Fort Cafe in Shetland Islands

Have been visiting The Fort roe many years while in Shetland working and always order a “Steak pie, smoked sausage and chips” (sorry). Always “heated to order” as their menu states. Tonight for the first time it was stated from the staff “No we cook 3 pies at lunch time and once they are gone that’s it. They are frozen, no if anyone wants one at night then they have to be phoned in as an order at 12 so we can defrost them”. The older woman working was extremely rude (the younger lady looked embarrassed by her) And the cook /fryer gentleman couldn’t stop handling the food with his hands. Seriously sad to see a once amazing place go so far down hill so fast.

This place was amazing, but that was before Jim left. We have been long time fans of this place, but this takeaway has been slowly going downhill for a while, to the point where our most recent takeaway, was handed to us in <2 minutes because it was old fish, that had been sitting in the heat cupboard for God knows how long. Certainly long enough for it to be dry and withered. Would not recommend unless its freshly cooked, as you pay quite the price for it.

This classic fish & chip takeaway serves very fine British fish & chips. The fish was good quality, the batter was crispy and the chips were cooked to perfection in the traditional style (they seemed cut from fresh potatoes). And it wasn't greasy at all. One small remark - it would have been nice to have had a choice for fish. We were given haddock, cod would have been nicer. It all took me back many, many years to my youth - yummy!

We were starved and waited outside this restaurant to open at noon on a Friday. Good news, they opened on time and we were thrilled to take our lunch at a nearby picnic bench. Hubby’s meat pie was good. Sadly my fish was more batter than fish - and was way overcooked. Chips (French fries) were OK. Price for both was just less than 20 pounds, cash only Note - cafe attached to restaurant is closed. Picnic tables were public benches, 25 feet from restaurant.

Patronised this chippy for decades, best you could find anywhere, but recent years since Jim left its really hit and miss. Often found lately its hard thick batter, off colour fish, sometimes more batter than fish. Some days you get a glimpse of the golden days with fantastic flaky white fish and melt in the mouth batter. Tended to be best when Norman wasn't at the coalface, though even that's now not to be taken for granted. Been 3 times in recent weeks and all have been absolutely dreadful that I threw it away, tastes like old oil, where is your quality control? you should be ashamed to dish that muck out. 3 strikes you're out, that's me finished.

Food taste was amazing. I heard the portions were big but was a little disappointed with the quantity of chips. The QUALITY was great. It was a busy shop and I’m glad I went in. Just remember to have cash as they don’t take card payments

Always massive queues when I go here - so it must be doing something right. The fish is always very good when cooked fresh, but expect to wait a while. Worth going for sure though.

Soggy, undercooked, bland chip. Went here and got pretty flavourless chips, cook them in beef dripping or something, to make it tastier.

Doorsnee: binnen bestellen, buiten wachten. Fish is goed maar de chips hadden een tandje beter gekund. Bediening is vriendelijk

Very nice fish, crunchy batter and crisp chips. However the serving of chips was unexpectedly small and was left hungry. Expected a larger portion for nearly £10.

Don't go anywhere else but here for the very best fish and chips! The wait (all the locals were there) was well worth it!

When in Lerwick you have to have a fish and chip takeaway from here. It was very very nice indeed and you can tell just how fresh it is.

Excellent delicious 🤤 very friendly take away always busy please visit it will be worth it I went twice over my week loads of choices and staff where friendly help you recommend

I ordered a sampi and chips which were fairly tasty. £8, not the cheapest. I watched an earlier order being put together, and saw the lady picking the food out of the heated glass cabinet and putting it into the box with her bare fingers. Errr. And then she did the same with my scampi. What on earth? Do they not have any tongs or serving spoons?

Well. My husband and I are English and Fish and Chips is essentially our National dish so expectations were high. We were ready to complain and talk about how far superior we are at making this classic meal...but...we couldn't complain at all! The fish is fresh and delicious and the batter not at all greasy. It is full of flavour, melt in the mouth perfection. The staff were really friendly and the service speed was excellent given how busy it was. This is our first night visiting Shetland and this was was great start. Thank you.

Ordered the large fish with chips to share with my husband. It was enough for us, but those with a bigger appetite could definitely eat it on their own. Chips couldn’t be called chips, more like the crunchy stuff that’s left at the bottom of the fryer, were dry and had clearly been cooking awhile. Fish was ok, but too much batter and very greasy. Sorry to say, I can’t recommend. Also, didn’t help with the two girls serving, miserable was an understatement!

When we visit,we always have fish and chips here.in fact it's the only place I get chicken and chips.because they are cooked to perfection.

Actually, it was multiple times, consistent and epic, like me, but unlike me, the chips were probably good at writing reviews

Fish was like rubber. Tasteless and full of bones. Portion size for the price was ridiculously small. Will not be going back. Absolute rip off.

I wanted to write this while the experience is fresh in my mind. The batter was gorgeous, light and crisp. The chips were OK but very ordinary. The very small portion of fish was dry and tasteless and the prices were extortionate. I can get...

After terrible service and a long wait I was very disappointed to unravel the pile of slop that the heroin addict on the fryer had a cooked for me. I'm not sure if there was more grease in my food, or in the miserable blonde...

Superb. Never had a bad meal from there. Fish is always fresh and well cooked. Great selection of food to choose from

Had the small fish & chips, takeaway. The fish was large, well cooked with nice batter. The chips were fresh and plenty of them. I queued inside, socially distancing markers on the floor. Very nice staff. One thing to be aware of, cash only.

Da fort is da best chippy in Shetland. lovely staff and really good with kids - staff always speak to my peerie boy. 5 stars :)

Used to first rate haddock and chips where we live in Fife we mistakenly thought our standard would apply to reviews. Not so. The batter was too thick on the fish. The chips were flabby. We had to queue outside in cold rain. The fish...

You read the reviews. Try it for yourself. There was nothing wrong with our meal. Perfectly cooked. 2 large fish 1 x chips £11.90. We could see the shop from our accommodation. (Fort Charlotte Self Catering) and there was always a queue. What more can...

No trip home is ever without one or two (maybe three...?) visits to the Fort Chip Shop. Cafe understandably closed at the moment but still serving for takeaways - for the ubiquitous ‘chip picnic’ at Fort Charlotte just up the lane opposite! Always a load...

Best fish and chips in Shetland - by far. Their breaded haddock, pre-ordered, is superb. A must visit.

Visited during Up Helly Aa and it was very busy. We managed to find two seats at a table with others. Service was friendly and helpful, we never felt rushed even though it was so busy. The small fish supper was massive and all the...

This chip shop used to be great) sadly not anymore , had bad fish and chips, old ,tasted like reheated,fried chips, horrible dried up batter, not nice at all, thought would try a second time thinking mabey just a bad day but nope same again....

Had the fish, and it was great. We both really enjoyed it. Was just the comfort food we were looking for on a cold rainy evening.

Used to be the best place in Lerwick go get chips but standards has slipped. I was told there was new owners / management so that’s maybe why. What a shame!

Piccolo locale ma ben organizzato in una zona molto caratteristica . Il fritto è molto delicato, anche se magari non è il miglior fish and Chips delle Shetland si respira la vera aria portuale in un ambiente quasi famigliare.

We stopped here late one cool afternoon, having just done a multi hour tour of the south end of the island. We were hungry, and saw people outside eating yummy fish and chips in paper, but we had no idea....We ordered the 2-piece fish and chips, thinking it would be 2 pieces of fish and one chips to share. Imagine my surprise as she wrapped up a second enormous piece of fish with a second enormous serving of chips! We took our pounds of food outside to the tables and benches on the street since the small dining room was full and joined the happy community of folks eating the same delicacies as we. In the group were people from around the world, all remarking on how good the haddock was, and how huge! It was a darn shame we could not finish all of that food, but if there is ever a next time, we will get one piece of fish (huge) and share it so we can really enjoy without being too full. Well worth the visit.

We came 2 years ago and we were told the fort was the best fish and chips in Lerwick, they were not wrong! Again we went to the Fort this visit and we were very disappointed as nowhere near as good as before. The chips were undercooked, the haggis was overcooked however my daughters said her fish was perfect. The young girl serving asked if we wanted salt and vinegar, we said yes and she proceeded to put my months quota on my meal, way too much salt! Will have to try one of the other shops as did not enjoy my meal one bit, such a dramatic change!

We popped in here for a bite to eat on our last day in Shetland, while making our way down to the airport. Service was quite quick and the food was good.

excellent fish and chips. nice thick fillets, modest serving of chips, sat on the wharf with seagulls for very attentive company.

The high rating on tripadvisor made me try this one. The fish is of good quality and tasty. Although, no one can make good chips on shetland, not even Fort Cafe.

No trip home is complete without at least two visits to the Fort Chip Shop. ‘Other’ chip shops in Shetland may have won awards but this is our favourite and is #1. Particular highlights for us... the White Puddings and the Haggis suppers!

Popped in here for a quick meal the other evening. I ordered a small smoked haddock and chips, when it arrived I was very glad I had gone small!! Very tasty and freshly cooked. The cafe is only small, but very clean and friendly. The chippy part of the shop was constantly busy, always a good sign.

Had heard this was a place not be missed. My wife and I each had a Haggis Supper which was delicious. The lady serving us the food to take away was not the most friendly and looked quite sullen. That was a shame but it did impact our view. Surely a smile is not too hard to give to someone?

Paid a few visits here! The fish and chips were delicious. Well worth stopping by here to treat yourself.

We had a sit down tea here and it was excellent. Fresh fish and scrumptious chips. Service was quick and friendly staff

As we stepped off the cruise ship tender we asked a local dock worker where the best fish and chip were. He told us a couple of places but added that he at at the Fort Cafe so off we went in search of Fish and Chips and some mushy peas. When we got there it was packed and the wait was and hour. We shopped and went back and were told the wait was down to a 45 min by the waitress.Initially I thought she was a bit gruff and we debated waiting but she came back a few min later and told me she could get us a table, if we would wait for her to clean it so we did. Very glad we did. Not only did the waitress warm up to us she guided us on our order and bottom-line the fish and chips were fantastic as were the mushy peas. Worth the wait!

We happened to visit here off a cruise ship. Without getting into to much detail we needed a meal and the staff were amazing. So generous of heart which I have never experienced anywhere. Aside from that the fish and chips were amazing. The wife is English however we live in Australia. As we sat inside for lunch we noticed “many” locals come and go which in my travels indicated a locally supported business and not just interested in the passing tourist trade. Thank you so much for the experience and the lovely fish and chips of course. The were so nice we came back an hour later for more!

My meal was a bit like the staff working there, dull and depressing. Curry sauce was gooey and the plastic box’s wear cheap was just two half’s pushed together, had better chippys in East Kilbride and thats no where near the ocean.

Bin jetzt seit einer Woche mit meinem Segelschiff in Lerwick und das 5.Mal in diesem Fish & Chips Restaurant....und esse immer das gleiche, nämlich was es in Deutschland so gut wie nicht gibt: Haddock (Shellfish), dazu aber keine chips ( viel zu viel !), sondern den hausgemachten coleslaw. Wirklich aussergewöhnlich gut, kein Fritteusengeruch. Da kann sich das so genannte Fischereihafenrestaurant in Hamburg oder auch Natusch in Bremerhaven eine Scheibe abschneiden. Allenfalls der ‚Fischbäcker‘ gegenüber dem Hauptbahnhof in Bremerhaven kann da mit seinem gebackenen Rotbarsch halbwegs mithalten. Zur Beachtung: keine Kreditkarten; Warteschlange von 20 Personen beim takeaway ist eher normal. Drinnen sind 4 Tische, oft besetzt, Geduld ist angesagt.

Lovely meal fish was delicious very efficient friendly staff and spotlessly clean would make it a definite visit next time we are visiting

A must for any visitor Shetland’s number 1 chippy you can even sit in and get real plates and cutlery. friendly staff also

Had lunch at the Cafe. It is both a take away and sit down, although the sit down space is limited. Good basic menu which of course includes fish and chips. They also do smoked haddock which was great.

We enjoyed the fish & chips as a take away, delivered hot and wrapped in paper. Quick and friendly service.

Called in with a 6 person take away order. It must have been close to closing time as the staff member was really rather grumpy - she was very abrupt in telling us they did not take a credit card, but she did tell us where there was a nearby ATM.

Called on the way back from a trip to Bressay, cafe small only four tables and takes cash only which caught a group out whilst I was there. Staff pleasant and friendly, food fantastic with a large menu choice would not hesitate to recommend.

Happened by at lunch time. The fish and chips were superb. Friendly service and they helped us contact out B&B; host.

Had very good fish and chips here. It is super busy and very small,but well worth a meal without alcoholic beverages.

We did the takeaway and the food was amazing. The takeaway area is small so it can get a bit crowded. However, they fulfilled our order quickly. The one negative was that they don't take credit cards, similar to other Shetland businesses.

We were advised to visit here for good fish and chips. The food didn't disappoint. However the waitresses in the café looked like they would have rather been anywhere else. They actually left the tables when we arrived and we had to shout for them to come back out from their little hidey-hole!

We ate it. The menu is different to the takeaway, and to what is listed outside. It is also cooked separately,but OK.

I bought take away fish dinners 2 evenings. Employees friendly. Fish tasted like it had been swimming in the sea that morning. French fries so-so. I hope to return to Lerwick and will definitely stop here.

At usual meal times packed with people - a good sign for their quality of food and service! Don't take the big fish and chip supper - if you are not starving: it is huge! Great take-away and really good value for money.

I've no idea why this is the 2nd-best place in Lerwick. It's dismal!

Fresh food at this place is second to none in Lerwick the staff is very friendly and it is well worth a visit

Just arrived at Lerwick, we were advised for the best fish and chips in and take away. We had haddock with finger chips and steak pie with small portion of chips. Satisfied! Real f & c! What else?

Newly opened, Fort Kochi tucked away on the Aylsham Road is a real gem of a take away establishment.

We came here intending to “sit in “ but unfortunately the small cafe was already full. Never mind, we had takeouts. We only had to wait a few minutes as they were frying a fresh batch of chips. We opted for the small fish & chips, good job we did as the portions were huge.

The Fort Cafe and take away is by far the best fish and chips cafe in Shetland! The fish is fresh everyday and the chips are made with real tatties! (Potato’s) I recommend a fish supper which is just fish and chips but it’s amazing!

We had fond memories of eating here 20 years ago.

I cannot praise the Fort café highly enough. The quality of the macaroni cheese was really good, portions were huge- never thought we could clear our plates- we did though!!!! Staff were great too, very friendly. Both locals and tourists were in when we were. Heard other people commenting on great quality of fish too. I have to comment on the standard of cleanliness which was outstanding. The "12 commandments" printed on back of bathroom door- made me smile but also appreciate how much the staff care about their customers. Thank you all at Fort.

on the island for work was recommended the Fort, sat in the café, in the company of "proper " fishermen from Scotland and Norway chatting about the best grounds to catch Herring ( Im only here for the Banter lol) have the fish n chips , small portion is well enough and under £10 great value, outstanding quality .

We found on a Sunday that Lerwick is pretty much closed. We had been to the museum which did open at noon, and headed back to the town centre in a heavy rain, looking for a late lunch. The Fort Café was open, with a first section with deep fryers, and heavily-breaded food on display in a glass case. There was a second small section with tables and chairs, and we sat down, ordering the small portion of fish and chips, given it wouldn’t be that long until our dinner. We were astounded to get an enormous portion of fish longer than the plate, and what we would consider a jumbo order of chips. They were soooo good. A young man at the next table ordered the regular portion, and he got two massive pieces of fish.

After two weeks of walking many miles every day , popped into this chippy. Ordered macaroni and chips. The portion was huge and honestly didn’t think would get through it. Almost did! It’s cash only in the cafe which is absolutely spotless and there was service with a smile and chat. Definitely recommend! People were commenting on how good the fish was when we were in, too.

The Cafe abd take away are open to a relativly late hour and the waitresas service in the cafe are efficient and helpful, The food is hot and well presented. Tastes good as well!

Ate here 3 times during my trip to Lerwick. Sat in the cafe but, take away is also available. Good food, good value, and very friendly staff. The fish and chips were among the best I've eaten. Highly recommended.

Presque tout ce qui y est servi est gras mais c'est finalement assez classique en Ecosse. Le fish and chips est parait-il très bon mais pour ma part j'ai pris des macaroni au fromage servis avec....des frites!! Bonne ambiance dans la petite salle ceci dit.

Favourite chippy in lerwick, fish is delicious and fresh! Friendly staff and like that they have the wee cafe too :) we usually just get a takeaway but we are never disappointed. Yum.

This is the fourth time in two years I have been here. The best Fish & Chips in the UK in my book. Sadly may never come back. Well done to the ladies who run it, not sure when the fish was caught but it tastes so fresh.

The Fort Cafe and fish and chip shop is a Lerwick Legend.It seems always to have been there and I hope it always will be.

We stopped by here on the day we arrived in Lerwick and enjoyed a tasty fish and chip lunch. They did not do Gluten free but grilled me a haddock without batter to accommodate. the staff were helpful and friendly. The mug of tea was just right.

Se volete mangiare del fritto, fish and chips, ma non solo - scampi fritti, mozzarelline fritte, nuggets, ecc. siete nel posto giusto.

I am not sure if I am allowed to say in Shetland that I think this chippy is better than Frankies, but I am going to take the risk! These guys do not go in for national awards. They go in for serving very tasty fish and chips. Eat in, and you can have the pot of tea and bread if you wish. Cheap and cheerful and DEFINITELY worth it!

Good quality fish and chips, freshly cooked close to the centre of Lerwick. If you are driving you need to keep an eye out for the signs as you could easily miss it

My wife and I remembered this little place from previous visits to Shetland and went in for lunch. It was busy, but the 2 people on a table for 4 readily agreed when staff asked if they would allow us to use the 2 empty seats. We ordered our meals, which arrived in next to no time, and the haddock and chips were perfectly cooked. The price was reasonably, but I think it was a bit dearer (not surprisingly) that in 2016.

We had a takeaway from here twice during our visit, great portion size for a reasonable price, fish was beautiful, lovely chips!

As with many other places in Lerwick it is cash only. Everything me and my wife got to eat was deep fried and not easy to find something not deep fried on the menu. How ever I recommend that you take a look.

I visited this small place this summer. The fish and chips was great! I tried the small haddock. It was quite big.

Rustic authenticity down home Shetland goodness with no pretension. On a good day serving what is probably the best fish and chips you'll taste this side of the North Sea. Wash it down with a pot of tea and a slice of white loaf- mushy peas on the side as a nod to your " five a day" Staff are gracious and efficient without fawning attention. Go here for a no nonsense feed!

Arriving from Unst on a Sunday evening we were a bit worried what our ravenous teenagers would eat. Though they don’t do bookings, Louise phoned back and assured us that we’d get seated quickly anyway - which we did. The food is delicious in the fish and chips mode.

There are a few places to get fish and chips in Lerwick, but a couple locals in a pub suggested this place to me over a pint. SInce they take their fish seriously, I finished my beer and headed straight to the Fort. It was a nice day, so I took my box (no newspaper) outside and grabbed a seat at a table along the street. The fish was really wonderful, a huge perfectly breaded and fried fillet. On the other hand, the chips were a bit thick and soggy----not real bad, but definitely not too good. The fish was so good that I'm willing to overlook the chips and give this place an Excellent rating for a job well done!

What a treat to step off the ship and find such a delicious fish and chip shop! For something like 12 pounds you get a massive hunk of super fresh, moist haddock in a crunchy batter with a huge portion of chips (also very fresh; potatoes must have been very recently peeled). You can get a smaller portion for 9 pounds. Quite honestly, two hungry adults could split the larger portion, but we're from the US and have no idea when we'll get good fish and chips again, so we didn't opt to share. :) Note: They do not take bank cards, but do take dollars and pounds. The eat-in side is very small, but we managed to find a table. Efficient and friendly service.

This place is everything the reviews say it is. The fish is cooked fresh, is crispy, and really tasty. Make sure to have them put on some salt and malt vinegar to heighten the taste. It was yummy and worth the calories! One big piece is quite ample. The fries are too mushy for me...but then again, I really don't like fries. I've waited 15 years to return to Lerwick for Fish (and Chips)...and I was not disappointed today! Seating is limited inside the restaurant so we "took out" and sat on a nearby bench. It added to the ambiance. : )

The cafe was closed that evening, due to unforeseen circumstances, so we got take away and ate at a nearby picnic table. We each got the one piece with chips and realized that two portions would have been plenty for the four of us. The fish was tender and perfectly cooked, and the crispy batter glistened with the requisite grease. The chips were large, tender inside and crisp outside. The seagulls that hung around while we were eating were vocal but stayed on the ground and didn’t try to steal our food.

I have no idea how or why this cafe is currently number 2 in Lerwick’s top ten places to eat on Tripadvisor. The fish is wonderfully fresh and beautifully cooked though the chips were dry and tasted more like oven chips than chip shop chips. £12.70 for a large fish supper and £9.20 for a small one is a bit steep for what is essentially a side street cafe with little atmosphere. Much better to go for the small fish supper takeaway at £7.00. PS Fjara’s fish and chips is £13.95 for which you get atmosphere and views etc. No contest.

Not much more to add to the title. Amazing fish & chips!! Huge portions & lovely staff too. Cheered us up after a long wait to get off our boat.

Just had to treat myself to fish and chips here...more than once! Delicious and reasonably priced. :)

Usually eat here when we come to Shetland. There is a small sitting in area as well as the takeaway. Service good. Only minor criticism is the batter was a bit soggy.

Brilliant fish and chips, fresh fish, crispy batter, brilliant chips. Everything you want from a fish and chip place.

Some folks live on Fort Cafe Take Away.

We ate in one evening, having haddock and chips. Table service and large, tasty portions. The service was very prompt. Would definitely return if we're back in Lerwick.

Quick service & good service, with food being not too bad but in cool or rainy weather tables inside are scarce & its decor its not very modern plus there is a notice about "baby buggies" which didnt apply to me but i believe there might be a problem with space in "the sitting in bit". Not my choice to be honest & I do like fish n chips

This is a fish and chip shop below the fort in Lerwick. The fish was nicely cooked but the chips were terrible with very poor potatoes. It was very expensive, over nine pound each with a soft drink