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Is this Britain's most expensive chippy? Viral videos show fish lovers tucking into eyewatering £65 takeaway

Is this Britain's most expensive chippy? Viral videos show fish lovers tucking into eyewatering £65 takeaway

Daily Mail​3 days ago
It's a British classic and a typically more affordable Friday night treat than going out to dine at a fancy restaurant.
But one fish and chips in Kent has raised eyebrows with its eye-wateringly expensive version of the beloved dish.
At £65 for its 'special' cod and fries, Archie's Fish and Chips in Minster, Thanet, has surpassed Bentley's Oyster Bar and Grill in Mayfair - at £29 for the meal - and Gordon Ramsay 's £24.50 version at Bread Street eateries.
But there's a welcome twist as Archie's monster portion of the quintessentially British dish is so large it could serve you for a week - or feed an entire household.
The 2.2kg battered fillet has become a viral sensation on social media platforms such as TikTok, with food lovers shown excitedly tucking into the beast.
Alex and Natalie Bovalyaev, who have run the chippy for 11 years, originally served the almighty meal as a one-off for friends.
But after a positive reaction, they decided to put it on the menu for other fish lovers to try.
Have YOU tried it? Email katherine.lawton@mailonline.co.uk
The 2.2kg battered fillet has become a viral sensation on social media platforms such as TikTok
'It's bringing more customers in, as I think people enjoy something unusual,' Mr Bovalyaev told KentOnline.
'People love it on TikTok. I don't think they've seen a fish that size before, so we're getting more orders now. It's good fun and makes people happy.'
As well as the fish itself, the feast also includes four portions of chips, four sides, four drinks and bread and butter.
One viral clip on TikTok shows a man cutting into the massive fillet - showing just how far the meal goes as a normal sized portion hardly puts a dent in the fish.
While one person commented 'ouch' at the £65 price tag, another replied: 'That's pretty good considering a single portion of fish & chips near me costs about 15 quid, looks lush as well, hope you all enjoyed it.'
Another added: 'I wouldn't share.'
A fourth said: 'No taste to something that big. Small fish taste better.'
Popular chef and TV star Gordon Ramsay has not gone unnoticed for his version of the British favourite, dished up at Bread Street eateries across the country - which can cost up to £24.50 depending on the restaurant.
The dish is unsurprisingly served up with mushy peas and tartare sauce on the side.
At Bentley's Oyster Bar and Grill in Mayfair, you'll expect to pay £29 for a version of the same dish, also served with tartare sauce and mushy peas, as you might expect.
One viewer wrote on TripAdvisor: 'Don't get me started on the best fish and chips I have ever had.'
A far cheaper alternative in Britain is Mathews Chippy in Grimsby, which sells a cod, fish and peas special for just £3.
Singing its praises, one reviewer wrote of the eatery: 'Brilliant value for money 3 quid for a fish chips and peas special. Food was nice and great service, really busy queuing out the door.'
In April, some fish and chips shop owners revealed they are no longer turning a profit from selling cod, amid inflation, rising costs and tightening fishing quotas.
Concerned about 'fishflation', some chippy owners spoke out as one apologised to customers after charging £15 for fish and chips as a result of widespread price hikes.
Labour's increase in National Insurance contributions also raised concerns for employers that they would have to increase wage bills.
Brad-Lee Navruz, who runs The Nippy Chippy in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, said he 'feels bad' for customers who've been left shocked by the new prices, but explained the rising cost of ingredients has left him with little alternative.
Archie's Fish and Chips said in a comment: 'For everyone who is complaining about the price: £65 is for the MEAL FOR 4 PEOPLE!!!
'The meal is for preorders only.
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