Sandsend, Fish & Seafood Restaurant Guide

“The queue even on the stormiest of autumn days speaks volumes” for this “classic seaside stalwart” which – as the UK’s best-known chippy – “requires little introduction” and is “still as popular as ever” (including in our annual diners’ poll, in which it’s one of the top-25 most mentioned places outside London). “Perched on the harbour, in shouting distance of the fishing fleet”, you enter up steep steps into a “big and rather functional” warren of dining spaces that’s “a bit too brightly/starkly lit” for some tastes. “Most punters opt for the fish ’n’ chips but the adventurous menu based on local caught fish is in a different class”: “a long read supplemented with the chalked daily specials” (“I love the fact that samphire is always available as a side too”). Top Menu Tip – “The oysters served simply on ice were divine. It’s always a tough choice… but… I did the usual and fell for a large haddock with mushy peas and a pot of tea”.