The Fish Plaice
Quick info
About The Fish Plaice
The Fish Plaice is a fish and chips takeaway at 14 The Sq in Swanage, where signs at the counter show which boats landed the fish and where the potatoes come from. That detail tells customers the source of their meal before they order. Fish and chips are cooked fresh to order, with hake and haddock named as the fish choices. Home-made fish cakes sit alongside them, and curry sauce is served as an accompaniment. Ordering is walk-in at the counter. The shop gets very busy, though food comes out quickly.
Good to know
- ReservationsWalk-in only
- ParkingPaid street parking · Usually difficult to find a space
- Good for kidsGood for kids · Kids' menu
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention fish and chips, homemade fish cakes, curry sauce and hake or haddock.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention fish and chips, homemade fish cakes, curry sauce and hake or haddock.
Customer Review Summary
Freshly cooked fish and chips draw most of the praise, with reviewers naming hake and haddock as the fish, describing the batter as light and crispy, and calling the portions generous. The homemade fish cakes earn a standout recommendation from one first-time visitor, and another praises the curry sauce. Several note quick service and friendly staff, one mentioning a water bottle being filled, and another liked being asked whether hot drinks should come with the food or straight away. Signs showing which boats landed the fish and where the potatoes come from are also mentioned. The caveat is consistency. Two reviewers report recent disappointment, describing chips that were mostly small, crispy end bits, with some thrown away, and fish that was dry in one account and mushy and greasy in the other. One had visited before and says the quality used to be better. Others describe the place as busy, and one ate piping hot haddock and chips on a seafront bench in Swanage.
Customer Review Summary
Freshly cooked fish and chips draw most of the praise, with reviewers naming hake and haddock as the fish, describing the batter as light and crispy, and calling the portions generous. The homemade fish cakes earn a standout recommendation from one first-time visitor, and another praises the curry sauce. Several note quick service and friendly staff, one mentioning a water bottle being filled, and another liked being asked whether hot drinks should come with the food or straight away. Signs showing which boats landed the fish and where the potatoes come from are also mentioned. The caveat is consistency. Two reviewers report recent disappointment, describing chips that were mostly small, crispy end bits, with some thrown away, and fish that was dry in one account and mushy and greasy in the other. One had visited before and says the quality used to be better. Others describe the place as busy, and one ate piping hot haddock and chips on a seafront bench in Swanage.
Featured reviews
- Google user
“Top notch fish and chips, freshly cooked to order. Gets very busy but service is good. Signs tell you which boats landed the fish, and where the potatoes are from! We always visit when we are in the area and on our recent visit chose the hake, which was delicious. The chips come in very generous portions.”
- Google user
“The fish and chips here used to be so good! The last two visits have left us disappointed. Hardly any nice, soft, fresh chips, full of crispy end bits that should not be served. Threw most of them away. Fish was also dry. Will not be going here again.”
- Google user
“That was some of the best fish & chips I have had in a very long time. Fantastic haddock & chips freshly cooked. Piping hot and eaten on a seafront bench in Swanage. Excellent.”
- Google user
“Lovely fish and chips. Good portion size. Impressed they asked if we wanted our hot drinks with the food or straight away.”
- Google user
“Definitely my highlight during our visit to Swanage! The most amazing Fish & Chips during our holiday in England. Wonderful prompt service from the staff along with an amazing curry sauce to top off this delicious meal. If only I could find a place in Edmonton 🇨🇦 this good! I’ll definitely be back one day😉❤️”
Highlights
“Bustling counter-serve spot for classic comfort foods including Nordic seafood & local potatoes.”
- Popular for lunch
- Popular for dinner
- Popular for solo dining
Amenities
- Paid street parking
- Outdoor seating
- Takeout
- Dine-in
- Good for kids
- Casual
Show more amenities
- Onsite services
- Late-night food
- Solo dining
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Usually a wait
- Dining options· 4
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Counter service
- Seating
- Crowd· 2
- Groups
- Tourists
- Offerings· 1
- Quick bite
- Family-friendly· 1
- Kids' menu
Location
Restaurants near The Fish Plaice
- 5.5 mi awayWheelchair accessible
sea bass, fish and chips, attentive friendly staff
- Brasserie Blanc4.41,1578.1 mi away
cheese souffle, sea views from cliff, creme brulee served cold
- The Grasshopper4.31,9438.1 mi away£20–30Outdoor seatingVegan optionsVegetarian options
sunday roast, roast beef, fish and chips
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Fish PlaiceOutdoor seating · Good for kids | 4.42,034 | — | £10–20 | fish and chips, homemade fish cakes, curry sauce |
| Lazy Jacks Restaurant and BarWheelchair accessible | 4.3612 | 5.5 mi away | — | sea bass, fish and chips, attentive friendly staff |
| Brasserie Blanc | 4.41,157 | 8.1 mi away | — | cheese souffle, sea views from cliff, creme brulee served cold |
| The GrasshopperOutdoor seating · Vegan options · Vegetarian options | 4.31,943 | 8.1 mi away | £20–30 | sunday roast, roast beef, fish and chips |
The 3 nearest restaurants by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
