Eric’s Fish & Chips in Thornham, Norfolk, is the first fish and chip shop to be included in the new app version of The Good Food Guide.
The restaurant was praised by the guide’s inspector for serving “excellent fish and chips and mushy peas, done properly”.
The review states how “a sparkling fresh plate-filling plaice, in local ale batter and fried to crisp perfection in beef dripping” was the star of the meal.
Praise was also given to the halloumi and spinach arancini, deep fried cookie doughball and local bottled beers, before the reviewer summed up by saying: “In all, a laudable updating of the class British seaside cafe”.
Owner Eric Snaith, who owns branches in Holt and St Ives as well as the 3 AA Rosette restaurant and hotel Titchwell Manor, comments: “I’m chuffed. We had no idea anyone came in and inspected us so it was very unexpected.
“It’s such as great guide, it’s so well-respected and although we’ve been in it before with the hotel we’ve never been in it with Eric’s.
“I think it’s an indicator that people value simple, really tasty food. It’s great that fish and chips wasn’t overlooked as a greasy takeaway and for it to be shown the respect it deserves. When it’s cooked well, fish and chips is a really good dish.”
Medium cod and chips at Eric’s costs £10.75.
The Good Food Guide returns after a two-year pause in publication and sees it move from an annually printed guidebook to a subscription-only app. It has launched with 300 cafes, pubs, wine bars and restaurants across the country but with the ability to update the app more frequently than a printed publication, reviews, new recommendations as well as old favourites will be added more regularly, delivering what its creator says will be “an accurate, up-to-date account of eating out across the country”.
Elizabeth Carter, editor of The Good Food Guide, comments: “As The Good Food Guide is about good food in all its forms, we plan to offer more fish and chip recommendations. After all, who doesn’t love fish and chips?
“Eric’s Fish and Chips is the first of several superb discoveries our inspectors have made as they tour the country. There are more to follow.”
Flotsam and Jetsam, a seafood and frites restaurant in Broadstairs, Kent, also made the guide.
