OpenLena's Fish and Chips
Western Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea SS1 1EE, United Kingdom
Welcome to The Boat House Fish & Chips
The Boat House Fish & Chips serves up a classic British experience with its crispy battered fish and perfectly cooked chips. Located at 7 Pier Hill in Southend-on-Sea, this casual restaurant captures the heart of seaside dining. Not only is it wheelchair accessible, but the friendly staff make it ideal for families and tourists. Guests often rave about the fresh quality of food, with items like the cod and whitebait taking center stage. With a price range of £10 to £20, it offers a delightful dining experience without breaking the bank.
A variety of service options are available, including dine-in, takeaway, and delivery. The cozy atmosphere invites solo diners and families alike. Perfectly situated by the pier, The Boat House makes dining an enjoyable part of your seaside adventures. Don't skip the dessert, especially the Rossi ice cream, to top off your meal.
Welcome to The Boat House Fish & Chips, your go-to destination for the ultimate fish and chips experience in Southend-on-Sea! Located at 7 Pier Hill, our casual eatery offers a delightful menu featuring perfectly cooked chips, crisp cod in a light batter, and flavorful whitebait. Enjoy our inviting atmosphere whether you choose to dine-in, take away, or savor a meal on our outdoor seating. We cater to solo diners, families, and groups alike, with a kids' menu and options for gluten-free diets. With attentive staff and a commitment to quality, we’re dedicated to making your meal memorable. Come and taste the difference!Services, Amenities and More
Service options
Outdoor seating
On-site services
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Offerings
Quick bite
Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Atmosphere
Casual
Photo Gallery
View Menu Photos
Reviews Overview
Most Liked
Patrons frequently praise the light and crispy batter on the fish, a delightful contrast to the fluffy cod inside. The portions are generous without being overwhelming, perfect for a satisfying meal. Many guests rave about the tartare sauce, which complements the fish beautifully, enhancing the dining experience.
The casual vibe coupled with the friendly service makes for a welcoming environment. Families appreciate the separate kids' menu, ensuring that even the youngest diners find something they adore. A strong coffee is often preferred as a perfect post-meal treat, enhancing the overall experience.
The location is another highlight; being near the pier allows for a scenic walk before or after your meal, making it a great spot for an outing.
Most Disliked
Some visitors mention the limited indoor space, which can become crowded, especially during peak hours. Although the restaurant has a cozy feel, a larger seating capacity would enhance the dining experience for bigger groups.
A few diners have pointed out that, on busier days, the wait for food can extend longer than expected. Although the staff work diligently, some may find the service a bit slower during high traffic times.
Lastly, while the price range is generally seen as reasonable, some regulars feel that prices for certain items could be adjusted. Not every dish receives the same evaluation regarding portion versus price, leaving room for improvement in that area.
User Reviews
HN
H N.
The best fish and chips we’ve had in a while, with the friendliest service and great accommodation for our gluten-free diet. The fish batter was light and not greasy, which is rare for gluten-free.
SH
SALLY H.
Walked up & down the pier with family & then we all crossed the road to The Boat House. This our first visit, picked because of the great Google reviews. What a find! Super freshly cooked fish & chips at a reasonable price. We opted for ‘small’ but it was plenty. Great cup of coffee. Very friendly service. Will be going back.
MC
Melissa C.
Came to Southend on Sea for a special day trip on a weekday. Had a lovely walk around then looked for a good local fish and chips before we left. Found this place on Google map and it was convenient and near the seafront/ Adventure Land. Wasn’t too busy. Found an indoor table by the window. Weather was beautiful. Staff gave us time to decide what to order and were really friendly. Not a big place but nice and cosy. Reasonably priced. The food was fresh and good portions. Not too greasy and well cooked. Fish was silky and batter wasn’t burnt or too oily. Would recommend. We looked around to see if they offer tartare sauce or mayonnaise and the staff noticed we wanted something and offered help. Swiftly provided us with the sauces.
SE
Suzanne E.
Absolutely brilliant cod, chips and mushy peas, fish was nice and moist and batter was crispy, chips just right, topped off with two cans of Pepsi max, mind you the cod was large as I was peckish total cost a very reasonable £20.40p.....will definitely come here for fish & chips next time I'm in southend 😎
TH
Tim H.
A great place to go. We took my Scout Troop here for our dinner on a Friday evening and they seated 23 of us and served are food. Such great customer service and the food it self was great value. Amazing flavour and great taste. Probably the best sit down chippy I've ever eaten.
JN
Justi N.
Tucked near the waterfront, The Boat House Fish and Chips offers more than just a meal—it delivers a true seaside experience. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with the warm, inviting aroma of crispy golden batter and freshly fried chips. But what truly elevated our visit was the exceptional service from Valentina. Valentina was not only attentive and professional, but also radiated genuine friendliness that made us feel like regulars, even on our first visit. She knew the menu inside out, offered great recommendations (the haddock is a must-try), and ensured everything arrived hot and perfectly timed. The fish? Flaky and fresh, encased in a light, crunchy batter. The chips were thick-cut and satisfying—none of that soggy business you get at some places. A side of tartar sauce and a splash of vinegar tied it all together beautifully. With Valentina’s top-notch service and food that honors the tradition of British fish and chips, The Boat House is a standout. Whether you’re local or just passing through, it’s definitely worth docking for
KS
Kev S.
Had a meal there last night. Very nice. Fish and chips were great. Staff very friendly and helpful. Will defo dine there again. Great job guys
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Location & Hours
Opening Hours
MondayOpen
TuesdayOpen
WednesdayOpen
ThursdayOpen
FridayOpen
SaturdayOpen
SundayOpen
Location
Frequently Asked Questions
The Boat House specializes in traditional fish and chips, alongside a variety of other options like burgers, salads, and jacket potatoes.
The fish and chips here are renowned for their light, crispy batter and perfectly cooked chips. Diners often love the gluten-free options that maintain this quality.
Guests can conveniently pay with credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
Yes, The Boat House is family-friendly, offering a kids' menu with dishes like fish & chips and chicken nuggets.
You can choose from dine-in, takeaway, or delivery services. It's perfect for a quick bite or a casual meal with family and friends.
Why visit The Boat House Fish & Chips
Visiting The Boat House Fish & Chips is a must for anyone in Southend-on-Sea, delivering an authentic taste experience right by the pier. Special diets are accommodated with friendly ease; gluten-free options are a highlight, ensuring that everyone can indulge without worry. The attentive staff often make a memorable impression; their warmth adds a personal touch that elevates your visit.
Take advantage of the outdoor seating on a sunny day, allowing for a beautiful view of the bustling pier and the sea. The casual atmosphere means this is a perfect post-beach meal, whether you're with friends, family, or on your own. And, of course, the location invites you to explore the surrounding area before or after dining, making the whole outing feel special. Don't miss the chance to enjoy the atmosphere and the food—it's a local gem worth discovering!
