Harden's survey result
Summary
Born in 2001 when the owners started to sell their daily catch from a small clapboard hut in the harbour – a fish ‘n’ chip takeaway sibling, ‘The Little Fish & Chip Shop’, in the town centre, joined in 2015 – this local fixture was gutted by a fire in spring 2023. As we went to press, it was still operating as a takeaway with outside seating (plus fishmonger open seven days a week), but happily there were plans to re-open the restaurant proper in November 2024, so here’s hoping it’s back on its feet by the time this guide is out. Owing to such unfortunate events, feedback this year was limited, but the much-loved icon continued to secure very respectable marks.
Summary
A fire in May 2023 engulfed this beloved clapboard-shack-style venue with town-centre spin-off, as well as its quayside neighbours, but they were already up and running as a takeaway the following month, with plans to re-open the restaurant (for now there’s limited outdoor seating). Despite the setback, it continues to win raves for “fish ‘n’ chips as good as it gets”, featuring “crispy batter” and “crunchy/soft” chips, “all cooked in umami-packed beef dripping”; add in “a dollop or two of mushy peas as contrasting texture…and who could ask for more?”
Summary
This “unpretentious and quirky clapperboard-style shack” on the Blyth estuary quayside excels for its “really fresh seafood, served simply”. It’s “difficult to get to without a car”, but they also run the Little Fish & Chip Shop in the middle of town. Top Menu Tip – “wonderful oysters and superb grilled prawns”.
Summary
“For a relaxed eatery (i.e. with decor that’s rough around the edges), the food is top quality” at this “exceptionally well-priced” shed, fishmonger and smokery on Southwold harbour. (If you want to get your grub to go, they also run The Little Fish & Chip Shop in Southwold town).
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Sole Bay Fish Company?
22e Blackshore, Southwold, IP18 6ND
Restaurant details
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £0.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £2.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £4.50 |
| Service | 10.00% |
22e Blackshore, Southwold, IP18 6ND
Opening hours
| Monday | 8 am‑4 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am‑4 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am‑4 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am‑4 pm |
| Friday | 8 am‑5 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am‑5 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am‑4 pm |
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