
Love your vids mate, from one South Londoner to another. When I were a kid, fish and chips were served in newspapers which contributed towards the taste. Also, this new fangled requirement for crispy chips is a new thing to me. Chips were never designed to be double or triple-cooked. Chips were originally designed to be limp and soggy and I would not have them any other way.😊
I noticed that the chips in London aren’t exactly outstanding, if you go outside of London and you genuinely find them much better, the only thing London has in Spades is the Price and the expensive surcharge for standard service
Hi Gary, The meal served at that first place looked awful. A classic tourist trap, maybe? Unlimited chips -- but who would want a second helping! Happy New Year.
Nice to see the channel growing as i said it would down to earth reviews and a happy place to come thank you gary and wife for the joy you bring happy new year to yiu both and the same to all the lovely people onhere godbless you all
The Seashell has certainly changed a lot since I last used it back in 1975. Then it was just a regular fish and chip shop but with a great reputation which was well deserved. Usually visited after a night at the Brazen Head up the road and a slow tasty walk home.
Good honest review as always gary. Think your right, the first fish has been frozen then defrosted it looked awful. Second place was ok price wise ok to. Happy new year gary👍👍
It looked disgusting, these highly priced places don’t know how to do it, they put a bit of green stuff on and charge a fortune. Great honest review Gary
I think these kind of places start hiding behind their name and image after they have developed and employ substandard staff and reduce their staff costs whilst increasing their profits. They think they can get away with it by comprising on the quality of the food. This goes to show in the food industry very often u never get what you pay for. Very good video first time I m watching I learnt a lot from you
There is definitely a common theme as the most expensive not being the best. I feel sorry for tourists to come to London and treat themselves to an expensive restaurant and then go home having missed the good stuff. My favourite fish and chips is Masters Super Fry near Waterloo station. Most of the regulars are taxi drivers, and the food is incredible.
@PeteBennettUK Wow, your comment about Masters Super Fish took me back. Before moving up North, I worked on the trains in and out of Waterloo Station and at least once (if not more !!!) a week when my break was at Waterloo, I’d walk down to Masters and get Fish and Chips. I haven’t been there in over 15 years, but I agree it was the best Fish and Chips I’ve ever tasted. Now you’ve reminded me about Masters, I’m going to have a trip down there in the New Year and get a ‘Masters Special’ !.
I had a totally different experience to you at Sea Shell 3 weeks ago although I didn’t have curry sauce and I had my fish fried in Matzo meal. In any case restaurants… especially at that price… should be consistent. Love your channel by the way!
A friend of mine recently went to England and wanted to try Fish and Chips for the first time. He made the error of going to an expensive restaurant and letting them serve him, rather than getting it from a van or an actual Fish and Chip shop. It was very expensive, and he said: "It's just a piece of fish with fat, dry french fries," and I'm sure he was right, but now he thinks fish and chips is bad food.
Not sure why fish and chips are considered a national dish, for us a boring meal and we very rarely eat it so felt sorry for your friend, was he American ?
I remember when I was a child growing up in the 1970s Friday night was fish & chip dinner time. The queue outside the chippy in West Kensington was always very large. I'd usually meet my friends queuing there as well. The chips were always soggy as I recall, and I always used to get two pickled onions to accompany my meal. Happy Days. Chippy is still there, a sad shadow of its former self, though. London is expensive so I rarely buy fish & chips now. I know other people have mentioned this but I'll add my tuppence worth, your reviews are always down to earth, with a bit of humour thrown in for good measure; you're always fair with your comments and your presentation and personality are a joy to watch. Happy New Year to you Gary and to Mr. Cameraman. All our best wishes Tania and Chirpy (the dancing pigeon).
Hey Gary, great reviews, cheers. The Tottenham Court Road venue was decent on price at least. If you can face doing one more London fish and chip shop at some point, I'd be really interested to hear what you think of Toff's of Muswell Hill. It's a fish and chip shop that's been in Muswell Hill for decades. A bit of a local landmark. You'd imagine that it's longevity means it must be doing something right! Cheers - love your channel.
I haven't been to Toffs for years, but I went once or twice when I lived in Highgate. I got the calamari and chips, i remember I enjoyed it. The place is a local legend
Proof right there that paying over the odds does not always get you the quality deserved. What a year it's been for your channel here on TH-cam Gary. All the very best for 2024 pal🍻 All the best to the cameraman too!
I very rarely come across " crispy" chip shop chips. Double cooked with a nice coloured outer and soft fluffy centre are my personal favourites. A similar meal as gigs can cost you £8/9 in my local area but fish is larger. Enjoying your vids 👍🏻👍🏻
they both looked disappointing, but the expensive one was a real let-down value wise, basically everything but the tartar sauce was a failure. hope your next restaurant trips are more enjoyable, thanks for the nice video and a happy new year to you!🥳
HNY Gary, didn't realise that another YT Vlogger who is anti EV cars was at GIGS last year. GIGS last year was Cod 1.5 larger and also water bottle included for £9.50!!!! Welcome to UK
Chanced upon this channel a few days back and loved it. Apart from the great content your narration is very soothing and calming if that makes sense. The last time I was in the UK was 20 years ago and im not sure when i will visit next so may never be able to try any of these places. But do enjoy watching your reviews. Keep up the great work Gary and All the best
@@adamgrimsley2900it isn't, it is the fact the fish and the chips get pressed together and infuse for a few moments then the fish s&v sit on the chips during eating. You can still get them like that with a bit of grease proof paper.
The first place to me was an absolute rip-off. The food didn't look fresh & the batter looked dreadful. The second place looked much better & the fish, granted, a small portion, looked lovely & great value for money. Just goes to show, a bigger price doesn't mean better quality. Another great review Gary
Gigs far superior in terms of quality & value. I thought you were a little harsh to say the Gigs fish wasn’t the biggest you’ve ever seen - it was advertised as a mini fish. Good vlog as ever young man. You’ve been a breath of fresh air for us this year. Well done Gary.
Giggs is one of my favourite treat lunch spots for payday. That lunch deal is with a slightly larger than average cod bite (or kebab) and I know their actual cod are much larger than that. For the location is decent value compared that what else is around there. I'd recommend trying Poppie's or Golden Union in Soho, both really good fish & chip shops that don't break the bank. Great videos as always with some nice honest comments!
(41) The "dear" fish and chips have a shocking case of "The Droops". And it wasn't like the restaurant was run off its feet. BOOO, HISSS. I'd want a refund. The "budget" meal was WAAAY better. At least the last meal left you with a better food memory for the day. Thanks, Gary!!!
Being from the Scottish coast and a fishing town, that fish and chips was sad. Ive also tried fish and chips in London while there twice with a similar experience. There is plenty places though in England that are absolute fantastic Whitby Cornwall Brighton Pittenweem Margate just a few places ive tried that were top notch.
There are good fish and chip shops in London, my local in West London serves lovely crispy chips and was recently judged as one of the 40 best chippies in the UK. But with the previous couple of owners the chips were terrible, pale yellow slimy things.
There are some amazing chippies in London if you stay away from the tourist hotspots, My local - Kennedy's on Leigham Court Road in Streatham is fantastic! £10 for large cod n chips served in newspaper.
You raise a smile here Gary, as every f&c experience you've had in London seems to have let you down. From where we're sat, yes portion sizes on fish seem to have shrunk (daaan Saaarf). If ever in Sheffield, come try our famous Two Steps f&c Shop, amazing fat flaky crispy hot fish and chunky crispy chips. Might be worth seeking out Faulkner's on the Kingsland Road (E2) where in the 80s and 90s we enjoyed amazing variety of fish (always with chips). Happy New Year, thanks for all the hard work!!
This was an informative and well balanced review as always, Gary. Love your delivery and thoroughness. My attention was alerted twice to your stated intention to visit Whitby to try Fish and Chips in the New Year. This is a good call as it is festooned with them, although some can border fine dining. As someone who lives a 30 minute drive from this pescatarian Mecca, there are several to choose from. Our particular favourites are Trenchers, the Magpie, the Fisherman's Wife and Mr Chips. Then, once you have tried those, take yourself off to the Lighthouse Fish Bar in Scarborough. Go enjoy. See you up here soon.
The first batter didn't look like traditional batter. I think both were disappointing but the first more so because of the price. I'd give 3 for the first and 5 for the second . Happy New year x
Gary i hope for £22 it would be a bigger peice of cod and the chips a bit more golden thats expensive mate plus the fish batter is awful and the reason the fish is watery is because theh have washed the fish under cold water which you never do its pat dry either that or they shouldn't be a chef i wont be going
Can we take a minute to appreciate the genius of Gary’s footwear choice. Smart enough looking for the higher end places but still enough of a trainer shoe to get away with not looking pretentious in an ordinary chippy.
@@GaryEats I don’t don’t not like them Gary. I’d defend you if you were about to be turned away from a fancy establishment for not adhering to the dress code, put it that way. You need a durable shoe for daily uploads.
Crikey. Well done for suffering so we don't have to. For what you paid for the first meal. I'd want part shares in the trawler that caught it! Such a shame they're both short of the mark. Another good honest review. Happy new year to you, yours and the camera man.
Great video as always - you certainly know your food - most enjoyable indeed - and you are sharing 'the knowledge' about the batter/fish/chips etc - how do you manage to eat TWO meals like that in one day ??? The Seashell was very empty....not a great starting point. £22 for Fish and Chips !!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🤣 Video after video, really impressed by how much content you are putting out !
Have a feeling that fish was frozen then defrosted and then cooked. I'm with you on that one Gary. Not the freshest of fish. They may even have prepped it from frozen too. Dropping the temperature of the oil as it cooks, causing issues with the batter
You’re a legend Gary, how hard you work for the channel travelling around the country is impressive mate! Keep up the good work, your videos are always top quality and your honesty is refreshing compared to other food reviewers.. your scale is actually accurate! Happy new year my friend
Your score was perfect Gary, and yes West Yorkshire do the best fish and chips, with bits or scraps as some people call them and peas and Curry. all the best for the New Year Gary 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
If you ever come down to Brighton, do try bankers and Harry Ramsden's, they are two of the very best low cost ones in Brighton. Bankers used to have a takeaway in hove which is the only bankers I’ve tried but they still have a restaurant in Brighton. Definitely worth trying both, love to get your opinion on them.
For me the biggest sign of frozen fish is actually that it's dry and quite 'meaty' rather than soft and flakey, even when it isn't overcooked. I reckon in this case that it's just a crap piece of fish that they've thrown straight into the batter without any attempt to flour it first
The best quality fish is frozen when caught and kept frozen until you are ready to cook it. Then it needs to be properly defrosted and prepared, before being cooked in very hot oil.
I can remember walking home from the Chip Shop carrying my Chips and Sausage with Salt & Vinegar, wrapped in Newspaper. The smell alone was worth the 25 pence. The Chip Shop had our Union Jack Flag flying to welcome home the Chip Shop owners Son back from a Military Conflict in the 1980’s. That was in Nottinghamshire. You can always identify a great Chip Shop because it will always be busy and probably have a queue outside the door.
When the slice of lemon is a highlight there’s something definitely wrong! You’d expect that a restaurant charging that much would at least double cook the chips.
Seeing that chip flop in the curry sauce actually brought back memories of The Great Depression, and I wasn't even alive for it. Seriously no word of a lie mate I'd have sent that entire meal back. I wouldn't from a normal chippy but from a place in Marylebone absolutely (which I think this is near). What's scary is their 4.2/5 rating, but if you go down their reviews, it's all clearly non-English names so I'm wondering if they just get away with this because the locals don't eat there but the tourists fall for it.
Haha. I’ve not heard good things about their takeaway which is why I avoided it, I also mentioned the curry sauce and the fish but nothing was done. Thanks!
I take solace in knowing you at least told them about it which I think as a reviewer means you've done your job, there's nothing worse I think than when people give bad reviews - but don't give the restaurant a chance to fix the issue on the spot as well. Merry christmas and happy new year.@@GaryEats
Maybe the oil is not heating because of the weather.🙄 Thank you for braving the weather to do this review. Seashell was a total disappointment for the ridiculous price when the best thing was the tartar sauce. It wasn’t hard for Gig to beat it for half the price.
Festive Greetings Gary. Beautiful weather outside. The Lisson Grove is so so so expensive... I went to Christ College school in Finchley Central and noticed this Two Brothers Fish Restaurant nearby. Please try it one day.
Love your videos Gary! You know that you can’t beat good old Murgatroids here in sunny Leeds! If you’re up this way again, there are 2 Chippies in Flamborough on the north east coast, both are on another level! They are the only 2 in the town so you can’t miss them.
Very honest review. For me, I would have returned the first plate at the Seeshells Restaurant and ask them to try again, saying that both the fish and chips were undercooked and that the mushy peas were cold. If you were paying big money you expect the food to be cooked properly. As for the second plate, as you said the fish was a small piece. I wonder how much the normal price is for these and is the fish bigger? As for scores I would give the Seashells a 3/10 on;y that the tartare sauce was good, and Giggs a 7/10 only because the batter was crisp, mushy peas good and the price. Other wise it would be a 1 and 5 respectively.
I have been to Gigs. Albeit four years ago and this was a sit down meal with two sides. Came to about £17 and the cod was good as were the chips. But I can see times have indeed changed for a good honest chippy. Think you are right about giving London a swerve in this respect. By the sea or up North I recon, going forwards.
Hi Gary, another absolute spot on comparison review. Totally agree with your comments, although I don’t fancy either of them. Best fish and chips I have had was at Whitby. Well done 56k and climbing. Definitely the best food review channel!
25 years ago when I was working in London, the Seashell was always a "Go To" place to take clients. We always loved it and never had a bad meal. They used to do a whole Haddock in batter, (a small haddock!), that was sensational.
Another good job Gary. Now you've done a takeaway you must get up to Tetbury Fish and Chip Shop. Just remember they're on holiday until 10th January. Happy New Year Les & Sue 🎉
One way of getting a great dish of fish and chips in London is Mccain oven chips, Waitrose cod in batter and using an air fryer, wait 25 minutes....delicious!!!! 10/10
McCain's oven chips are not bad. But my local convenience store used to stock some Dutch oven chips used for commercial catering. They were superb, almost as good as the best fried chips I've had.
London is the definition of location equal’s massive price. Actual quality doesn’t matter. You’re in London that’s what you pay. Best fish n chips are either at the coast or the local chippy
Hi Gary, I’m in Islington and I’ve got a proper fish restaurant and fish and chip shop called fish central in Kings square just off of City rd,great menu and service, give it a go. The baked cod is something else mate and not an arm and a leg. Happy new year to you.
Gary, when you go to Whitby, you should definitely do a comparison between Trenchers and The Magpie. I've eaten at both and they are excellent. I'd really be interested to know your opinion. In Cornwall, I have tried The Harbour Chippy in Newquay but that was quite a while ago, so not sure what it would be like now. Also, while down in Cornwall you should try the Cornish Pasties at The Pengenna Bakery in Tintagel - delicious!!
Great reviews as ever! As someone who has grown up near the coast, the very thought of being served frozen fish in a restaurant is beyond me. As for the price….. I’m sure you’ve had many recommendations already but come to Grimsby or Cleethorpes and try our fish and chips up here. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed
I used to go years ago to Seashells must of definitely changed hands because when i used to go early 90's the fish and chips we top notch plus the decor has changed.
For me value is so important. If I am going to a special place it needs to be really special. So the Tottenham Court Road chip shop won it hands down. Wonderful video as always Gary and I really enjoy the comparison reviews. They are my favourites.
Another great honest video review, shame about the first one though, and astronomical cost for what you ate. If you ever go to Suffolk the best and cheapest fish and chips is in Aldeburgh. There are only 2 there owned by the same company. One is takeaway only the other also has dine in. Both get really busy but tast great. Happy New Year Gary.
I'm a native of a famous NE Scotland Fishing town: Arbroath. I worked in Edgware, Greater London, for several years, and I deliberately went to a chip shop that sold frozen fish! However, burying my brother, who lived in Wapping (just before the gentrification) I found a small Greek run, father, and son, traditional Fish and Chip shop - they had Haddock (the Scots favoured fish) I asked whats your Haddie like, and the son brought out this huge great fish nearly as fresh as I get at home! (I'm guessing from Billingsgate, that morning, it was still the old market then) One of the best fish suppers I ever had: and both my sister, and mother agreed👍 I don't remember the name, and sad to say, it's highly unlikely the business is still there now, post posh boys in red braces. (Curiously, my father was born in the next Borough: Shadwell in 1922 😉)
Gary, you are a good man for once again taking one for the team. From a viewer's perspective that restaurant was beyond disappointing; It's a pretty sad situation when the tartar sauce and lemon are the stars of the show. 🤨I also thought the mushy fish was ready to be made into a fish cake or be served to my cat Lincoln as a special treat. 😸
Now that would be animal cruelty feeding that poor excuse for fish to poor lovely Lincoln , Dont do it as he /she will end up with a sore belly the poor kitty! 😄 🐾 🐈
Seashell was my closest chippy when I lived in Central London, but I think I only went there twice... Didn't rate it at all, despite their posh prices. Much preferred the Golden Hind down Marylebone Lane, twice as far to walk, but way better. But as far as Lindon chippies go, even the Hind wasn't that great... but it was walkable! I agree with you about the chippies in Central London. Nothing much to shout about at all. There used to be a ceacker down either Teobalds Rd or Grays Inn Road (same street, it changes name after the Yorkshire Grey pub on the right) The chippy was on the left (heading south) and had a catchy name - Golden Fryer, or something like that - but I'm pretty sure its gone now. The North Sea on Leigh St (off Judd Street, opposite the Norfolk Arms) had a fantastic reputation, but I didn't think much of it. It had those same pallid, squidgy chips like you got at the Seashell and the cheap place. If you'd have them wrapped up in paper, I guarantee both chips and batter would have stuck to the paper! Yuk! Oil not hot enough, as you said in the review. A big part of the problem is these establishments are generally run by people whose culture does not include something as "British" as Fish and Chips, and I think they genuinely don't know what the meal SHOULD be like - havind said that I believe the dish was first sold by jewish (?) immegrants in the early 19th Century. Check out Henry Mayhew's "London Labour and the London Poor" for a contemporary account of the first "fish and chip" stalls in London. Blimey... Talk about waffle! 🤣😂
Love the videos, Gary! I would highly recommend trying the Ocean Fish Bar in Cleethorpes if you ever find yourself in the area, they have a great value special option and it's highly rated by both locals and visitors alike
The sea shell used to be one of best in London but gone downhill last few years . I think the fish is watery just don’t think it was cooked long enough . Try Kennedy’s on goswell road (London) or masters superfish Waterloo road . Far better and cheaper as well !
Nice one, Gary, a fascinating insight into the world of fish and chip providers. I'll definitely be catching-up with your thoughts on this particular meal from locations outside of London, great work on your part, keep it going, please. Best. GK.
Hi Gary. If my wife & I fancy F&C's, we just make them ourselves at home these days as the state of the Chip Shops around here is, frankly, dire. We use Maris-Piper spuds 4 the chips (washed 3 times to remove the starch), scrupulously fresh fish, and soda water for the batter. Half the price; twice as good. Some of that fish looked like it had been quickly defrosted under a running tap tbh. Great post as always, pal👍.
So disappointing that both places weren’t much good. About 25 years ago (!) my son and I went back to Greenwich to visit my mum ( live in Alabama now). Right across from her flats was a little chip shop that had the BEST fish & chips I’d ever had. I think we were in there nearly every day. The owner, Sonny, was amazing! One day, after ordering, he said, “You sit down and have a cup of tea while I cook it fresh!” Amazing product.
That was interesting Gary, thank you. The £7-50 fish and chips were excellent value for money, and filled a gap, perhaps not perfect but take the location into account, and they're a goer. The expensive jobs well they are not for me, thank you, and a Happy and Healthy New year to you.
The chish n fips from Gigs looked 20 x more appetising than the first place Gaz. Instantly looked more appealing. I would have asked for a refund on the first one and left, looked a bit pants that. Thanks for taking one for the subscribers, cheers, Daz.
@@GaryEats All good here thanks Gaz, had a lovely curry tonight shortly after watching your latest video. Enjoying your content, thanks for all you do 🤗
@@GaryEats Hi Gaz, I had a chicken naga, pilau rice, saag aloo, keema naan, onion bhaji starter and some poppadoms from my local here in Leicester, Spice Bazzar on the Welford Road, fantastic indian cuisine , they have won the curry awards and are visited by celebrities regularly, highly recommended !
My local 'chippy' has been there for decades. Been going there just as long where you'll pay about £6 for large portion + lovely Cod etc. Cheers 4 another vid'/Addictive channel.👍
I came across your channel only recently. Although I don’t live in England I find your videos interesting. Very well presented. If I may ask out curiosity. Does your camera man also eat with you or does he just watch and film? 😊
Keith Floyd used to say, that the best way to gauge how good a restaurant is, is to look at how busy it is. If it's empty, it's either because of how bad it is, or how much the food costs, or a mix of both. The clientele never lies.
I first attended the Seashell of Lisson Grove in 1974 when it was still in its former location further south in Lisson Grove. Back in those days it only ever fried and served freshly caught fish in their proprietory batter in fresh oil at the correct temperature. Result was that the fish and the chips were always excellently crispy and drained of oil. I became a regu;lar customer for many years and have great memories of enjoying good meals there either by dining in their restaurant or as a takeaway. Their excellence continued throughout the time that it was privately owned and managed. However, after it was sold to a large corporation I noticed a slow yet steady decline in both the quality of the meal and the service provided. As a result I stopped going there, and have not dined there now for many years. In its best days it was always packed out. There was always a queue for the restaurant as well as the takeaway. As you saw those great glory days have long gone, and the low quality of the meal they served you explains why all that remains are the good memories of old pensioners such as me.
Yes, hugely disappointing. Back in its glory days of the 1970s and 1980s it was quite usual to see at least one Rolls Royce parked outside with its occupants enjoying the takeway they had just purchased from the takeaway counter. People were happy to queue outside the restaurant for an hour or two just to get into the restaurant. Whenever there was a long queue staff would frequently come out with tea, chips and mini fishballs or scampi to refresh those who were patiently queuing. They only served fresh fish purchased from Billingsgate early the same day.
I don’t eat fish anymore, but my favourite chip shop near(ish) to me is Wright’s in Ware. Counter service, takeaway only but never disappoints. There’s several fish & chip shops in Ware…perhaps you could visit them all and do a comparison….make sure you’re hungry though!😂
That's a shame that the Seashell seems to have gone down the pan a bit. I used to go there regularly when I visited London on business and it wasn't that expensive either. I always had a great fish and chip dinner there. Its appears that everything in the smoke is set up for tourists with lots of money to spend and sod the quality.....all very sad. Have a great New Year Gary and hope you get up to Manchester soon....The Indian Tiffin Room is awaiting your patronage!!!
@@GaryEats Hi Gary, personally I think the Curry Mile is living off past reputations and not as good as it used to be. However, the two I would recommend are The Ziya Grill and The Shere Khan. The latter used to be excellent but have heard a few things that it isn't as good as it was a few years back. Hope this helps and as always, beauty is in the eye of the beholder!!!
As it seems you are off to Whitby at some point Gary, I can suggest the Fisherman’s wife - it’s set back a little from the sea front and I ate there shortly after covid restrictions were lifted. Being a vegetarian I can’t really comment on the fish quality but I was with someone who did have the fish and was generally happy with it. The chips seemed more than decent to me and the service friendly. I have tried the Magpie also, which always gets lots of mentions when Whitby fish and chip shops are the topic and again I can only comment on the chips (and scraps which were on offer also) and they seemed decent too. The trouble with The Magpie is that there are usually queues there (suggesting it’s a bit of a tourist trap) and I just can’t be arsed to wait in line!
Love your reviews Gary!!! There are some lovely restaurants down in Kent. You should try the West house which is a Michelin star restaurant in Biddenden which is in a quaint old village which I’m sure you would like. Keep it up. 👍💪💪
I used to go to the Seashell nearly 50 years ago, when it was the original chippie. Then they expanded the shop so you could sit down. On the way back to Marylebone Station, after football, my mates and I went in there about 6pm. There was always a queue outside, with the occasional Roller parked up. If you went in there just before closing, I would get about 1lb of chips with my Rock Salmon. I think back then, it was cooked in Peanut Oil. By the early 90s they had moved just down the road, into what had been a pub. From your review, the quality has gone down a lot!
Same weather over here Gary, and very windy. Oh how disappointing your plate of fish and chips are. Your fish was frozen and not dried, batter appalling. The chips looked looked like plasticine. You were a brave man to attempt them. Crispy batter on the second lot, chips once again disappointing. I would have been devastated, seeing as it's my favourite meal. Second ones for me please😂 Great video again Gary
The "expensive" meal was not that expensive but was very poor quality and poor value for money. That "expensive" cod was 100% definitely stored frozen and not fresh, there is no other way of getting such an excess of water.
I always get my fish and chips unseasoned, so no salt or vinegar, then I know if I add it myself, I know exactly how much I am getting and I do not spoil it by adding too much.
It is difficult judging things purely on price alone; in fact I never would. However, in terms of value for money, I think the cheaper GIG's wins without question.
I am surprised you did not mention and compare the hatred of your Tom Kerridge fish and chips. 😝
Happy New Year and all the best for 2024 ♥
Happy new year! £100 is deserved for old Gal.
'Not that expensive' coming from the 100 pound superchat 😂 27 quid for a fish and chips is having your pants down
Gary, first of all. Thank you for the comment and the kind words that you consistently give to myself and the channel.
Thank you so much for the Superchat, that’s incredibly generous of you to do and if possible, could you drop me an email? It’s on the about page. If you cannot find it, I’ll send it on here. Absolutely speechless - thank you.
Happy new year and all the best. 😃
But not totally pants down for that area of London I think that's what he's getting at. You should expect to pay over 20 quid for fish and chips in W1/W2 areas. The pisstake is a 2.50 surcharge for the mushy peas and curry sauce, things that should be a staple side to the point you shouldn't need to even ask for them and at worst, you should get at least one of those for free.@@Phife_Diggy
What a very kind and generous donation to the channel Gary... Thank you for supporting Gary... And the Gary Eats channel... Have a very Happy New Year my friend... Cheers mate. 🥂🍾
One of the nicest guys on TH-cam that you wouldn't mind having a drink with. Simple, straight to the point presentation, no exaggerations or clickbait. Keep it up mate!
Thank you Zippy, means a lot and always available for a drink!
@@GaryEats I don't live in London anymore (1 hour away when in the UK) but I'd battle the lunatics into Waterloo for a pint and a nosh anywhere. You should arrange a meet up and a "global" review !
Haha great stuff Andy! Oh yes we should.
True 👍
Yes but does he drink? Never seen him before. Nice lad.
Gary brings something new to reviews. Unbiased and very fair, love his feedback on the food he knows what to look for. Not another social influencer reviewing for free food! Deserves many more follows.
Thank you Chris 👍🏼
He should be on the 500k mark...pity that so many rubbish utubers get 1m plus
"Nice piece of lemon, there". I'm dying ❣🤣🤣🤣🤣
I always like the Partridge vibes of his videos 😋
LOL. One of the best parts.
No place does a lemon like london,i go there every year to get the best lemons in lemon season.
Gary gave the lemon a better review than the entire meal hahaha!
Haha!
The “expensive” option genuinely looked like something you’d be served in a Sainsburys cafe; a frozen Youngs slung in the fryer for 2mins. Absolutely awful. The chips looked vile (and you do give fair leeway with “chips are chips”)
Anyway, well done in 2023 Gary - really pleased I found your channel this year, great videos and here’s to an even better 2024! Cheers fella 🥂
Spot on. Thanks for watching mate and you're too kind. Means a lot.
Great vids. Honest, straightforward, no gimmicks. Gary is a relatable guy 👍
Thank you!
Gary, the expensive place had nice tartare sauce. The fish had definitely been frozen, hence all the liquid. The batter was undercooked and the chips needed a second or third fry. The curry sauce was like water and the peas were luminous. I can see why they do bottomless chips as nobody would order a second portion.
Indeed Rob lol. Thanks for watching!
You nailed it, the first fish and chips were cooked in an oil that wasn’t hot enough, and the fish might of been frozen or simply not dried enough before battering. Same here in New England. Go to a fine restaurant, and they treat fish and chips like peasant’s food, and don’t take it seriously. Mom and Pop places usually put their hearts and souls into it, and give you a much superior experience.
Thanks Paddy. Frozen fish, not good.
I live in the Midlands and visit my local chippy sporadically. It’s now about £12 for haddock and chips with a curry sauce or peas but there’s enough for both me and my wife.
The chips are crispy and rustle in the paper - particularly when they’re frying new potatoes. Same family has run the shop for about 40 years.
Indeed. Sounds very nice!
It's about almost £20 here in London
What's the name of Ur chippy in the Midlands ?
I don't think I've enjoyed listening to a food review channel as much as I've enjoyed listening to yours.
It makes you feel like I want to get out more myself and try different places as well.
Keep it up and keep it going, I thoroughly enjoyed this video, however watching your videos does make me hungry!!
🤣
Thank you Stephen. Very kind of you to say!
This seems weird. In the 70s I was at school just round the corner and the Seashell was a bog standard chippy, where we bought our lunchtime chips, with a sit-down area next door. Talk about gentrification!
Nice review Gary
Thank you mate. They do also serve a takeaway but I've not heard good things.
The boozer nearby The Globe used to do great Peruvian food but COVID did the owners in I think :(. Shame as it was quality.@@GaryEats
thanks Gary for braving the horrible weather,admire your dedication to bring us your great reviews .
No worries Angela. Have a lovely weekend!
Love your vids mate, from one South Londoner to another. When I were a kid, fish and chips were served in newspapers which contributed towards the taste. Also, this new fangled requirement for crispy chips is a new thing to me. Chips were never designed to be double or triple-cooked. Chips were originally designed to be limp and soggy and I would not have them any other way.😊
Yes, when you unwrapped everything the chips were always in this sodden lump. You just peeled them out. Crispy chips, don't think so?
Thank you very much :) oh I know they're not meant to be crispy but these ones were too soft and soggy. Just unlucky on the day!
100% correct fella!
Crisp chips cooked in beef dripping, outstanding. Neither meal looked particularly appetising Gary and the Seashell fish.....yuk. JimN.
I noticed that the chips in London aren’t exactly outstanding, if you go outside of London and you genuinely find them much better, the only thing London has in Spades is the Price and the expensive surcharge for standard service
Enjoying the no-nonsense reviews even though I'm nowhere near where you review !
Happy New year 🎉
I appreciate that! Thank you 😄
Hi Gary, The meal served at that first place looked awful. A classic tourist trap, maybe? Unlimited chips -- but who would want a second helping! Happy New Year.
Indeed. Happy New Year, Daniel!
Nice to see the channel growing as i said it would down to earth reviews and a happy place to come thank you gary and wife for the joy you bring happy new year to yiu both and the same to all the lovely people onhere godbless you all
Thank you Carl :)
The Seashell has certainly changed a lot since I last used it back in 1975. Then it was just a regular fish and chip shop but with a great reputation which was well deserved. Usually visited after a night at the Brazen Head up the road and a slow tasty walk home.
Indeed. Heard many people say similar.
Good honest review as always gary. Think your right, the first fish has been frozen then defrosted it looked awful. Second place was ok price wise ok to. Happy new year gary👍👍
Thanks Helen! 👍
It looked disgusting, these highly priced places don’t know how to do it, they put a bit of green stuff on and charge a fortune. Great honest review Gary
Thanks for watching Dan!
I think these kind of places start hiding behind their name and image after they have developed and employ substandard staff and reduce their staff costs whilst increasing their profits. They think they can get away with it by comprising on the quality of the food. This goes to show in the food industry very often u never get what you pay for. Very good video first time I m watching I learnt a lot from you
There is definitely a common theme as the most expensive not being the best. I feel sorry for tourists to come to London and treat themselves to an expensive restaurant and then go home having missed the good stuff.
My favourite fish and chips is Masters Super Fry near Waterloo station. Most of the regulars are taxi drivers, and the food is incredible.
I'm curious to know how you feel about trip advisor and their local guides for people without local knowledge
Indeed. Thank you Pete, I will get back to you soon and also take a look at Masters.
@PeteBennettUK Wow, your comment about Masters Super Fish took me back. Before moving up North, I worked on the trains in and out of Waterloo Station and at least once (if not more !!!) a week when my break was at Waterloo, I’d walk down to Masters and get Fish and Chips. I haven’t been there in over 15 years, but I agree it was the best Fish and Chips I’ve ever tasted. Now you’ve reminded me about Masters, I’m going to have a trip down there in the New Year and get a ‘Masters Special’ !.
Also recommend masters super fish. Delicious and they buy their fish fresh from billingsgate
@@idealjohn if you let me know when you’re going I may well join you.
I had a totally different experience to you at Sea Shell 3 weeks ago although I didn’t have curry sauce and I had my fish fried in Matzo meal. In any case restaurants… especially at that price… should be consistent.
Love your channel by the way!
Amazing! Thank you Lee, glad you had a good experience.
A friend of mine recently went to England and wanted to try Fish and Chips for the first time. He made the error of going to an expensive restaurant and letting them serve him, rather than getting it from a van or an actual Fish and Chip shop. It was very expensive, and he said: "It's just a piece of fish with fat, dry french fries," and I'm sure he was right, but now he thinks fish and chips is bad food.
So many good places to go.
Not sure why fish and chips are considered a national dish, for us a boring meal and we very rarely eat it so felt sorry for your friend, was he American ?
Australia,New South Wales, Tweed Heads, Scales seafood,on the river,short walk to Coolangata, Queensland 15mins walk to beaches
@@blackvulcan100 Why would he be American?
Usually Americans are unimpressed about fish and chips, that's all nothing else. I like Americans very much.@@onevastanus
I remember when I was a child growing up in the 1970s Friday night was fish & chip dinner time. The queue outside the chippy in West Kensington was always very large. I'd usually meet my friends queuing there as well. The chips were always soggy as I recall, and I always used to get two pickled onions to accompany my meal. Happy Days. Chippy is still there, a sad shadow of its former self, though. London is expensive so I rarely buy fish & chips now. I know other people have mentioned this but I'll add my tuppence worth, your reviews are always down to earth, with a bit of humour thrown in for good measure; you're always fair with your comments and your presentation and personality are a joy to watch. Happy New Year to you Gary and to Mr. Cameraman. All our best wishes Tania and Chirpy (the dancing pigeon).
All the best to you Tania. Have a wonderful 2024.
Hey Gary, great reviews, cheers. The Tottenham Court Road venue was decent on price at least. If you can face doing one more London fish and chip shop at some point, I'd be really interested to hear what you think of Toff's of Muswell Hill. It's a fish and chip shop that's been in Muswell Hill for decades. A bit of a local landmark. You'd imagine that it's longevity means it must be doing something right! Cheers - love your channel.
Thank you 👍🏼
I haven't been to Toffs for years, but I went once or twice when I lived in Highgate. I got the calamari and chips, i remember I enjoyed it. The place is a local legend
Proof right there that paying over the odds does not always get you the quality deserved. What a year it's been for your channel here on TH-cam Gary. All the very best for 2024 pal🍻 All the best to the cameraman too!
Spot on. All the best to you and thank you for all the support - its been amazing.
I very rarely come across " crispy" chip shop chips. Double cooked with a nice coloured outer and soft fluffy centre are my personal favourites. A similar meal as gigs can cost you £8/9 in my local area but fish is larger. Enjoying your vids 👍🏻👍🏻
Thank you mate! Yes, London prices are expensive.
they both looked disappointing, but the expensive one was a real let-down value wise, basically everything but the tartar sauce was a failure.
hope your next restaurant trips are more enjoyable, thanks for the nice video and a happy new year to you!🥳
Indeed... happy new year!
And it's nearly impossible to make bad tartar sauce xD
HNY Gary, didn't realise that another YT Vlogger who is anti EV cars was at GIGS last year. GIGS last year was Cod 1.5 larger and also water bottle included for £9.50!!!! Welcome to UK
Indeed mate.
Chanced upon this channel a few days back and loved it. Apart from the great content your narration is very soothing and calming if that makes sense. The last time I was in the UK was 20 years ago and im not sure when i will visit next so may never be able to try any of these places. But do enjoy watching your reviews.
Keep up the great work Gary and All the best
Thank you very much. All the best to you :)
Miss the days of fish and chips wrapped in newspaper I swear it tasted better.
That's just nostalgia messing with you.
Very much depends where you go Marie. Thanks for watching
@@adamgrimsley2900no it's not
And change out of half a crown.
@@adamgrimsley2900it isn't, it is the fact the fish and the chips get pressed together and infuse for a few moments then the fish s&v sit on the chips during eating. You can still get them like that with a bit of grease proof paper.
The first place to me was an absolute rip-off. The food didn't look fresh & the batter looked dreadful. The second place looked much better & the fish, granted, a small portion, looked lovely & great value for money. Just goes to show, a bigger price doesn't mean better quality. Another great review Gary
Indeed. Thanks for watching and your kind words!
To be fair, the lemon looked lovely.
Lol.
Gigs far superior in terms of quality & value. I thought you were a little harsh to say the Gigs fish wasn’t the biggest you’ve ever seen - it was advertised as a mini fish.
Good vlog as ever young man. You’ve been a breath of fresh air for us this year. Well done Gary.
Thank you my friend.
The best food reviewer on you tube by far , no messing , in , review ,, out , and always fair , keep up the good work , you are saving me a fortune !!
Thank you so much that’s really kind
Giggs is one of my favourite treat lunch spots for payday. That lunch deal is with a slightly larger than average cod bite (or kebab) and I know their actual cod are much larger than that. For the location is decent value compared that what else is around there. I'd recommend trying Poppie's or Golden Union in Soho, both really good fish & chip shops that don't break the bank. Great videos as always with some nice honest comments!
Thank you Mark!
Poppies in Hanbury Street also very good
Scotland has fabulous fish and chips, especially Glasgow, always haddock, though they don't do mushy peas
I’ll be going up there very soon! 😄
I hope I bump into you! 😀
😄😄
(41) The "dear" fish and chips have a shocking case of "The Droops". And it wasn't like the restaurant was run off its feet. BOOO, HISSS. I'd want a refund. The "budget" meal was WAAAY better. At least the last meal left you with a better food memory for the day. Thanks, Gary!!!
Lol. You're more than welcome!
Being from the Scottish coast and a fishing town, that fish and chips was sad. Ive also tried fish and chips in London while there twice with a similar experience.
There is plenty places though in England that are absolute fantastic
Whitby
Cornwall
Brighton
Pittenweem
Margate
just a few places ive tried that were top notch.
Brighton was good. Enjoyed it there!
There are good fish and chip shops in London, my local in West London serves lovely crispy chips and was recently judged as one of the 40 best chippies in the UK. But with the previous couple of owners the chips were terrible, pale yellow slimy things.
There are some amazing chippies in London if you stay away from the tourist hotspots, My local - Kennedy's on Leigham Court Road in Streatham is fantastic! £10 for large cod n chips served in newspaper.
You raise a smile here Gary, as every f&c experience you've had in London seems to have let you down. From where we're sat, yes portion sizes on fish seem to have shrunk (daaan Saaarf). If ever in Sheffield, come try our famous Two Steps f&c Shop, amazing fat flaky crispy hot fish and chunky crispy chips. Might be worth seeking out Faulkner's on the Kingsland Road (E2) where in the 80s and 90s we enjoyed amazing variety of fish (always with chips). Happy New Year, thanks for all the hard work!!
This was an informative and well balanced review as always, Gary. Love your delivery and thoroughness.
My attention was alerted twice to your stated intention to visit Whitby to try Fish and Chips in the New Year. This is a good call as it is festooned with them, although some can border fine dining.
As someone who lives a 30 minute drive from this pescatarian Mecca, there are several to choose from. Our particular favourites are Trenchers, the Magpie, the Fisherman's Wife and Mr Chips.
Then, once you have tried those, take yourself off to the Lighthouse Fish Bar in Scarborough.
Go enjoy. See you up here soon.
Thank you very much Graham. Looking forward to it!
The first batter didn't look like traditional batter. I think both were disappointing but the first more so because of the price. I'd give 3 for the first and 5 for the second . Happy New year x
Happy New Year, Kathryn!
Gary as mindful as ever getting himself over the road to the restaurant gaffs. Exceptional standard.
Lol!!
Gary i hope for £22 it would be a bigger peice of cod and the chips a bit more golden thats expensive mate plus the fish batter is awful and the reason the fish is watery is because theh have washed the fish under cold water which you never do its pat dry either that or they shouldn't be a chef i wont be going
Hi David. Hope you're doing well mate and I agree!
@@GaryEats doing well Gary :) keep up the great work massive fan of this channel
Thank you mate,
Can we take a minute to appreciate the genius of Gary’s footwear choice. Smart enough looking for the higher end places but still enough of a trainer shoe to get away with not looking pretentious in an ordinary chippy.
I can't say I notice people's shoes in chip shops. Can you have shoes that are too pretentious for picking up some food?
Lol. One of the funniest comments I've read on the channel. The big question is though... do you like them?
@@SoLongKingBowser You can. I can’t provide any examples though, I’m sorry.
@@GaryEats I don’t don’t not like them Gary. I’d defend you if you were about to be turned away from a fancy establishment for not adhering to the dress code, put it that way. You need a durable shoe for daily uploads.
Haha, thank you.
Crikey. Well done for suffering so we don't have to. For what you paid for the first meal. I'd want part shares in the trawler that caught it! Such a shame they're both short of the mark. Another good honest review.
Happy new year to you, yours and the camera man.
You’re more than welcome!!
Great video as always - you certainly know your food - most enjoyable indeed - and you are sharing 'the knowledge' about the batter/fish/chips etc - how do you manage to eat TWO meals like that in one day ??? The Seashell was very empty....not a great starting point. £22 for Fish and Chips !!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🤣
Video after video, really impressed by how much content you are putting out !
So nice of you to say. It’s hard to do videos at times but I really enjoy it. Have a lovely weekend 😄
@@GaryEats you also have a great weekend ! And Happy New Year to you and the cameraman !
Thank you!
Have a feeling that fish was frozen then defrosted and then cooked. I'm with you on that one Gary. Not the freshest of fish. They may even have prepped it from frozen too. Dropping the temperature of the oil as it cooks, causing issues with the batter
Indeed Michael. I think you are right on that one. Thanks for watching and have a great weekend!
Yes, I think you're right 👍
You’re a legend Gary, how hard you work for the channel travelling around the country is impressive mate! Keep up the good work, your videos are always top quality and your honesty is refreshing compared to other food reviewers.. your scale is actually accurate! Happy new year my friend
Thank you very much mate, means a lot.
Another great comparison video, Gary! Happy New Year to you!
Thank you. Happy New Year!
Your score was perfect Gary, and yes West Yorkshire do the best fish and chips, with bits or scraps as some people call them and peas and Curry. all the best for the New Year Gary 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Have a great 2024, Sean!
If you ever come down to Brighton, do try bankers and Harry Ramsden's, they are two of the very best low cost ones in Brighton. Bankers used to have a takeaway in hove which is the only bankers I’ve tried but they still have a restaurant in Brighton. Definitely worth trying both, love to get your opinion on them.
I went to Captains. Have you been there?
Gary casually getting drenched for out content viewing is amazing lol
Not all heroes wear capes… 😄 haha.
Watery fish usually means it's frozen.
Indeed.
For me the biggest sign of frozen fish is actually that it's dry and quite 'meaty' rather than soft and flakey, even when it isn't overcooked. I reckon in this case that it's just a crap piece of fish that they've thrown straight into the batter without any attempt to flour it first
The best quality fish is frozen when caught and kept frozen until you are ready to cook it. Then it needs to be properly defrosted and prepared, before being cooked in very hot oil.
I can remember walking home from the Chip Shop carrying my Chips and Sausage with Salt &
Vinegar, wrapped in Newspaper. The smell alone was worth the 25 pence. The Chip Shop had our
Union Jack Flag flying to welcome home the Chip Shop owners Son back from a Military Conflict in
the 1980’s. That was in Nottinghamshire.
You can always identify a great Chip Shop because it will always be busy and probably have a queue
outside the door.
Spot on.
Happy New Year Gary! I would have sent back the Seashell plate and see if they could improve? Well done finishing it at least.
Happy New Year Norman!
Great video as always. Maybe it’s just me but I don’t go to a fish and chip shop and expect really crispy chips.
Thank you! Oh, I don't expect crispy chips at all but unfortunately both were a bit soft even for fish and chip shop chips.
When the slice of lemon is a highlight there’s something definitely wrong! You’d expect that a restaurant charging that much would at least double cook the chips.
Indeed!!
Seeing that chip flop in the curry sauce actually brought back memories of The Great Depression, and I wasn't even alive for it.
Seriously no word of a lie mate I'd have sent that entire meal back. I wouldn't from a normal chippy but from a place in Marylebone absolutely (which I think this is near). What's scary is their 4.2/5 rating, but if you go down their reviews, it's all clearly non-English names so I'm wondering if they just get away with this because the locals don't eat there but the tourists fall for it.
Haha. I’ve not heard good things about their takeaway which is why I avoided it, I also mentioned the curry sauce and the fish but nothing was done. Thanks!
I take solace in knowing you at least told them about it which I think as a reviewer means you've done your job, there's nothing worse I think than when people give bad reviews - but don't give the restaurant a chance to fix the issue on the spot as well. Merry christmas and happy new year.@@GaryEats
Thank you mate. Happy New Year to you!
Maybe the oil is not heating because of the weather.🙄 Thank you for braving the weather to do this review.
Seashell was a total disappointment for the ridiculous price when the best thing was the tartar sauce. It wasn’t hard for Gig to beat it for half the price.
Lol. Thank you Patrick :)
Festive Greetings Gary. Beautiful weather outside. The Lisson Grove is so so so expensive... I went to Christ College school in Finchley Central and noticed this Two Brothers Fish Restaurant nearby. Please try it one day.
Wonderful as always mate. I’ll take a look!
Ive been to the seashell about 7 year's ago.
I can't say it was a standout meal.
But it was better than what you experienced.
Happy New year to all 🎉
Happy new year!
You should try The Regal in Felixstowe mate , the cod is size of a whale 🐋 and chips also delightful 😊
Haddock
Would love to give that a go. Thanks George :)
@@GaryEats Just up the coast at Aldeburgh the local chippy won an award as the best in the country.
Love your videos Gary! You know that you can’t beat good old Murgatroids here in sunny Leeds! If you’re up this way again, there are 2 Chippies in Flamborough on the north east coast, both are on another level! They are the only 2 in the town so you can’t miss them.
I'm missing Murgatroyds already Paul. Thanks for watching!
Very honest review.
For me, I would have returned the first plate at the Seeshells Restaurant and ask them to try again, saying that both the fish and chips were undercooked and that the mushy peas were cold. If you were paying big money you expect the food to be cooked properly.
As for the second plate, as you said the fish was a small piece. I wonder how much the normal price is for these and is the fish bigger?
As for scores I would give the Seashells a 3/10 on;y that the tartare sauce was good, and Giggs a 7/10 only because the batter was crisp, mushy peas good and the price. Other wise it would be a 1 and 5 respectively.
Thanks Conor. Agreed!
I have been to Gigs. Albeit four years ago and this was a sit down meal with two sides. Came to about £17 and the cod was good as were the chips. But I can see times have indeed changed for a good honest chippy. Think you are right about giving London a swerve in this respect. By the sea or up North I recon, going forwards.
Yep. Next fish and chips will be elsewhere.
Hi Gary, another absolute spot on comparison review. Totally agree with your comments, although I don’t fancy either of them. Best fish and chips I have had was at Whitby. Well done 56k and climbing. Definitely the best food review channel!
Thank you very much Virgil. Kind of you to say.
25 years ago when I was working in London, the Seashell was always a "Go To" place to take clients. We always loved it and never had a bad meal. They used to do a whole Haddock in batter, (a small haddock!), that was sensational.
Has it changed hands?
I have no idea. Certainly, it looks like a major refit since I last was there!
Another good job Gary. Now you've done a takeaway you must get up to Tetbury Fish and Chip Shop. Just remember they're on holiday until 10th January. Happy New Year Les & Sue 🎉
Thank you Les and Sue. Wishing you all the best.
One way of getting a great dish of fish and chips in London is Mccain oven chips, Waitrose cod in batter and using an air fryer, wait 25 minutes....delicious!!!! 10/10
Spoons uses Mccain I think.
Nice. Thanks for watching!
McCain's oven chips are not bad. But my local convenience store used to stock some Dutch oven chips used for commercial catering. They were superb, almost as good as the best fried chips I've had.
London is the definition of location equal’s massive price. Actual quality doesn’t matter. You’re in London that’s what you pay. Best fish n chips are either at the coast or the local chippy
Hi Gary, I’m in Islington and I’ve got a proper fish restaurant and fish and chip shop called fish central in Kings square just off of City rd,great menu and service, give it a go. The baked cod is something else mate and not an arm and a leg. Happy new year to you.
Hi mate. I'll have a look and will try to give it a go!
Gary, when you go to Whitby, you should definitely do a comparison between Trenchers and The Magpie. I've eaten at both and they are excellent. I'd really be interested to know your opinion. In Cornwall, I have tried The Harbour Chippy in Newquay but that was quite a while ago, so not sure what it would be like now. Also, while down in Cornwall you should try the Cornish Pasties at The Pengenna Bakery in Tintagel - delicious!!
Already got three of the most popular shops in Whitby and will be doing a comparison review of all of them. Thank you!
Great reviews as ever! As someone who has grown up near the coast, the very thought of being served frozen fish in a restaurant is beyond me. As for the price….. I’m sure you’ve had many recommendations already but come to Grimsby or Cleethorpes and try our fish and chips up here. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed
I'm interested in reviewing the £3 fish and chips!
@@GaryEatsyeah for the money it’s amazing. Believe it or not they are better than the two your reviewing here….
As always Gary great honest reviews, thank you. Am i the only person that thinks Gary should have his own show on the TV?
Thank you Mark. You wouldn’t me on your screen everyday mate 😄
I used to go years ago to Seashells must of definitely changed hands because when i used to go early 90's the fish and chips we top notch plus the decor has changed.
Sad if it has changed. Thanks for watching!
For me value is so important. If I am going to a special place it needs to be really special. So the Tottenham Court Road chip shop won it hands down. Wonderful video as always Gary and I really enjoy the comparison reviews. They are my favourites.
Thank you Stephanie!!
I only live around the corner from the Seashell, you have the review spot on Gary.
Keep up the good work.
Thank you my friend. I presume you've had a similar experience.
Another great honest video review, shame about the first one though, and astronomical cost for what you ate. If you ever go to Suffolk the best and cheapest fish and chips is in Aldeburgh. There are only 2 there owned by the same company. One is takeaway only the other also has dine in. Both get really busy but tast great. Happy New Year Gary.
Thank you and Happy New Year Angie. Thanks for watching!
I'm a native of a famous NE Scotland Fishing town: Arbroath. I worked in Edgware, Greater London, for several years, and I deliberately went to a chip shop that sold frozen fish!
However, burying my brother, who lived in Wapping (just before the gentrification) I found a small Greek run, father, and son, traditional Fish and Chip shop - they had Haddock (the Scots favoured fish) I asked whats your Haddie like, and the son brought out this huge great fish nearly as fresh as I get at home! (I'm guessing from Billingsgate, that morning, it was still the old market then) One of the best fish suppers I ever had: and both my sister, and mother agreed👍
I don't remember the name, and sad to say, it's highly unlikely the business is still there now, post posh boys in red braces.
(Curiously, my father was born in the next Borough: Shadwell in 1922 😉)
Wishing you the best mate.
As always a top class review,honest and respectful,
Can we also give a shout out to whoever puts together the music for your videos, some great stuff
Thanks for watching! Me and the cameraman work together on it :)
Gary, you are a good man for once again taking one for the team. From a viewer's perspective that restaurant was beyond disappointing; It's a pretty sad situation when the tartar sauce and lemon are the stars of the show. 🤨I also thought the mushy fish was ready to be made into a fish cake or be served to my cat Lincoln as a special treat. 😸
Now that would be animal cruelty feeding that poor excuse for fish to poor lovely Lincoln , Dont do it as he /she will end up with a sore belly the poor kitty! 😄 🐾 🐈
Lol. That made me laugh!
Seashell was my closest chippy when I lived in Central London, but I think I only went there twice... Didn't rate it at all, despite their posh prices. Much preferred the Golden Hind down Marylebone Lane, twice as far to walk, but way better. But as far as Lindon chippies go, even the Hind wasn't that great... but it was walkable!
I agree with you about the chippies in Central London. Nothing much to shout about at all. There used to be a ceacker down either Teobalds Rd or Grays Inn Road (same street, it changes name after the Yorkshire Grey pub on the right) The chippy was on the left (heading south) and had a catchy name - Golden Fryer, or something like that - but I'm pretty sure its gone now. The North Sea on Leigh St (off Judd Street, opposite the Norfolk Arms) had a fantastic reputation, but I didn't think much of it. It had those same pallid, squidgy chips like you got at the Seashell and the cheap place. If you'd have them wrapped up in paper, I guarantee both chips and batter would have stuck to the paper! Yuk!
Oil not hot enough, as you said in the review. A big part of the problem is these establishments are generally run by people whose culture does not include something as "British" as Fish and Chips, and I think they genuinely don't know what the meal SHOULD be like - havind said that I believe the dish was first sold by jewish (?) immegrants in the early 19th Century. Check out Henry Mayhew's "London Labour and the London Poor" for a contemporary account of the first "fish and chip" stalls in London.
Blimey... Talk about waffle! 🤣😂
I understand completely as I was very very disappointed
@@GaryEatsadded a bit more waffle...
Love the videos, Gary! I would highly recommend trying the Ocean Fish Bar in Cleethorpes if you ever find yourself in the area, they have a great value special option and it's highly rated by both locals and visitors alike
Thank you!! I'll be up to Cleethorpes at some point :)
Shocking from the seashell. Shocking. I often walk past it on my way to Lord’s and always planned to pop in one day. Now I most certainly won’t.
Indeed.
The sea shell used to be one of best in London but gone downhill last few years . I think the fish is watery just don’t think it was cooked long enough . Try Kennedy’s on goswell road (London) or masters superfish Waterloo road . Far better and cheaper as well !
A shame to hear.
Nice one, Gary, a fascinating insight into the world of fish and chip providers. I'll definitely be catching-up with your thoughts on this particular meal from locations outside of London, great work on your part, keep it going, please. Best. GK.
Both restaurants were so disappointing to be honest so I really took nothing out of the visits apart from I won’t be returning unfortunately GK 🤷♂️
I enjoyed that video as always, keep up the good work 👍🇮🇪
Thanks Jay! 👍
Hi Gary. If my wife & I fancy F&C's, we just make them ourselves at home these days as the state of the Chip Shops around here is, frankly, dire. We use Maris-Piper spuds 4 the chips (washed 3 times to remove the starch), scrupulously fresh fish, and soda water for the batter. Half the price; twice as good.
Some of that fish looked like it had been quickly defrosted under a running tap tbh.
Great post as always, pal👍.
Have to agree with you my friend. Have a good new year!
So disappointing that both places weren’t much good.
About 25 years ago (!) my son and I went back to Greenwich to visit my mum ( live in Alabama now). Right across from her flats was a little chip shop that had the BEST fish & chips I’d ever had. I think we were in there nearly every day. The owner, Sonny, was amazing! One day, after ordering, he said, “You sit down and have a cup of tea while I cook it fresh!”
Amazing product.
Indeed. Thanks for watching!
That was interesting Gary, thank you. The £7-50 fish and chips were excellent value for money, and filled a gap, perhaps not perfect but take the location into account, and they're a goer. The expensive jobs well they are not for me, thank you, and a Happy and Healthy New year to you.
Thank you Colin. Much better than the first!
The chish n fips from Gigs looked 20 x more appetising than the first place Gaz. Instantly looked more appealing. I would have asked for a refund on the first one and left, looked a bit pants that. Thanks for taking one for the subscribers, cheers, Daz.
Indeed Daz. Hope you're well. Thanks for watching!
@@GaryEats All good here thanks Gaz, had a lovely curry tonight shortly after watching your latest video. Enjoying your content, thanks for all you do 🤗
What did you go for mate?
@@GaryEats Hi Gaz, I had a chicken naga, pilau rice, saag aloo, keema naan, onion bhaji starter and some poppadoms from my local here in Leicester, Spice Bazzar on the Welford Road, fantastic indian cuisine , they have won the curry awards and are visited by celebrities regularly, highly recommended !
My local 'chippy' has been there for decades. Been going there just as long where you'll pay about £6 for large portion + lovely Cod etc. Cheers 4 another vid'/Addictive channel.👍
Really appreciate that mate, thank you!
I came across your channel only recently. Although I don’t live in England I find your videos interesting. Very well presented.
If I may ask out curiosity. Does your camera man also eat with you or does he just watch and film? 😊
Thank you. He usually just films but bringing out a video on Monday to explain everything!
Keith Floyd used to say, that the best way to gauge how good a restaurant is, is to look at how busy it is. If it's empty, it's either because of how bad it is, or how much the food costs, or a mix of both.
The clientele never lies.
Used to watch his programs religiously.
Newfoundlander here. We pride ourselves on our fish and chips! Gary I think neither meal looked particularly appetizing. Love your channel.
Thanks for watching 😄
I first attended the Seashell of Lisson Grove in 1974 when it was still in its former location further south in Lisson Grove. Back in those days it only ever fried and served freshly caught fish in their proprietory batter in fresh oil at the correct temperature. Result was that the fish and the chips were always excellently crispy and drained of oil. I became a regu;lar customer for many years and have great memories of enjoying good meals there either by dining in their restaurant or as a takeaway. Their excellence continued throughout the time that it was privately owned and managed.
However, after it was sold to a large corporation I noticed a slow yet steady decline in both the quality of the meal and the service provided. As a result I stopped going there, and have not dined there now for many years. In its best days it was always packed out. There was always a queue for the restaurant as well as the takeaway. As you saw those great glory days have long gone, and the low quality of the meal they served you explains why all that remains are the good memories of old pensioners such as me.
Very disappointing to hear Leonard but explains a lot.
Yes, hugely disappointing. Back in its glory days of the 1970s and 1980s it was quite usual to see at least one Rolls Royce parked outside with its occupants enjoying the takeway they had just purchased from the takeaway counter. People were happy to queue outside the restaurant for an hour or two just to get into the restaurant. Whenever there was a long queue staff would frequently come out with tea, chips and mini fishballs or scampi to refresh those who were patiently queuing. They only served fresh fish purchased from Billingsgate early the same day.
I don’t eat fish anymore, but my favourite chip shop near(ish) to me is Wright’s in Ware. Counter service, takeaway only but never disappoints. There’s several fish & chip shops in Ware…perhaps you could visit them all and do a comparison….make sure you’re hungry though!😂
🤣🤣
That's a shame that the Seashell seems to have gone down the pan a bit. I used to go there regularly when I visited London on business and it wasn't that expensive either. I always had a great fish and chip dinner there. Its appears that everything in the smoke is set up for tourists with lots of money to spend and sod the quality.....all very sad. Have a great New Year Gary and hope you get up to Manchester soon....The Indian Tiffin Room is awaiting your patronage!!!
Yeah the sea shell used to be superb but started going downhill last few years . Not certain but think owners might have changed
Sad to hear David. Yes, can't wait. Do you recommend the curry mile in Manchester?
@@GaryEats Hi Gary, personally I think the Curry Mile is living off past reputations and not as good as it used to be. However, the two I would recommend are The Ziya Grill and The Shere Khan. The latter used to be excellent but have heard a few things that it isn't as good as it was a few years back. Hope this helps and as always, beauty is in the eye of the beholder!!!
As it seems you are off to Whitby at some point Gary, I can suggest the Fisherman’s wife - it’s set back a little from the sea front and I ate there shortly after covid restrictions were lifted. Being a vegetarian I can’t really comment on the fish quality but I was with someone who did have the fish and was generally happy with it.
The chips seemed more than decent to me and the service friendly.
I have tried the Magpie also, which always gets lots of mentions when Whitby fish and chip shops are the topic and again I can only comment on the chips (and scraps which were on offer also) and they seemed decent too. The trouble with The Magpie is that there are usually queues there (suggesting it’s a bit of a tourist trap) and I just can’t be arsed to wait in line!
Yes you can, I'm going to do a big comparison video!
Love your reviews Gary!!!
There are some lovely restaurants down in Kent. You should try the West house which is a Michelin star restaurant in Biddenden which is in a quaint old village which I’m sure you would like. Keep it up. 👍💪💪
Thank you!! Do you know any Sunday Roasts?
@@GaryEats The Bull in Benenden and the White lion in Tenterden do fantastic Sunday roasts! 👌
I used to go to the Seashell nearly 50 years ago, when it was the original chippie. Then they expanded the shop so you could sit down. On the way back to Marylebone Station, after football, my mates and I went in there about 6pm. There was always a queue outside, with the occasional Roller parked up. If you went in there just before closing, I would get about 1lb of chips with my Rock Salmon. I think back then, it was cooked in Peanut Oil. By the early 90s they had moved just down the road, into what had been a pub. From your review, the quality has gone down a lot!
Sad to hear that it's gone downhill so much.
Same weather over here Gary, and very windy. Oh how disappointing your plate of fish and chips are. Your fish was frozen and not dried, batter appalling. The chips looked looked like plasticine. You were a brave man to attempt them. Crispy batter on the second lot, chips once again disappointing. I would have been devastated, seeing as it's my favourite meal. Second ones for me please😂 Great video again Gary
Thank you Ann. I feel like we’re in synergy with the weather as per usual.
Absolutely Gary😂😂