This is in our top three of Fish and Chip shops in the UK. The others being Flora tearooms in Dunwich Suffolk, and Maggie's in Hastings East Sussex.
The Holiday Inn has absolutely no connection with the International Hotel chain, it is a Fish and Chip Restaurant and Take Away in a 1970's timewarp.
We have eaten here over twenty times in the last few years and have never had a bad meal despite what appears to be a change of ownership at some stage, the majority of the Chefs and Waitresses have not changed.
This really is not the place for a romantic date, there is every chance you will be asked to share your table with other Diners but when that may be Ken Dodd you don't really mind! (Ken Dodd seems to eat here when he is performing at the Congress Theatre...his shows go on till dawn so I guess he needs a filling Fish and Chip supper before going on stage!)
A small Cod and Chips to Eat in as of Feb 2008 will cost you just £4.20, little more than most Take Aways. Haddock and Plaice are other fresh Fish options along with Lemon Sole goujons and Scampi, in addition you can even go for an Omelette, Liver and Onions, or Fillet Steak with all the trimmings.
The Restaurant is licenced but does not serve anything other than some basic Wines Beers and Spirits. Desserts are available but are also stuck in the 70's timewarp. Service is quick and pleasant, the kitchen area is impeccably clean and the Oil must be changed very frequently as the chips and Fish always have a very light colour. The Chips can be the star of the show although at certain times of the year they don't have the melt in the mouth texture which really drew us to the place. The batter on the Fish is always crisp and never over battered disguising a lack of Fish beneath.
Typical clientele is Middle age to octagenarian plus, perhaps that's why it's never been reviewed on the Internet before!
Do give this place a try if you are anywhere near Eastbourne, it is well worth a detour. The mugs all end up in Harry Ramsdens on the seafront, Don't be one of them, this place is far superior and is conveniently located for the Theatres and Seafront, it's also just around the corner from Eastbourne's and the South Coast's finest Hotel, the Grand Hotel but that's another review! read more