Drifters in North Norfolk - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

Basic (in a good way) ambiance. Excellent fish and chips. Speedy and very friendly service. Good value. Nearby parking.

We (3 of us) had booked a table in the restaurant on 21/8. When we arrived we were told the restaurant was closed due to unexpected staff shortage. This wasn’t anyone’s fault but, when we said we had pre-booked, the staff were really accommodating despite being very busy. The food was as delicious as always and served with a smile despite the very difficult circumstances in which the staff found themselves. After a few stressful weeks in the family we really needed a treat and we were so grateful that they didn’t let us down (which would’ve been understandable). Absolutely would recommend this place 😁, excellent food and excellent customer service. Huge thank you to the staff who were there on that day.

Very average - gravy was like water, cod and chips were soggy. Won't be ordering again.

Take out fish and chips, great fish, chip portions a bit small but good

Great quality fish, cooked well. Takeaway with small sit-down restaurant. No air conditioning. Toilets available. All very tidy. Great lunch offer of £10 for cod and chips with bread roll and cup of tea or coffee or £10.50 if you have a cold drink (can) instead. Slightly odd opening hours so recommend checking in advance (or seeing the attached photo showing the opening hours).

Shambolic management- Called to place an order - told all done online - ordered and paid online an hour in advance - arrived on time - joined a ,queue ‘ with no idea where to announce my arrival for pick up - staff only interested in the person at the front of queue- out of frustration asked people at the side of me what the system was - no one knew - staff uninterested in helping- had to shout out what the system was - they said they were very busy and I explained I had ordered and paid online to pick up at 6.30 … and waited …..and ignored…. but saw people order and receive orders on the spot .. asked if my order was next and was told I could have a refund … what is the point of ordering and paying online an hour in advance ?? Preference given to face to face orders and zero customer service- oh and one of the staff made a sarcastic point of thanking the man in the queue who ordered face to face for his patience - can’t fault the food it was fab - just very bad management of order hierarchy handling and staff customer service training … it could be a much more effective and smoother experience for customers

It's probably one of the worst chippy takeaways I've ever had. The chips were slimey and greasy. The battered sausage was slimey and soggy. The gravy was watery and bland but had a strange bitter after taste? Binned most of the food and I'm genuinely annoyed that I've spent money here. I'm looking for somewhere else to eat now. The owners need to take a serious look at the food that's being sent out because the food that we have been served tonight is just tragic.

Shambolic management- Called to place an order - told all done online - ordered and paid online an hour in advance - arrived on time - joined a ,queue ‘ with no idea where to announce my arrival for pick up - staff only interested in the person at the front of queue- out of frustration asked people at the side of me what the system was - no one knew - staff uninterested in helping- had to shout out what the system was - they said they were very busy and I explained I had ordered and paid online to pick up at 6.30 … and waited …..and ignored…. but saw people order and receive orders on the spot .. asked if my order was next and was told I could have a refund … what is the point of ordering and paying online an hour in advance ?? Preference given to face to face orders and zero customer service- oh and one of the staff made a sarcastic point of thanking the man in the queue who ordered face to face for his patience - can’t fault the food it was fab - just very bad management of order hierarchy handling and staff customer service training … it could be a much more effective and smoother experience for customers - don’t bother ordering online - turn up and join the queue- you’ll get served quicker- in true good old Norfolk style .. in their time..

Ate in restaurant. Service was good, staff friendly and fish and chip supper excellent.

Staying in a holiday cottage a few miles from Fakenham and fancied some fish and chips. We chose Drifters over a couple of other local options due to their menu choices (especially for myself as a vegetarian). I think I am spoilt at home as chip shops serve a range of vege items which doesn’t seem to be the case here I enjoyed the mozzarella sticks served with chips and mushy peas, my mum and hubby enjoyed the haddock (although it looked a little dry at the tail end) with chips and mushy peas Very easy to order online and collect (they also offer delivery). Good value for money

I was informed by my family I would have the best fish and chips here. I was not disappointed with the crispy batter on the fish and chips to die for.

Good service, good food served piping hot at a very good lunchtime price. The place was spotlessly clean as well. Will definitely go again.

Top quality food, best fish and chips I’ve had in the area. Looking forward to my next visit.

Excellent Fish and Chips. Best we've had in a long, long time. Beautifully fresh fish and lovely crispy batter. Chips are superb. Great value for money and very friendly service. We'll definitely be going back.

Not great. No salt and vinegar offered on chips. Asked for sausage separately, as chips for a veggie, they put it in with the chips. Very small cod and chips, prices were cheaper than we were expecting, but it was tiny, so i guess that's why. Disappointing. Will head to Hunny or similar next time rather than going back.

Staying near fakenham and was recommended Drifters fish and chips opposite tesco. We booked a table and had a truly great meal of fish and chips. The service and people were great and made you feel fully relaxed and at ease. Portion size was good and cost very reasonable. As tomorrow is our last night in the area we will be booking again. Keep up the high standard and well done.

Waking through Fakenham for the first time looking for somewhere to eat. Found that we were heading out of the main town and thought we would have to head back, the then the distinct smell of a chippy hit us and to our delight they had a restaurant section. Welcoming, informative and warm plus the food was delicious well priced and the tea was piping hot. Thoroughly recommended

Absolutely discussing. cold can’t get order right even though woman repeated as I gave it. Absolutely unmanned on phone etc. Eat elsewhere!!!!

Lovely food last night chips were spot on & they have the fishcakes the husband loves

Decent taste and not oily but blooming expensive. I understand now why they had 2 customers but there where 12 in the queue around the corner.

Great service and lovely fish and chips. Highly recommend if you're in the area. Nice seating area and friendly staff.

Five stars for food, service and atmosphere, our favourite fish & chips from frying experts in immaculate state of the art kitchen. We drive over 15 miles round trip past 3 more local chippies to buy these delicious treats. Why just one star? Well I’ve discovered I can no longer order in advance without paying first via a card. Even phoned this evening to ask why and was told it was because people order then don’t show. That’s a problem for me because I’m a regular, I’m being put in the same category as the dishonest and I don’t use credit cards. Besides, my order is always cooked on time but remains on the warming section only being bagged on collection. You’re so busy if you have a no show someone else gets their supper early! So, my Friday night treat is accessible if I turn up and wait…and wait… but I no longer have the privilege of ordering my favourite dishes in advance, I’ll need to clog up the shop and delay the service not just for myself but for other customers by not being able to place an order. It’s turned a win win into a loss. Wouldn’t go to a restaurant a pay in advance or be forced to use a credit card so why in an chippy? Unfortunately I’ll vote with my feet.

Five stars for food, service and atmosphere, our favourite fish & chips from frying experts in immaculate state of the art kitchen. We drive over 15 miles round trip past 3 more local chippies to buy these delicious treats. Why just one star? Well I’ve discovered I can no longer order in advance without paying first via a card. Even phoned this evening to ask why and was told it was because people order then don’t show. That’s a problem for me because I’m a regular, I’m being put in the same category as the dishonest and I don’t use credit cards. Besides, my order is always cooked on time but remains on the warming section only being bagged on collection. You’re so busy if you have a no show someone else gets their supper early! So, my Friday night treat is accessible if I turn up and wait…and wait… but I no longer have the privilege of ordering my favourite dishes in advance, I’ll need to clog up the shop and delay the service not just for myself but for other customers by not being able to place an order. It’s turned a win win into a loss. Wouldn’t go to a restaurant a pay in advance or be forced to use a credit card so why in an chippy? Unfortunately I’ll have to vote with my feet.

Visited on Tuesday evening from hunstanton, lovely people veryhelpful when asking for skin of the fish to cater for unique children, food was very much enjoyed by the children. Would highly recommend 👌

Awesome fish and chips just a little bit pricey

Amazing Fresh Fish and chips, The best curry sauce I've tasted in a long time, love the sultanas in it. We always make sure we get our fix of Drifters when we come to Fakenham to visit our parents

Chips were so dry they disintegrated when you tried to pick them up, and sadly the fish was incredibly greasy and tasteless with very disappointing batter too. The restaurant looks lovely so as passers by we were hopeful but the food does not match the decor unfortunately and for £20 (1 fish and chips, 1 gravy and a can of fizzy pop) not cheap either. Don’t mind paying that for decent food but this let down in all areas.

We came here on a Thursday night and dined in. The food was great and would recommend it.

Dropped in on a late-September Thursday evening around 8ish. Plenty of people in the seating area so that was a good sign. Was welcomed straight away and order taken (Regular Cod & Cheesy Chips and a Regular Haddock & Chips). Was told it would be about 5 or 6 minutes which is good as the fish is cooked to order. Right on time the order was ready. For a regular (large is available) this was a good amount of food and properly filling (especially the cheesy chips) - nothing greasy and some of the best chips I've had in ages. The tl;dr ? Very clean, welcoming, polite staff and food was great and good value. Will we go back - quite probably as they are well positioned at the entrance to Tesco so parking is easy and we enjoyed the food.

We only ordered a large chips to have with our meal at home. Reading the reviews and family recommendations we decided to give it a shot. Unfortunately it was a very small portion for a large and the chips where very dry, not what I was expecting.

Lovely fish and chips.Ate in.Perfect batter nice and crisp.not at all greasy.

Had a brilliant fish and chip meal in the restaurant with good service. The staff was very polite and helpful even though it was busy in both restaurant and in the takeaway. Best fish and chips we've had for a long time. Would recommend to anyone.

Exprensive good service, average food

Absolutely wonderful haddock and chips. Highly recommended. Perfectly cooked and extremely tasty. You should try Drifters.

Was advised to try this place and didn't disappoint.Perfectly cooked chips,lovely flaky,tasty fish with nice crisp batter. My only little niggle was it wasn't drained longer hence only 4 stars, but we will return.

Was advised to try this place and didn't disappoint.Perfectly cooked chips,lovely flaky,tasty fish with nice crisp batter. My only little niggle was it wasn't drained longer hence only 4 stars, but we will return.

It was very good service. The food and drinks came out quickly and it was very yummy! Lots of options of food and good portions size.

Lovely meal, super friendly staff. Brilliant mozzarella sticks. I thoroughly enjoyed the meal and definitely go back there.

Surprisingly, poor fish based so near the sea waited for Haddock very skinny little fish meat never quite seen anything like it. If it was a poor pint the landlord would be saying end of barrell not sure how u register a fish as poor.

Disappointing today, Good Friday , we travelled to have lunch here, myself, hubby and daughter. We ordered two lunch specials, asked for an extra plate but was told by waitress that we could not do that? She wasn’t rude but said things have changed, I have a condition and can only eat very little, the waitress was fine but she was very secretive placing our food down. Personally think owners need to be conscious about patrons with medical issues; Food wasn’t the best, batter soggy, chips awful, A Good Friday lunch that wasn’t great sadly.visited so so many times and today was really upsetting/embarrassing; why should anyone with a disability be scrutinised whilst ordering food, No fault to the waitress, manager needs to re think!

Drifters fish and chips are absaloutely gorgeous we go every other Sunday evening sit in and eat great service

Visited on Friday, we were the only people in the restraunt. My wife ordered Fish and peas but did not want chips. The lady said she had to have chips, everything comes with chips. Then said its a set menu. We quietly left. If that's the attitude before they have your money what's it like after? Never been before definitely won't go again. Went to Mr Chips and it was delicious.

Pre-ordered food more than 2hrs in advance for a collection at a specific time... Waited a further 15mins after the collection time for it to be ready in the premises only for the food to be very cold! We live less than 5min drive away! Very dissatisfied! Other food we got from Chinese ended up cold waiting for the drifters meal. So everyone's meals ruined due to lack of organisation and poor quality cold food!

This review is refering to staff and not the food. We went on a Friday lunchtime to the restaurant, we were the only customers so it was not busy. I do not like chips so tried to order fish and peas and was very rudly told 'No you can't have that, everything comes with chips' I then said but I won't eat them, and was told ' its a set menu you have to have them'. With that we decided to go elsewhere with more choice and a friendly service. If I was asking for extras I could understand but to have something left off the plate why could they not do that???? And why be do unpleasant????

The fish and chips was amazing very tasty and the batter melted in your month wonderful sfaff Bailey and rose welcomed me and I flet very relaxed

Absolutely brilliant place for fish and chips. Would 100% recommend to anyone.

Food was delicious and the staff were very friendly and welcoming. Facilities were clean and tidy Couldn’t ask for anymore more.

Friendly service and freshly prepared food. Definitely worth a visit

Veggies / vegans beware. This place cooks in beef dripping. We did not realise until after checking the website when felt the chips had an unexpected taste.

Fantastic food and staff. Good value for money. Food was nice and hot and tasty. Freshly cooked didn't have to wait long

We went to eat in their restaurant. Drifters have been in Fakenham over 30 years I think and have a good reputation for their fish and chips. The restaurant is not plush but homely. The staff are really friendly. If you want a local experience...

This is the best fish and chip shop we've visited in a long time.,and the staff are lovely. We have haddock and chips each time and it never disappoints.

Lovely family run restaurant and takeaway superb fish and chips

Drifters is superb and never disappoints, it’s like the old proper ones with perfectly cooked fish and chips. We had super fresh haddock. Five stars!

Excellent food eat in or take away, always good quality.

Visited on a Wednesday for lunch with my wife. We first came here about 16 years ago when house hunting and were impressed by the quality of the food. On this visit, our second, I was surprised at the attitude of the server. I asked if the Haddock was a chunky cut of the fish and the retort was that 'He didn't catch the fish he just cooked it' I thought yes that may be the case but he got it out of the fridge and could perhaps select the chunkiest that he had. Even if he did not do that he could have said he would?? A Lost opportunity for them to increase their footfall. Having said that the fish and chips were OK. Food Good Customer Service Poor.

Great Chippy with a small restaurant . Run by a very friendly team. Busy for take aways. Good batter, firm chips. Good value!

Always have the best fish and chips from drifters, we can count on them every time. I really love the new festive breaded brie addition to the menu!

We stopped at Drifters for an early Supper on our way to Thursford. Staff we encountered were very helpful & friendly, we all ordered Cod & chips which arrived quickly & freshly cooked & of good quality. The prices were comparable with other places we...

We are in, and were looked after with good old fashioned welcoming hospitality. Great food. Not greasy. Yum yum.

I would give this one a miss if I was you. Under staffed and rude and the food was poor quality. The lady serving was trying her best, but they need to decide if they are an online take away or a traditional fish and chip shop. Failing at both.

Absolutely beautiful fish and chips, cooked to perfection.

I have often used Drifters, the food quality is very good. However the prices are scandalous, I think we all expect a little increase in todays climate, but £9.30 for a large fish is frankly taking us for idiots. I was overcharged on my order,...

I recently had Cod and Chips at Drifters where the food is very good without doubt the best Chip shop in Fakenham.

The food is always of the best quality. My problem is the lack of friendly interaction with customers and the unfriendly atmosphere among the staff. Rosie and the other lady who serves are the exception . The other problem is that the system for ordering...

Best fish and chips we've had for a long time.. delicious..

Weam welcome pleasant staff hot food really enjoy it will be back again

We visited drifters 21st August for dinner in restaurant it's the second time we have been to drifters first time we couldn't fault it this time was not as good fish was cooked perfectly but the chips were made from what I call pig potatoes...

Popped in on a Sunday evening and was delighted to have visited. Well worth the short wait for our food to be cooked fresh. Good size portions and I'd highly recommend. Well done to the 3 lads working a clearly surpassingly busy sunny Sunday shift and doing a great job too

Always great fish and chips ! and delivered on time when we have used delivery.

Best fish I've ever had from a chip shop haddock was divine well done

Been going for years, always been on the pricey side but just about worth it because the fare is admittedly good. Regret that following a recent visit we have decided that it is now very overpriced even in these inflationary times. Frankly speaking it is...

This is a much more authentic chippy than Plattens or French‘s up on the coast - they live from regulars and not from passing trade. The chips are very good - crispy outside but fluffy inside. They are, however, fried in beef dripping. The portions of mushy peas seem to have become smaller and smaller. I suspect that soon they will be selling them in thimbles. The staff are friendly and the service is fast and the whole place comes over as very clean.

Always rely on great chips from Drifters! Mozzarella cheese sticks are pretty yummy 😋

Absolutely brilliant fish and chips 🍟

Don’t hesitate, just go and treat yourself to the freshest, moistest fish possible, with the thinnest, crispiest most moreish batter on the planet! We thought we’d had the best fish and chips in the world on a visit to Iceland, but no, Drifters dedication and...

Lovely fish and chips. Tasty batter. Not greasy. No bones in the fish. Can't fault.

Excellent food - the Fish and Chips are defiantly the best in Fakenham - easy to order on-line with a timely delivery

We visited 19th June Cod and chips were very tasty we only had to wait a few minutes we ate in the restaurant we will be going back again

Our first takeaway delivery since moving to Norfolk in March. The cod, scampi and chips were all excellent, hot and tasty. Definitely met our expectations, the delivery time was adhered to and it was really easy to order on line. Now we’ve found Drifters, we’ll definitely be ordering again. Delicious!

Ordered for delivery tonight. Was delicious and big portions. Batter was perfection. Won't be going anywhere else 👌 Only thing I would say is that there were too many raisins in the curry sauce.

Best fish and chips anywhere in Norfolk!

Food excellent, person serving in restaurant polite and very efficient. All let down by the aggressive attitude of the owner. Atmosphere has changed since co-owner departed. Won't be returning.

Excellent quality fish and chips, cooked fresh and the portions were generous. Family didn't leave a scrap. We will be back for sure.

We booked a table here as it was recommended to us the fish & chips was absolutely lovely we had never been before so had no idea what we needed to do I spoke to an older lady and she was very rude in fact...

I stayed locally with my family. There were 13 of us. Our online order was ready for us in 15 minutes. Great service, quick preparation, and super fish n chips.

Very nice fish & chips, a tad pricey though.

Probably the best fish and chip shop in the area, we make a special trip over (we live 15 odd miles away) just to have Drifters fish and chips, they are very tasty, very generous portions and great price too!

Have been a customer of Drifters for over 15 years. Highlight for Christmas is their foot long, deep fried, pig in blanket!

Extremely delicious! Cod and haddock both wonderful flavors and fried to perfection in crispy batter. Thank you for doing a special jumbo sized piece of cod for my husband's birthday treat.

Very good fish and chip, good pleasant helpful service.

Excellent as usual and remains the best in town.

Once a week like so many we have our fish and chips and continuity of quality is second to none. Throughly recommended

Normally I'm the first to moan about drifters under cooked chips but maybe there starting to listen to all the complaints about the chips because tonight they were fantastic nice golden colour slightly crispy & nice & fluffy on the inside 👍 My fish was fantastic as usual & the wife's sausage was spot on If you can just keep the chips like that your onto a winner

Best fish chips tasted in Fakenham yet , staff polite and friendly and the food hot and tasty . What more could you want from your fish and chip shop . Kids love it and so do I and the wife .

Always the best fish and chips.

Excellent food and delivery was fast as well. Food was hot and delicious. Best take away in town.

First visit since the first lockdown, living 20 miles from Fakenham not our local chippy. But we used to visit 3 or 4 times a year at least. We weren't disappointed yesterday, the haddock, chips and peas we're just as we remembered them, excellent. The only sad thing was that before lockdown the restaurant was always full of pensioners,(our age group) having their lunch. Yesterday, we were the only ones eating and it seemed very quiet. Hope things pick up again to where they were previously.

Great food and such lovely helpful staff

Always excellent. This is by no means our closest chip shop but we do keep going back!