I visited the seaside town with the UK's best fish and chips – they're worth the price and it was like being in the Med

The Sun

4 days ago

WITH the sun beating down, there is often nothing better than a leisurely beach stroll with a good portion of fish and chips after.
And this weekend, I did just that - but in the seaside town with the best fish and chips in the country.
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Pier Point in Torquay, Devon was recently named as the UK's best fish and chip shop by the F ishermen's Mission Awards.
The Fishermen's Mission charity fights poverty in UK fishing communities by providing support to fishermen and their families.
And all of the fish sold at Pier Point Chippy, including cod, haddock and plaice, is MSC certified - which means it comes from well-managed, sustainable fisheries.
The fish and chip shop was even named the best in the UK in The Times' 25 of the UK's best spots for seaside fish and chips.
Describing the inside, The Times stated: "At sunset on a good day, streaks of orange fill the floor-to-ceiling windows that surround Pier Point, and you might as well be in California.
"The restaurant is adjacent to the marina, with spectacular bay views, and it oozes atmosphere — you're in for a good time whether you settle on a wave-shaped red banquette indoors, at an outdoor table, or opt for takeaway with your bag of goodies on the beach."
With my childhood home being close to the spot, I decided to see whether it lived up to the awards.
The venue itself is split into two sections: a sit-down restaurant and a takeaway fish and chippy.
And both sit right next to Torquay's sparkling water, a sprawling beach and a fascinating harbour – a setting so idyllic it feels like stepping onto a Mediterranean promenade.
So instead of sitting at a table, I grabbed my portions and headed for the nearby pier to soak up the sun while enjoying my food.
I visited the English Riviera and found delicious seafood festivals and hidden beaches
Admittedly, Pier Point is on the pricier side.
For three servings - a regular portion of haddock and chips, a regular portion of light cod and chips, and a regular portion of salt and pepper squid and chips plus a pot of curry sauce - it came to £38.
After paying and walking to the pier, my expectations were already high.
Despite the slightly steeper price, the portions were decent and we hadn't waited longer than five minutes for it all to be cooked up.
Opening up the boxes, the aroma of hot, vinegary chips and crisp batter filled the air.
The haddock itself was large and the batter was crisp and buttery.
The cod similarly was a good size and cooked perfectly.
The squid - which comes with a sauce of your choosing - was cooked just right, making it not too chewy.
And if my dog could talk, I think he would agree the chips were super tasty - not too greasy and never feeling like 'just potato'.
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The fish also came with a slice of lemon each - a nice touch to add if you want it.
So, was it worthy of the award? I'd say so.
And the area surrounding the chippy makes it even better.
If you choose to grab a portion from Pier Point, head onto the pier for a walk after to see beautiful views across the bay.
Or head to the harbour to see some of the most glamourous boats and yachts around.
Alternatively, if you head in the other direction, there is Abbey Sands - a large expansive beach with shallow waters and popular with families.
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Torquay is dubbed the 'English Riviera' for a reason and as you wander around you will see many towering palm trees and vibrant flowers.
During the summer months, there is also a giant Ferris wheel which boasts panoramic views of the coastline.
Agatha Christie is also famous to Torquay as she spent much of her life there.
Many of her novels are either set in or inspired by the seaside town and visitors can explore the Agatha Christie Mile - a walking trail featuring places Agatha visited and featured in her work.
The Sun's head of travel Lisa Minot visited the English Riviera
THE Sun's head of travel Lisa Minot visited the English Riviera and found delicious seafood festivals and hidden beaches - here's what she thought.
We found ourselves on the seafront having built up quite the appetite.
At the Offshore Bar & Restaurant on the harbourside we wolf down a seafood platter.
Plump prawns and steaming mussels are accompanied by fresh crab, hot smoked salmon and a delicate pan-fried sea bass.
The platter was created as part of the annual England's Seafood Feast — held this year from September 26 to October 12.
The event celebrates the best of the English Riviera's fish and seafood, with everything from tours of Brixham Fish Market to barbecues and kayak cookouts.
There are special offers at more than 30 restaurants across Brixham, Paignton, Torquay and the surrounding countryside.
At night, we take the fishy feast up another level with a £55 five-course tasting menu featuring bass, brill and more at Circa, the intimate ­restaurant at the Sandridge Barton vineyard in the Dart Valley.
A chance to explore the coastline on a thrilling, high-speed RIB (rigid inflatable boat) brought a completely different perspective of the sea.
The best B&B in England can also be found in Torquay.
Plus, the UK seaside town with the best B&B in the world.
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