Olley's

I was astounded. I took my daughter to Olley's over the Easter break. I had remembered that it was quite expensive but was surprised to see the cod and haddock priced as high as £9.45 and £10.45 respectively. Ah well, I thought, it's a treat and so we ordered, haddock and chips for her, cod, chips and peas for me, plus a can of pop each. The food arrived suspiciously quickly as I commented to my daughter but the waitress, who I think overheard me, explained the rapid arrival by telling us that the fish had been prepared for staff lunches and fair enough it was very freshly cooked. But also (in the case of the cod) very small. I had noticed on arrival a board offering a smaller portion at a reduced price so I asked if mine was standard; I was assured that it was. I wonder if the reduced portion is visible to the naked eye? The haddock was small-medium. Both fish were beautifully cooked though, with a light, crisp batter and obviously fresh fish. But the chips were just poor - not hand cut, flaccid, straight out of a bag, very disappointing.

Next, the bill and here comes the astounding bit. As I've already said, the prices were a little higher than I'd expected but I had assumed at that price that chips would be included. Oh no. £3 each portion - £6 for two scoops of freezer bag chips. The total bill, for two people to have fish and chips and a can of pop (£3.50 for two cans) was £31.40. This, I'm afraid, is just silly.

Also silly, finally, is the idea that Olley's is one of the five best fish and chip shops in England (or is it the UK?) It's not; in all seriousness, I could take you to many more than five places in Whitby (where this place would last about five minutes before being razed to the ground by outraged locals) alone that are better than Olley's. That's not hyperbole, I mean it literally.
Comment on this reader review

Paul Bowen
5 Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 1
Friday, April 29, 2011

The best chips I've ever had (and I've been to a lot of sea-sides). Excellent customer service, food was super, well priced for the quality of the food you get. Would recommend any day, definitely over Sea Cow in East Dulwich.
Comment on this reader review

Juliana
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Friday, November 05, 2010