Henleys of Wivenhoe in Colchester

I have visited Henleys many times and always have skinless cod and chips . Quality has usually been quite good but a takeaway today was so disappointing that I felt compelled to phone the manager and complain only to have the phone put down on me! I paid £22.10 for 2 large skinless cod and chips to share which was a treat for us as we are pensioners. This is our normal order but the 2 portions of cod were practically non existent and we predominantly had two large pieces of batter with a tiny bit of fish. In the past the size of the large skinless cod has varied but this was totally unacceptable today and most of it ended up in the bin as no way did we want to eat a load of greasy batter. This was meant to have been a Christmas treat as fish is so expensive nowadays! The Manager admitted the fish was smaller than normal and blamed the supplier and also the fact we wanted it skinless. We always have skinless fish and have never been fobbed off before with an extortionate amount of batter to try and conceal the lack of fish inside. I was offered no recompense and the Manager said no one else had complained. He is obviously not interested in trying to keep customers happy and did not want to offer any resolution so he terminated the conversation. Needless to say we will not be returning.

Okay first of all I will say that the food is pretty nice, but the prices are ridiculous for a chippy, portion sizes are getting smaller. Staff seem untrained, and often get orders wrong. Inconsistent order times, sometimes I will be in there and out in less than 2 minutes, but other times it’s a 10 minute wait just for some sausage and chips. Everyone is allowed to talk, but the staff seem to be more interested in gossiping rather than actually making my food! On the same day that this event happened, a customer walked in a few minutes after me, and ordered a portion similar to mine in size. Guess who got their order first🙄🙄 Overall not impressed, 2/10

This is the second time that I've tried Henleys and thought I would give it a second go as the first experience was a letdown. I ordered a large portion of chips and once again, they were merely average. The chap that was serving wasn't very cheerful and the overall experience was quite disappointing. I won't try again, and I can't understand why they get the awards. It must be for the fish, rather than their chips.

Food was quite good now very poor we got fish full of bones. Fishcake was still ice cold in the middle. Chips were undercooked more like eating raw apple. Must be trying to save on gas. Will not use again with my hard earned cash.

Amazing fish and chips, always freshly cooked. Lots to choose from on the menu. Friendly staff too! We will be returning soon ☺️

Excellent classic fish & chips, highly recommended. Fish batter was light and not greasy, fish fresh. Chips lovely. Cooked to order and worth the wait. Staff polite and helpful in a busy very hot shop.

Having read the reviews and seen the hype on the sandwich boards outside the shop, I was expecting huge things, but I have to say I was largely disappointed. It was lunchtime and so I just ordered some chips, and was firstly disappoined that they were crammed into such a small box. Giving space to the chips allow them to extol their crispiness, but being so tightly packed, they were a little on the soggy side. I wouldn't describe the chips as bad, merely average, but the expectations were high and that they would be awesome, but maybe they have won their awards for the fish that I didn't manage to sample, rather than a lunchtime portion of chips. I'll give it a go sometime when I'm a little hungrier, but did travel more than an hour to get there, but was left disappointed. Maybe an off day, let's see if I return next time I'm in the Colchester area.

Reasonable fish & chips - skate and haddock - but very rude service. Not acceptable even if busy. Doesn’t deserve its reputation.

We've been coming to Henley’s for 6+ years from Mersea, it has always been excellent, the staff seem to be always cheerful & helpful and the atmosphere is good. We haven't seen Mr Henley for some years, but the 'senior fryer' is a good deputy, although sometimes under a lot of pressure. Prices have gone up a lot, but that is to be expected, still worth the money (and the journey!) The F & C is excellent, usually cooked to order which yields hot fish and crisp batter. Wetake ours away to the riverside and enjoy it looking over the Colne in all weathers. Yesterday I was adventurous and tried a ‘Fish Box’, an £8.50 tasty sounding option. It was a mistake, two pieces each of various fish, cod ‘chunks’, ‘king’prawns’, squid ‘chunks’ and battered squid rings. The latter were great, the rest were small, sad, refugees from cheap supermarket freezers, or so it seemed. This dish needed at least three of each, and better quality. I couldn’t believe the soggy and tasteless ‘cod chunks’, as I have seen the care with which they prepare their fish in the shop. So I’m writing this to warn anyone who like me is tempted to digress from the lovely classic fish, and to ask David Henley to reflect on whether this option has had its day? We intend to return again and again, but it will be for fish & chips, experimentation is over!

I’m constantly disappointed with fish and chips as I used to work in a fish and chip shop so have pretty high standards. Henley’s were exceptional. The batter was so light and crispy and the chips actually tasted of potato! If you are visiting the area, like we are, go get fish and chips.

Went here for my birthday, the lord approves , everything was fresh , quick service , the only thing I would say is the Gina de campo visit in 2006 video gets a-bit dull

Visited Friday the 22 April. I had cod and chips my wife had rock eel and chips. The chips were piled on top of the fish so you had to actually find the fish. The chips were really poor and soggy, and the fish wasn't much better with the batter being soggy to, For the price you pay and the reputation this place has we were expecting much better, nearly £20 for fish and chips which were the standard size, god knows how much the bigger portions would have been. and then £3.60 for two small bottles of pop. they tell you they have to put on the salt and vinegar on for you but even then they don't bother. Maybe they should start reading their reviews and listen to what people say. We will not be visiting again.

We ordered last night the fish was ok but the batter seemed different. Sadly the chips tasted rank and they were cold. It’s a shame it use to be the best chippy.

We ordered 3 cod and chip meals from Henleys which we have always enjoyed in the past. The fish was fine but the chips were inedible and we all threw them away. They were dark, dry and although there was a lot of them it was mainly bits not proper chips. They did not taste fresh. This has never happened before so I don't know what went wrong but it has put us off returning.

So expensive now. Used to be value for money - £4 for chips! Coming on £9 for fish….Crazy prices, can’t feed the family on these prices.

Very poor showing David you’ve lost the Midas Touch, Rude Staff watching the preparation food isn’t cooked with Care anymore, that shows in the taste 1 Star Tops , I won’t be coming anymore. Wivenhoe is lovely though.

Amazing fish and chips - fish was firm, crispy batter and not overly fatty, and the chips were great too.I had a "lite" lunchtime portion, excellent price, and still a good portion size.I don't have fish and chips often, but often end up feeling a bit eaurgh because the portions are too big (and I lack the seld control to recognise when I've had enough & stop eating:( )Will definitely go back when I am in the area.

Young girl serving very miserable and rude being polite and smiling costs nothing. chips were very poor fish was nice . £10 doesn’t represent very good value either. Will not be returning

the chips were so soggy and rubbery nearly inedible the way they won an award is crazy award winny chip more like a soggy mess

Excellent food provided for free to the NHS staff at the COVID test centre in Colchester. Thank you so much we really appreciate!

Visited with my mother on a Thursday lunchtime for a takeaway. Spotlessly clean shop, lovely staff,great value for money!

Me & mrs had a chippy takeaway last night chips where cooked to perfection and the mrs really enjoyed the battered sausage staff where very polite and friendly will be returning again in the future keep up the good work 5*********

First time having food from here today. Decided to travel from Colchester as they offer a gluten free menu. I was recently diagnosed with coeliac disease so was really happy with the options, and also that they have a dedicated fryer, and separate colour coded utensils. I had the batterer sausage and chips and it was very nice! Very happy to still be able to have fish and chips and will definitely be returning.My boyfriend had the regular cod and chips and she also said it was very good food.Highly recommend!!

Went there a couple of years ago, when I was working in the area.I had heard that it was the best fish and chips shop in Essex. And it definitely had intrigued my curiosity to try...Well, I tried.Result?Everything was exceptional: service, packaging (got a takeaway), salt-and-vinegar on the go (sachets!), cleanliness, screen on the wall with all their awards and achievements (good for marketing purposes, indeed), pricing. They deserved their money, and their recognition.However, and because I have tried fish and chips in many many places, and three countries, I have to admit that my best fish and chips experience lies elsewhere!What I'm saying is, the best fish and chips in Essex, is at the Yates Fish Bar, in Walton-on-the-Naze.I'm sorry, but that is the truth.The Yates Fish Bar fish sits at the top, while the Henleys of Wivenhoe comes second. But only is milliseconds, not an hour. As I said, everything else was exceptional. So, yes, I do recommend Henleys as an overall experience. But, my best fish and chips dish was at Yates... Sorry about that. And I hope you still like me...!

Had the haddock with chips, it was made in front of my eyes, fresh, tasty, I also couldn't finish at once, so had two good meals. Best suitable for takeouts.

I have used this Fish and Chip shop quite a lot and they offer consistently friendly service. The fish is all cooked to order, so you know it is fresh and it tastes fresh as well. I will never use another fish shop because this one is the best in the area and I have to travel from Colchester to get to it. Well worth the journey.

A friend who lives close to Henleys suggested we get a quick supper of fish and chips. I found my cod and chips to be some of the very best I have ever tasted! The cod was beautifully fresh and sweetly succulent, enhanced by a light and flavoursome batter. My friend, who was already familiar with their menu chose haddock, which she confirmed was also of the same delicious freshness and flavour. Our chips too, were equally of high quality and full of flavour (I am not easily impressed by chips usually!). Thank you Henleys for a wonderful meal, I very much look forward to my next visit!

this is a good place to eat i really recommend it loved the food and it was fast everyone should go there its worth the drive if your from another country

Had a lovely piece of cod tonight. The batter was exactly as it should be. Visiting from Florida and my brother took us there based on Gordon Ramsay's recommendation. Made me sceptical, but crikey - it's worth the drive. Hopefully we go back tomorrow so I can try their steak and kidney pie.

the chips are soggy and greasy when you try to talk to them they do not cooperate and just overall very poor customer service

Great Take Away, food is always really good unless you go near closing time then you are more likely to get food which has been sitting their a while. Staff are friendly and happy to help.I Highly recommend the Donner kebabs they do, they are amazing but you have to get in their early as they sell out of Donner meat VERY quickly!!

i live locally to this chip shop just down the road actually i love this chip shop but now their chips aren't what they use to be when i ordered some chips for myself but they weren't separate chips they were a under-cooked pile of mush more like mash then chips! I am highly disappointed with the quality of these chips i would much rather wait a few extra minutes than have the chips they gave to me .i also think they should invest in delivery as half the time you cant get chips because of the small car park outside NOT just used for henleys but a pharmacy ,hairdressers and a shop as well as the chip shop so overall they need to sort out there quality need change my mind!

Having seen the recent press regarding this chip shop thought I’d give it a try.I have to say we where not disappointed.We where informed the potatoes where from Colchester and the haddock we had was in fact Msc certified.Also the staff went out of there way to make us fell special will definitely be returning.Keep up the great work

Popped in here with the kids on the way home. Was expecting a normal chippy job but was pleasantly suprised. Amazing fleshy bit of cod, battered to perfection. The chips were soft on the inside and crispy on the out - the Mrs was fuming she didn't ask for anything!! Even the kids were happy with nuggets and sausages. Very friendly service, had a lovely chat with the guy behind the counter and will definitely be back!! Thank you Henleys!!

Not tried Henley's before but my god what have I been doing all my life. Was chatting with the girls down the salon about our cheat foods (which ends up being most meals for me!) and they headed me straight in this direction. Bloomin' gorgeous and never looking back!

I read about their award so decided to give it a go! I’m northern so know what good fish and chips taste like. There was lots of momentum in the chippie and a fair few workers, but not one had a smile on their faces! I asked a woman where to order, who clearly hasn’t had any customer service training. After about 5 mins I was head gestured to go to another till point.

My visit last week was at best judged as poor quality, this fish and chip shop has always been hit or miss but with recent price increases I will not be returning. I will also point out that standard cod is in my opinion very small.

Inconsistent. That’s the word which springs to mind when writing about Henley’s. On a good day, you are sure to be getting an excellent meal. On a poor day, well, the fish and chips is confusingly poor. You are confused because this is a very highly rated fish shop. I think the cod fish is the nicest from here, not so large but definitely worth having. As a general rule, I don’t like fish and chip shops which serve kebabs or burgers on the side, I’d prefer you to stick to your fish - but there we go, I don’t run the place, I hope kebabs make them plenty of money.

The food is okay, I don’t see the fuss. Inside the store itself they think that they’re the biggest fish and chip store in the country but their food is mediocre at best. Expensive also. Tollgate Fisheries is better.

Popped he last Friday after dropping son off at prom - the 2 of us fish n chips other sausage n chips soggy , cold and be flavour what so ever - our friends also joined us but had preordered there’s and they were equally disappointed- definitely will not be returning

I called in here as a last minute thing as I was in the area, the service was excellent and the battered sausage was very good as well, the only reason I have marked it down to average is the chips were not that nice, a shame really because other than that it is a five star place.

Lovely food, best chip shop in the Colchester area. The battered sausages, are probably the best I’ve tried.

The best takeaway in Wivenhoe. Always busy. Lovely to see a business that employs the local youth. Would definitely recommend

Called in for fish and chips nice crispy batter and tasty fish but not sure what is going on with the chips not crispy in fact didn’t enjoy them at all not sure what’s happened used to be sooo nice

We often get our fish and chips. Good sized and tasty cod with chips cooked to perfection. Well worth the visit to Wivenhoe to collect our tasty takeaway. Staff always pleasant and friendly, thank you we will be back again soon.

Second visit this year and quality has gone down. Tasteless fish and dry chips. Isn't cheap. Won't be coming back as it's too hit and miss. Staff also need to cheer up. Not very friendly.

No, there's far better elsewhere. I don't know what they won all the awards for, but I bet it wasn't for customer service - surly, unfriendly, and enough to put me off ever going there again. The food's okay, usually, but only if you're looking for an easy option and aren't too bothered about what you get. I'll be going elsewhere in future.

Fantastic service !! Delicious Fish & Chips award winning venue 5 Star plus this is definitely worth a visit when in Wivenhoe .

Have just bought some chips from Henleys, and only half were even edible. Most of them were dry and gnarled. The owners have obviously taken their eye off the ball, and should remember they have a reputation to lose. Won't be going back, ever.

Went in for a quick meal and over £12 for 3 sausages, chips and cheesy chips and curry sauce.. Chips very dry seem as though they had been sat for a little while, very small portion for what you are paying for as well. Every time I visit and a saveloy has been ordered by the time I get home with them which is less that 3 minutes drive they are cold sometimes they taste as though they haven’t been heated. As for the curry sauce, if you are going to warm it up in a microwave you need to ensure that it is heated up it was very stodgy and well cold. People keep on saying they are the best in the area. Well I would have to disagree, I would rather drive a little further to get better quality food And be served by staff that are a lot more cheerful. Staff here seem rather grumpy, no spring in their step. Sorry

Always tasty, always quick and friendly.. This is my local and as a local I recommend it to any visitors to Wivenhoe, Essex University and beyond.

We have used Henleys for years. I have noticed since the beginning of the year that our cod and chips are a really greasy. Not sure if you have changed your oil but something has changed. I will still buy here but the chip shop at the bottom is just as good as Henleys.

Hadn’t visited for a while, the shop has been extended so more room for serving and waiting. Called on a Saturday evening about 7, there was a small queue but only had to wait about five minutes, a wait is worthwhile if the fish is freshly cooked, which it was. The chips were a bit disappointing, not crispy, but the fish was great.

Title says it all really; felt really safe eating here; everything packaged up and labelled gluten-free (and that's a relief because otherwise we would have thought they were 'normal'!).

A fish and chips meal is rather heavy so I recommend sharing it with a friend. This is not to say their portions are too big though! Remember to drown your chips in vinegar and a sprinkle of salt!

Recently enlarged premises, extensive menu and plenty of staff make this a must if you are in the area.

I don’t have fish and chips often but when I do this is how I like it:

Went here to get our lunch we had 2xcod and chips plain sauasgae and chips and a curry sauce which i was told by family was fantastic well cooked batter and very tasty chips i had gluten free fish and chips battered sausage and gluten free curry sauce which i must say is the best i have ever tried the batter is very tasty highly reccommed the staff are always friendly but make sure u ring up to order gluten free so they can get it ready

Think that's my last visit here now. Very greasy substandard meal. Had the usual large cod and chips and left most of it feeling quite sick. For an award winning place I was very disappointed. Been here on many occasions and each time it's got steadily worse.

Really really good fish and chips. All made fresh and just really enjoyable food. Keep up the good work

After a stressful day, we came here. Food cooked to order, nice to see the employment of local youngsters! Food was cooked to order and was only £13 for 2 meals

once I had picked out the black or green ones wasn't a lot left. they forgot one bag of chips.

Visiting the area recently I Googled "Award Winning Fish & Chips" and found Henley's.

Always fine fish, well cooked and the best supper for miles. Good prices and even better fish. The queue of an evening tells a story.

Saw Henley’s on the short list for chippy of the year so took a detour on my way back to London from Norfolk , I ordered at lunch time just after the shop opened- cod and chips (£7ish very reasonable)and I wasn’t disappointed the chips were golden brown and fluffy in the middle the batter on the fish had the perfect amount of bite and the fish itself was fresh and light , if you are a connoisseur of the fish and the chip Henley’s is well worth a visit ,also friendly staff service with a smile is becoming a rarity so good to see!

Never have I visited a chippy which boasts such consistent excellence. During long stints in the university library just down the road I would often find myself with a hankering for a hot fish supper, hop on my bike and cycle to Henley’s, only to be impressed time and time again while tucking in on the bench outside. This is my all time favourite chippy and will certainly be among the first stops I make when I grace the bright lights of Wivenhoe some time in the future.

Not just a chippy but a very good chippy indeed with lots of other fresh choices. Justifiably proud of all their awards. Splendid food and splendid service.

Have not used this shop in past month as I found it very average in spite of being impressed with...

Ok food, the better of both in Wivenhoe! The tv with the constant self promotion is getting a bit boring after so many years. Really needs an update or turn it off !

After eating fish and chips here it'll be hard to find any that are better! By far the best award winning fish and chips! Great for family food.

El mejor pescado y patatas fritas sin gluten gratis que he comido también tienen gluten salchichas y helado el resto de la familia dijo que la comida era increíble, un servicio fantástico, precios

Allí sin duda es una razón por la que se concedan Henleys continúa año tras año. . Sus peces no debe perderse y patatas fritas. No se puede encontrar un restaurante de pescado mejor y chip en cualquier lugar. Ya que el año pasado intenté Henleys durante las vacaciones, tuvimos que volver este año ya que estábamos deseando. El pescado y las patatas fritas que tuvimos en restaurantes de Londres a no celebrar una de las velas a la luz, con un inusual de pescado crujiente exterior que sólo Henleys ha perfeccionado. Tener una opción de pescado es sólo la guinda del pastel. El personal dedicado y cuidadoso es sin precedentes. Los propietarios son con frecuencia en el lugar asegurando a la calidad no es nada pero de primera categoría. Henleys verdaderamente no te la puedes perder! Y no te olvides de probar los guisantes y la salsa curry blanda!

La gran donante. dieron Era enorme. No se podía comer de todo, pero nos dio una buena prueba maldita Mucha confianza chipper. Hace un menú sin gluten. Algo más caro que el resto, pero vale la pena cada céntimo.

Ibamos a salir, así como no hay mucha variedad en Wivenhoe en 5:00 pm llegamos aquí. Cena para 3 llegó a 16 libras. La comida estaba bien

They do cook really great fish, always fresh and whether you have cod,haddock or plaice : or even the Pollock : its great fish . chips though , not crisp enough for me

Great menu choice, value for money, you can't get better.All staff are ready and waiting and the quality of the locally sourced fish is exceptional. They have many awards and are understandably proud to show them.

Freshly cooked and so tasty. Always busy and producing good gush and chips. We have tried many but always think this is amongst the best.

So nice to find a takeaway that caters for Coeliacs. I usually order cod & chips which are superb. It is advisable to phone first as they use separate facilities to cook the food. Highly recommended.

I was travelling back from shopping and needed a lunch which I did not have to cook. Forgot to order in advance. Did not take long to cook. Worth waiting for. Very nice and good size fish

Better than of late, not as greasy! We find that a large portion of chips is more than enough for 3 people. We had 2 cod and a sausage in batter, and it came to £18.

Visited on a Thursday, and although I had to wait for fish to be cooked, it was fresher and tastier, although the chips are far from perfect, they tasted like they've been sitting around a while.

We have tried most of Essex for fish and chips and this is probably the best The fish is in a fridge in front of you so you can see what you are getting rather than someone disappearing around the back of a freezer with a "suspect Bucket " and shoving it in batter before you can see the colour of it we came in on fri 24/3 and had 2 haddocks and a large chips we waited while the fish was cooked and served into 2 boxes the chap in there was friendly and efficient as he asked if we wanted the 1 large chips shared between the 2 boxes most considerate we will be back I did make a point of saying how good it was on the walk back

Another tasty fish and chip supper. Very nice cod and chips for me, assorted others for the rest of the family. Very very nice.

Ok food, not as greasy as we have had before. Some food is cooked to order. Cost £15 for 3 meals. Not very busy for a Thursday night, and really couldn't be bothered to cook.

Fast service, good quality fish and pleasant helpful staff make Henleys the 'go-to' Fish and Chip shop locally. We drive over from Brightlingsea to get our Fish and Chips...it is worth it!

The best takeaway fish & chips you can buy, fresh cod cooked while you wait and great chips. Excellent value for money and friendly service.

We liked it we ordered cod fish - fresh fried. Only take away service. Besides traditional menu you'd find kebabs, family meals and kids specials

With only 2 takeaways in Wivenhoe ( really need more) this is the better. We had southern fried chicken, ok but not amazing. One very small piece that was quite dry and another that was bigger, a rock eel that was nice and a cod. The food always seems to be super greasy. It came to £18. Ok food.

The only place to go for fish and chips. All freshly cooked and massive portions, very reasonable prices.

Just literally moved to the area and stumbled upon Henleys of Wivenhoe, and what a god send the establishment is. I ordered 2 large cod and chips and in my opinion the meal was the best I've eaten in a long time! Thanks Henleys for serving tasty traditional fish and chips and to top it off......with a smile :)

Had fish and chips, fish was superb but the chips were far to greasy and all bits like I'd asked for scraps.No salt and vinegar either and I did ask for itStaff are very friendly though

All busy in the house, so takeaway it is ! Only 2 f&c shops in the village and this is the better one. Not cheap, but does the job in a hurry!

After seeing the reviews we thought we would venture up to check it out.We wasn't disappointed. The chips were tasty and the cod bap was delicious.So much so I'm taking my dad there this wkd so he can try the fish.

We had seen good reports of henley's fish shop in Wivenhoe and took friends for a takeaway lunch. Excellent welcome, very clean with a nice atmosphere. A reasonable choice of fish in a cold counter for us to select from. The fish was then fried for us. It was perfectly cooked as were the chips. Served in takeaway boxes with serviette and knives and forks, we were then given directions to the quay where we ate our lunch. I would have rated this as excellent, unfortunately all the fish had been frozen, not fresh.

Just visited after seeing a few good reviews online for their gluten free options. When I called up, the staff were very keen to help and enthusiastic about gluten free, so I immediately felt more comfortable with them. I ordered a standard cod and chips with peas (GF), my partner had the same but with a saveloy and curry sauce (normal). The quality of food was excellent, the staff were really friendly, and they were really knowledgable about Gluten Free and cross contamination. All of the separate utensils and the way they packed it showed them to be probably the best prepared GF place I've ever seen!Good work (and definitely keep trying to find a gluten free curry sauce!).

Too tired to cook ! Wivenhoe lacks takeaway places, with only 2 f&c shops and this is the better of them. Ok food, good service f&c for 3 was £18. Expensive for takeaway!

When we moved here in 07 Henleys lived to the awards and reputation they had. Over the years unfortunately the standard has dropped somewhat to average. Hence we don't visit as much as we used to do.

Normally I would give Henleys 5 stars as their fish is superbly cooked, always fresh. But today the chips weren't the best, I'd say they'd been hanging around keeping warm for too long. Chips need to be every bit as hot and freshly cooked as the fish, and today they definitely weren't.

If you live in this area or just happen to be passing through as we were you really couldn't do better than getting fish and chips from here fish cooked to order within 5mins and fantastic chips.staff were friendly and very helpful

Very very good quality fish and chips, we don't live locally but would deffinatly return here its by far the best fish and chips ive ever tasted!!!