Well, as we know, I hate all chain fooderies, from Subway to Macdonalds to any pub serving food from 3665 and Brake Brothers, so it was not with a happy heart that I accepted an invite to Harry Ramsdens "fish and chip monopoly".
I`m not a fish and chip fan anyway and never have been , I expected to limp my way through a stale piece of cod, soggy chips coated in Sarsons and attempt to smile in company.

All I can say is, don`t be put off by this chain as I have been in all the time that it has been growing.

Obviously fried food is the main thing, but I certainly did not expect decent posh waiters, blatantly highly trained cooking people, the lightest and perfectly cooked chips that I have ever had in my life (real potato chunks, not remoulded ones, sorry Heston, they are better than yours), fantastic light chicken breast and not forgetting, the humble English mushy peas, so sweet, I wish that I had some here for breakfast.

A further surprise, these places are liscened, with a great wine and beer list.

I have eaten in some lovely posh and Michellin rated places, Harry Ramdens was, in my book going to be awful, it is not, seek one out near your areas, you won`t be dissapointed.

I went to my first Harry Ramsdens on a holiday when I was about 10 years old. I recall it being rather good, but we don't have many of his branches in my part of the UK. Our local fish'n'chip shop is also very good. Nice crisp chips, tasty fish, and quality mushy peas (the vital ingredient).

I have noticed that there are very few real fish'n'chip shops in the south of England. The small locals where you pop in and say "Twice, please," and they know exactly what you mean; and they wrap your food in paper. Wonderful!

Our local Ramsdens was opened to much amusement from the locals. It was sited opposite a family run fish restaurant that has been established for decades. Some would say its an institution. It sells locally sourced seafood (not frozen) and is well known for its battered fish teas. Thankfully, Ramsdens has gone now. Its been replaced by "Loch Fyne" purveyors of the most beautiful Scottish seafood. Good riddance Harry!

Harry Ramsdens went off when Granada bought the chain. Do Compass still own it? I've noticed they are no longer at Moto Motorway service areas anymore. (Putting them there really damaged the brand in my opinion).

I am getting the feeling that they brand themselves at different levels.

"Posh" ones and "chippies".

After fish and chips I find a cup of tea tastes excellent - in fact the nicest tea ever is post chippy.

zooloo wrote:
After fish and chips I find a cup of tea tastes excellent - in fact the nicest tea ever is post chippy.

You're absolutely right! Tea is heavenly following a good fish and chips!

Sadly here in Liverpool, I've yet to find one place that does a decent fish and chips which is frustrating for me since it's my fave meal next to a good old English breakfast. It had a Harry Ramsdens for a while but that shut down a few years back. Whenever I go to my Mums in Lincolnshire, the highlight for me is always a fish and chip meal in Grimsby or Cleethorpes... followed by a nice steaming mug of tea. Absolute bliss!

Lancashire has the best pie and chips though ( Hollands Pies with gravy or curry sauce over them )

Bradeys in Wandsworth Town used to do great F&C - not sure if they are still there now

I have not been to Liverpool and eaten much, Elliot.
I recall one curry and an incredible singing waiter though there who was determined to impress!
I loved the place and it seemed so full of natural entertainers and extroverts.

You're right there Mart!

Liverpool certainly is full of characters and many scousers are natural born entertainers whether it be their wit, musical talent or sport skills.

A lot of restaurants here of many kinds which is unfortunate since I can't really afford to eat out often to check them all out! Certainly plenty of choice and diversity though you sometimes have to search in the districts for hidden gems.

Not a fish and chip fan,so I won't judge.
However I lived in Bradford in the early 90s,and my folks used to visit the origional Ramsdenns when they dropped by.
OK though it was they eventually settled for another Chippy/resturant known as Mother hubbards in the area....so maybe things have improved?

Bradford is a wonderful place to eat! I bought onion bahji with chips for about a quid once.
People make rude jokes about Bradford food (down South) and rate Birmingham Balti Houses` higher in a food rating, but the very best curries and varieties of food available along with London of course,(in the UK) are in Bradford and the surrounding areas, certainly for value.

Very good indeed and if I had not have eaten so much this minute, I would crave any Bradford Takeaway.