Harlees in Purbeck

Ordered 2 haddock, the battery was hard and overcooked, difficult to cut and the fish was dry, chewy and there was hardly any flesh , very disappointed Purchased 24/09/24 7pm

Bought fish and chips for two at £24 !!! Don’t know if it’s legal to sell fish and chips without the fish ?!? Shocking…. batter with no fish at all !!! Would not recommend !

It’s changed names, it’s now called Herston Fish & Chips. We had chips from there this weekend and I have to sa they were honestly the nicest chips we’ve had a in a very long time. You could tell th oil was clean and the chip were cooked freshly & lovely and chunky. We’ll visit again late Sept when ego down again. Thanks for splitting a large chips for the vinegar lover 😂😂

We picked here because you can sit inside and it is wheelchair accessible, but to be honest the food was crap, flavourless fish and chips, watered down vinegar, no ketchup unless you pay extra inside the restaurant! Check your reciept carefully because I got overcharged using the kiosk screen. Thankfully did get a refund.

A fantastic site, right near the seafront with lousy service! No cutlery, no crockery, you have to pay extra for sauce or mayonnaise. The fish was dry and served in a metal cage, and the wooden knife and fork couldn't cut it or handle it. The staff moved as if stuck in treacle and couldn't be bothered to speak pleasantly to the customers. Altogether an experience to forget as soon as possible.

Fantastic food and service, made very welcome. Haddock and chips are very big portions (much better than other chippy I visited)

Went for a sit down fish and chips , no cutlery no crockery no table service just a touch screen . An awful fish and chips dinner served in a basket , a really takeaway at restaurant prices which is a shame as when it was harry Ramsden it was a proper restaurant service dinner and good food . The harlees poole serves equally as bad food so basically find any other chip shop than harlees

For the money the Cod was the smallest I've ever eaten. I would assume this is for locals and not tourists. Would expect better value so close to the sea. Cheaper in London

Dreadful experience. Sterile impersonal atmosphere, third-rate food cooked in old oil, horribly served in a heap in a plastic basket with flimsy wooden cutlery. Never again.

Hmm.... bit sad, cos its in an absolutely prime position in an iconic seaside site. 1. Front of house counter staff on till, making absolutely no communication effort. 2. Charging customers who are EATING IN for tom sauce sachets (.60p each !!)

Great service, lovely fish and chips burgers very good too! Excellent value for money the best thing Swanage has to offer

Really good food, worth the wait. As always way too many chips but both the Haddock and the Chicken Burger were high quality and cooked just right. If you're in a rush, only order Cod & chips.

How unwelcoming and barely able to mumble a sentence. 25 mins wait for fish and chips and not even busy. 6 staff. What are you all doing. And how come no one is able to make a customer feel welcomed. Nearly 30£ for fish and chips x 2. Christ

The staff were mostly friendly and the food was as expected for fish and chips. Resturant poor and basic, not table service all food served as fast food with wooden cutlery. Would NOT re visit this establishment. It lets Swanage down for a sea front location.

Awful, dry fish and chips. Mushy peas absolutely solid in the carton. Curry sauce tasted like Bisto Gravy. Seems like Harlees have cornered the market locally, which is clearly not a good thing.

Dry fish, small portions, indifferent service, seemingly a rudderless ship in terms of management... Disappointing!

Miserable staff that absolutely border on rude. Raw chips and aneamic food that was left uneaten. Waste of money and a negative Place to really bring your vibe down on a nice day

Lovely fish and chips. Ordered on line and quick service. The only disappointment was the mushy peas which were very dry and tasteless.

Save your money …. Cold and rude welcome …. Food cold … Staff unhelpful except for one person The man on the till was rude to every person who came in … Will not be back … sad as the place is nice

Beautifully cooked cod and chips best in a long time, mushy peas best ever and a lovely cuppa. Staff were very friendly, thankyou

Was not impressed from start to finish. Terrible welcome from server and no guide to what to do. A regular portion of fish ordered cod and haddock completely different sizes, the haddock very small. Chips did not taste good at all. A quick summary if you want terrible fish and chips this is the place.

After reading that one of the chain of the fish and chip shop in Poole have won an award. We thought it would be a good idea to try the one on our day out in Swanage just a few things my mushy peas had to be returned twice. They didn’t particularly look very nice anyway the lady who worked there was very good and very friendly and offered to take them a third time, but to be honest, I couldn’t be bothered by then get them warmed up again, the fish and chips were both okay. Was it worth the money that is a definite no I would at least expect the waitress to bring our order to the table and to have a plate and a proper knife and fork and definitely would not expect to pay for extras like tomato sauce or mayonnaise for the price that they are charging, would I go again definitely not for £30 for two people to have fish chips, mushy peas and one drink I think it’s extortionate, I think I may be spoilt as normally go to Westbourne to a well-known fish and chip shop which is excellent value for money and if this place wants to get anywhere near there, I think there are a few adjustments to be made

Order from a person or touchscreen. Good range and everything was being cooked fresh to order. Plaice was very good as was the generous portion of chips. And some decent sauces not the usual catering pack offerings.

Popped in and thought we would give this place a go. Hadn't been in since Harry Ramsdens was there. It has a cold feel to it now. Staff weren't friendly and heard them on several occasions bickering and squabbling about who was going to do...

Harlees have taken over the old Harry Ramsden restaurant in a great position at the sea end of the high street We had the fishcakes which were huge, tasty and great value with excellent chips which we ate outside watching the world go by Staff...

We broke our trip on the Swanage Railway to look round Swanage and had lunch at Harlees. Very nice fish and chips, not at all greasy and it was freshly cooked. Not cheap but I understand fish prices are rising and, of course, so will...

As with the many other chip shops in Swanage, priced for tourists! Food fresh and ok. Wooden knives and forks and 60p for a sachet of poor quality tomato sauce, surely a gallon of tomato sauce doesn’t cost much to give away?

Probably the best fish and chips we've had in a long time. Cooked to order. Fish was in a crispy batter and a decent sized portion. Chips tasted good and not at all greasy. Well worth a visit.

Both of us had fish n chips, well its the seaside, so its the law. Its always hit & miss what you get in different restaurants, this is certainly one of the better one's, great service, good portion sizes & reasonably priced for the 'sea-front'....

Used this chippy a few times and always take advantage of their online ordering service. Has facility to choose a pick up time and whether they are quite or busy when I turn up to collect my order, its always ready. Wife has haddock, I...

. Visiting the Jurassic Coast on vacation, takeaway fish n' chips is a feature of the holiday. Proclaimed on a notice outside the bar 'Quality Fish n' Chips', the fried product......... cod, fish cake and chips was without equivocation terrible! The chips were passable but...

Been here 5 or 6 times since it opened. Never disappointed. Unlike a lot of places, proper cod is served, not haddock, coley etc. Portion sizes are very good, not greasy, and coffee is very nice. Excellent value for money. Although maybe not everyone’s choice,...

We ordered at the counter and paid. We sat down to wait for our order number to be called to find you have to pay extra for ketchup which sounds silly. Ut given how much you are paying to eat your fish and chips in...

Ordering is a bit weird, as you go in there are upright ordering panels, so you order and pay on that, and wait for your number to be called, you can eat inside or outside or take away, which is what we did. Food really...

Me, my husband and our 2 little girls went here today for lunch as we fancied fish and chips. We couldn’t believe a standard haddock and chips, small cod and chips, plain sausage on its own, chicken nuggets on their own, curry sauce and 2...

We had a group of nine cubs/scouts and five adults to eat in at lunchtime. The manager was very accommodating and seated us in a separate area so we didn't interrupt other diners, the other staff were helpful and friendly. The food was well received...

The new concept looks all bright and shiny and high tech but fails to deliver what we remember from the old Parade Branch. Limited menu. Small portions. Poor quality chips - assorted sizes, blemishes, eyes in. No proper crockery or cutlery any more. Expensive for...

Harlees are a well established outfit in Swanage and we have visited their takeaway for many years. So today we thought we’d try their new restaurant in the old Harry Ramsden building on the seafront. Can safely say we won’t be returning! I understand that...

The new town centre branch has a bit of an identity crisis. It can't make up it's mind whether to be a takeaway or a poor restaurant. It does neither well ! Music too loud, portions small compared to De Plaice, Chips dry and that...

Went to new swanage branch in town centre. Massive ripoff, quality of food is atrocious and prices extortionate. Ketchup is disgusting and they are trying to charge 0.60p for a sachet. Feels like your sat in a warehouse no atmosphere just chaos. Will never return.

Just popped into the new harlees takeaway on sea front. Love the screens will work when busy. Best chips in town at the moment. Fish looks really niice. Had cheeseburger was good value for the money

We came to swanage last week and seen Harry ramsdon has gone and been replaced by Harlees, we thought we would give it ago as it looked nice, we usually eat at the chip shop down the road! We got in there it’s a TAKEAWAY...

Great choice, lovely food, cooked very quickly, great prices they could save themselves a fortune by cutting down on the chips, maybe by a third Although the self-ordering wasn't working, it didn't take long to queue and order and the staff were really friendly.

This is a review of the new outlet that replaced the Harry Ramsden's near the Swanage seafront. It's not long opened, so perhaps this is just teething troubles - but the service was very slow. I went in for takeaway, which you'd think would be...

This is a review of the new outlet that replaced Harry Ramsdens. I don’t even know where to start, 2 burgers and chips with 2 cans of pop was £25. For chip shop prices that is outrageous! The burgers both tasted like they were ready...

Wow !! Firstly the staff was so friendly and helpful, I had a query regarding vegetarian options the manger Mike discussed everything through with me and was more than accommodating to do so. The food itself was cooked to perfection, the chips was the best...

We have been going to Harlees for years but after today we will never go again. We always eat in when we visit and sit upstairs. We weren't allowed to do this today, no reason given. Surly staff but good food. No plates, no tea....

Quality was average, cost expensive all topped off with a rather rude lady organising collections in the shop. I’ve eaten here several times in the past and this will probably be the last I’m sorry to say.

Visited with my 7 year old son at 7pm on a weeknight and although there was a lengthy wait as we were walk-in customers, we were really impressed with the fresh, tasty food and friendly service. Recommend it.

Amazing food and hospitality, had a lovely chat with the staff and felt very welcome. Food was affordable and reasonably priced too.

Visited last night and was served by the rudest girl ever. Won’t be coming back any time soon to be spoken to like a child.

There are some bad reviews here, but our experience was very good. Ordered via the app, food was ready 2 mins after turning up. All staff in masks, and polite, if transactional. Gosh was good. Chips were good. Curry sauce was lush! Sausages were good....

Excellent fish and chips, good quality and size.Not busy when visited but very slow service.Would visit again if in the area.

Normally use chippies in town when staying down but tried Harlees today and have to say bet fish and chips I have have for many years. Freshly cooked full of flavour. Couldn't fault. Will certainly use next time we are down.

Really nicely cooked fish and chips, ordered through web site ,very easy and collected bang on time. Very tasty and plenty of it. Recommended

Everything was awful, the food was greasy and underwhelming, tasted frozen and rubbery, might as well have been reheated, the chicken was overcooked and very dry, staff was very rude And didn’t seem friendly, need to learn basic manners

Very disappointed. Tried to call for over an hour, no answer. Turned up to shop at 8pm, told could not serve me as had not done click and collect. I had in fact tried, and was told that it had to be done by around 6pm. I was also told that they are not currently taking phone orders.Perhaps they could leave a message on their phone to let PAYING customers know, as not everyone shops online. Secondly, perhaps a note on the website that click and collect orders need to be placed 150 minutes before collecting said order could be helpful.I know times are challenging but this is a poor show and a complete lack of communication. Went to Golden Bengal next door instead, top food, allegiance now changed.

Came here last Saturday evening when it was fairly busy. Ordering and waiting was fairly efficient with all the social distancing measures. But food unfortunately was nothing better than average - chips tasty but fish and mushy peas were very dry and disappointing.

Totally disorganised collection system. Staff seemingly not covid aware. Dry fish 90% batter. Dry mushy peas.

We’re local and eat here often love it and great to see your open again after lockdown, what a great bunch, big pat on the back all of you

The food here is some of the best I have ever tasted.The chips are really tasty and the fish is fantastic. If you are visiting Swanage check this place out, you won't be disappointed. Great value for money and cooked fresh !!

Went for lunch after trying to find fish and chips in Swanage that were easy to get too. We had 2 portions of fish n chips, served in a paper bag which made them soggy and sweaty. Chips were certainly not fresh and tasted like they had been re heated a few times. Fish was small and very greasy, and very expensive for what we had! £18 ... Very dissapointed as we just wanted some tasty fish and chips and our coastal trip.

We stopped at the chip shop on the way out of Swanage and there was around 8 people waiting but no queue at the counter so I asked how long a wait it could be as I had young children in the car and was told“10-15 mins” which was ok with me. 20 mins past and only one persons order was called and that was 9 numbers before mine! Several people came into the shop and collected food paid and went. I can only presume these where orders via the app I saw advertised on their window. I patiently waited until the numbers below mine was called and everyone else that came after me was served and asked why my number had not been called? I was told oops the slip had fell down! I sat down and waited again and then another number again above mine was called, I had watched people come in and be served and gone and I was still waiting! I questioned this again and was told by another female member of staff that it doesn’t always go in number order!!! But was previously told my slip had fell off the counter. I explained this and she was rude and obnoxious, by this time 40mins into my wait my husband whom was waiting in the car with the children came in, no apology was offered and we was made to feel like we was in the wrong! We had to say “I’m sorry this has happened” sarcastically for anyone to actually apologise. If I was told there would of been a long wait I wouldn’t of minded but to be told 10-15mins to then wait 42mins is disappointing. The food overall was very nice and the children loved their cheesy chips. However I do feel the staff need to go on some customer service course to know how to react in a professional manner in these particular situations.

We have been eating at this restaurant with various ownership since 1982 and always had great meals. Good generous sized portions, excellently cooked. My wife ordered Large Cod and Chips special, but with salad instead of chips, £12.95. When it arrived it was the thinnest, scrawniest piece of fish you could find (see picture). My wife stated to the waiter that she had ordered the large cod. (this was hardly a child's portion) The waiter said it is a large cod. I said this is a fraction of the size of the cod we have been served in the past and not even the size of the previous regular cod. He said "it's very dense !" He offered to return it to the kitchen. I asked would it make the cod any bigger ? He said "no" so I said not to bother. I asked him if the business had changed ownership recently ? He said "Yes, it has" It didn't take long to eat these small meals. Another waitress asked if all was ok ? I told her the problems. She apologised. In all fairness when paying at the till, she marked the price down to the price of the "regular cod meal. I then had the opportunity to have a polite conversation with the manager / owner who told me the portions are all pre sized. Whatever his "spin" and explanation, they are a fraction of their previous size. As a matter of interest, we took a look at the cod portions in the restaurant next door and they were over double the size of those served in the Parade Fish restaurant. !

Just called into Harlees for fish and chips and have to say it was excellent, couldn’t fault it in any way, cooked fresh to order which is without doubt the best way.I am sure the previous reviewer has made an error and reviewed the wrong establishment, to clarify this one is on the high street (A351) just before you leave Swanage.

We used to be regulars at Harlees, which served the best fish and chips in Swanage and we even had a loyalty card, but after returning from a short break we found it under new management, with all new staff. We waited 45 minutes to be served in the cafe area at the top, then worse, the fish and chips we had were terrible. The cod appeared to have been sliced in half horizontally to make the portions smaller, the batter was overcooked and the chips were soggy. Meanwhile, the people on the next table complained and sent one of their orders back, at which the management appeared and suggested they should go and eat elsewhere if they didn't like it. Best avoided.

We are staying local and we were travelling back from Old Harry Rocks when we found this little gem. We had sausage and chips for 2 one night and then fish and chips another. Very polite staff and the food was delicious

Lovely fish and chips, gorgeous views. Friendly staff. Best fish and chip restaurant! Recommended for fresh fish and chips.

Great fish & chips good portion size too & over looking the sea lovel staff very friendly all freshly cooked

I myself have eaten here many time over years always been amazing food. We had a family get together on the 30th of Dec 2018 and fancied fish and chips, the food took a little longer than normal ( not that I minded ) mike was the name of the member of staff he appolised due to him being on his own that night was very friendly and helpful even though you could see he was busy on his own. The food was amazing even my uncle who is a professional chef said the chips was hands down the best he has ever had. I recommend anyone to visit this harlees.

The fish was overcooked the haddock was a very thin sliver of fish so needed to be cooked according to its size. We asked for them to take a coffee order and no one came back to us. It was busy and the staff were running all over the place. Food took ages which was surprising for a restaurant with a take away downstairs. Won't come back.

Excellent fish and chips and the staff were very friendly. Would recommend. The views across the bay are lovely too.

I’ve lived and eaten fish and chips all over the country. Quite simply these are the best I’ve ever tasted. Yes it was busy but the service was efficient and the order number meant people didn’t get stressed. It was well worth the wait.

We never have fish and chips where we live, we wait until we are in Swanage and visit Harlees. Delicious and with stunning views.

Having been on holiday staying near Swanage for the last 10 years or so, we have visited many a fish and chip shop. We have to say that this is the best fish and chip shop in the area. We always visit Harlees (the one towards Harpers Cross - not the one in town) at least once, well this time, three times during our two week stay. They don't disappoint. Yes, you do have to queue at times but it is simply worth the wait. We tried a variety of things - haddock, cheesy chips, homemade fishcakes, pineapple fritters, battered sausages and their cheeseburgers. All lovely and hot and teamed with a generous portion of chips.

Simply came in for two portions of chips! Had to wait 20mins. Understand that other food is cooked to order and has to be done in turn but for two portions of chips, crazy! Won’t bother again....

We always try and get in here for fish and chips when in Swanage. We ate here twice last week and were very happy with the food and service on both occasions. Yes it can get busy but no more than you would expect from a good fish and chip restaurant with great views in the middle of summer. We have always found the staff to be very helpful and obliging - yes you do sometimes have to ask for bread and butter if you want it but I guess that prevents waste as the portions are generous anyway. I would NOT consider that a hardship. Thanks guys - we look forward to many return visits.

Stopped here on a referral and was not disappointed. Great quality fish and chips, mushy peas and pineapple fritter.

This was my second visit to the shop ,

Family of 6 eating today @ 13:30 was told no beans no this no that. Bread and butter in price but had to ask for it and was asked if we wanted it or not.

Back again and the service is even better this time I had a fish and chips 😍 thank you guys you all still doing a great job well done !!

Picked up a meal here whilst camping near by. Bought a selection of bits for my husband, kids and I. The fishcakes were amazing, must have been 80% fish, nothing like the normal fishcakes we get, so tasty and filling, made with proper batter on them. My kids shared one between them and I couldn't finish 2!!

Have eaten here three times now at different times of the year and don't recognise the place that some reviewers refer to. Food is excellent, service is warm friendly and efficient and the views from the upstairs restaurant are stunning. Four of us all had different dishes yesterday. The salmon was beautifully cooked, the fish cakes excellent, the seafood basket delicious and the fish and chips as good as always. Excellent value and will return again. Only reason didn't give five stars was the white wine as not cold.

Always go here on our trips to Swanage. Consistently great food. Piping hot and often cooked to order. Always queues outside suggesting that it is not only a great place for tourists but also the locals too. Staff are always friendly and helpful. Not on the seafront but on the way out of Swanage towards Harpers Cross, but don't let that put you off. Worth the trip every time.

Went here whilst camping down the road.

Mi segundo intento porque me pareció que era oportuno. . Por desgracia no!. Las patatas fritas eran bastante buenos, pero el pescado era asquerosa. El bateador era grueso, duro y de color marrón oscuro y el pescado era plana y sin sabor. Los peces parecía que habían muerto dos veces! ! No soy de escribir comentarios o quejarse, pero esta justificado. Solucionar!

Very disappointed with our Fish & Chips this evening, Fish was Very Dry & Boney, a lot of green chips. Saving grace was the scampi portion but could not split between 4. Very expensive for the quality of food. Not to be repeated or recommended.

Excellent in every way. Highly recomend. Staff very friendly. Nice atmosphere . Food good. Nice view

Viernes por la noche en mi camino a casa de trabajar en la zona, decidí probar este lugar. El servicio estaba bien. Normalmente viven patatas, pero estas últimas eran simplemente insulsa. Sin embargo, el fue el mejor fishcake que he probado. Era más como una patty, con piezas de bacalao claramente visibles. Esperé unos 10 minutos ya que estaba ocupado. Sin duda comprar el fishcake de nuevo, aunque no las patatas fritas, posiblemente la próxima vez.

Comida basura y el personal necesita cambiar ignorante y respondón. peor lugar para pescado y patatas fritas en Swanage

Vino en un ajetreado viernes por la tarde y yo estaba deseando algo clásico y no caro. Pedí un regular y una patatas fritas y salsa de curry solla, sólo tuve que esperar unos 10 minutos, así que no es tan malo, el precio, sin embargo, fue una decepción, ya que pagamos 8 libras por mientras que en otro sitio pudiera conseguir algo mejor y más barato. Regresé a casa y me quedé satisfecho con que el bateador que fue más y demasiado crujientes comparado dorase a otras tiendas chip en la ciudad. En general está bien, pero es caro. Probablemente no vuelva pronto.

Disappointing. Fresh prepared, waited 15 mins to cook. Cod was less than 1 cm thick and rubbery. Batter was greasy and burnt. I left the fish it was so bad. The chips were very nice and plenty of them. The staff were not friendly at all.

I've always had great fish and chips here. A good variety of chip shop fayre, always been well cooked.Te restaurant isn't always open which is a shame as the views from the tables are excellent, especially table 4 for 2.Best in the area.

Good fish and chips, cooked to order. Better than others in area. Nice portion size, tasty chips. Love it

We have had fish and chip takeaways on several occasions now and we have found them to be very good. Highly recommend Harlees of Swanage who have two takeaways.

We visited on a Sunday evening and had an order for 5 people. All the food was freshly cooked so we had to wait a while but we didn't mind. The batter and the chips were crispy and still hot when we got them home. One complaint would be that when we were waiting we read the menu and found out that we were entitled to some free sides. We had to ask for these, it would have been nice if they had been offered.

We ordered cod, which was the only one in the cabinet and yet they served it to us. it was greasy and tasteless. I had scampi which was under cooked and tasteless. the chips were greasy and seemed as though the fat had not been hot enough to cook them in.It was an awful meal and we never even got the mushy peas we ordered.The owners need to look at their practices very soon as whenever we went past there was no one in there and it doesn't look, smell or feel like a fish and chip shop. There is no feeling of heat or sizzling batter and no inviting smell of fish and chips.

Visiting this area for the week and so tradition is that we always have fish and chips on the first night after a day of travelling. They were very busy and it was suggested they were busier than usual but they handled all the orders they took while I was there very well. We probably waited fifteen minutes but had a big order for six people. Billy served us and apologised several times for the delay. On returning to our rented cottage and sampling the food the cod was hot and delicious. The larger than we are used to fish cakes were very delicious too!! Would purchase from there again.

This place has only changed in one thing since I last visited. The food was now warm as opposed to cold. The staff are still in the wrong job. The two that served us should not be in a job working with customers. My friend asked the cook what Plaice tasted like (he had never eaten it before and was contemplating giving it a try). The cook replied "It's %$£*& with no taste. I wouldn't eat it"Guess what? My friend didn't eat it. Oh and if you think I'm going to waste any more of my time, then think again.My final question is normally "Would I return?" Not a chance!I'd rather eat uncooked roadkill

Being a seaside town there are many fish and chip shops. I live in Swanage and whenever we have visitors this is the one they all want to visit. The fish is cooked freshly and it is very fresh fish of good quality, they often have Skate on the menu which is a must for one of my friends. The portions are huge and the prices are not, and also it isn't grease like some. They do take out and being on the water front plenty of public benches outside to sit in the sun or the downstairs has been made as take out seating. The restaurant is upstairs but the window look over the water so a pleasant place to eat a great meal.