Stein's Fish Chips

We ordered grilled hake and chips with homemade tartare sauce and a salad. The fish was a decent portion with crispy skin and tender flakes of hake. The sauce was hollandaise with capers, which paired excellently with the fish. There were too many chips on the plate, but they were irresistible due to their great taste. I would recommend the spinach and watercress salad, as the platter was large enough for two people. We were too full for dessert. If you prefer fewer chips, you can opt for the smaller plate of fish and chips for £11.95. Our hake cost £15.50 for a generous portion. The service charge was 7.5%, which was as modest as the restaurant's style, with paper napkins and benches. We have a fondness for fish and chips, and this restaurant executes it well for a proper sit-down meal.

A few years ago, we visited this restaurant and had a great meal, so we decided to go back. However, this time something went wrong. The food was lukewarm, the curry sauce was watery and lacked flavor, and the chips seemed like they had been sitting around. The scallops were tiny and not worth the £12 price tag. We informed the manager, Laura, about our experience and she offered us 50% off our next visit, but even with the discount, I would not be satisfied. We paid £104 for fish and chips and I don't think I would return.

During our week-long holiday in Padstow, we decided to stay in for the evening and order Fish and Chips. I typically don't leave reviews, but I have to say that this was the worst fish and chips I've ever had. The fish was greasy, the batter was soggy, and the chips were undercooked. I hope Rick Stein reads reviews because he really should visit as a customer. I would love to hear his opinion on the food.

Looking at other reviews and our personal experience it looks like Steins fish chips takeaway is going down hill. Our fish burger bun was stale as if defrosted using a microwave too long out of the freezer, the base bun was almost solid and top stale. The thai cakes were nice but did not match the website photo showing three small fish cakes, only received two. Both meals were Luke warm when collected even though I was five mins early for collection. The burger was sitting on the side? Over priced and standards of food below average.

Went ahead of ordering today as had a question about timing for late order . Thank You Laura Towler for your help. Really appreciated. Placed order online for 19:00 pick up this evening. Spot on timing, lovely staff there this evening. The quality and taste, light crisp batter I have to say top notch. Rick and family you have still got it. Well done thank you . Realise its not a busy time of year. But really appreciate you being open.