Mermaid Fisheries in East Lindsey

Unfortunately this is not the chippy it once was. I know the owners now have Sunny’s and The Mermaid and prices have rocketed and standards have plummeted. Stopped for fish and chips last week at lunchtime and they were greasy, the batter was inedible and the large portion of chips were tiny and cold. Can’t continue to use these places until the standards improve.

Best fish and chips we have had for years.. absolutely beautiful . Fish was amazing , excellent service.. 10 out of 10 highly recommend

We come to this area one or two times a year and at the end of our stay treat ourselves to fish and chips. The Mermaid has been our go to place each time. Never again. Tonight was the worst fish and chips I have ever had. My wife persuaded me to give it 2. Soggy chips like fried mashed potato, fish as dry as cardboard and tasteless batter that was soggy. And they left the skin on not a northern way. Really really really disappointed.

A quick light lunch: cone of chops & a single battered sausage. All cooked to perfection, and great value too. Just what takeaway chips ought to be.

Mermaid and sunnys are poor fish and chips shops, rubbish potatoes and thin cuts of fish and soggy batter, all about profits. owners of sunnys are trying to use mantles reviews to make them look better but they didn't exist 7 odd years ago.

I visited this place on the way home for a quick bite to eat.. all I purchased was chips and gravy and the bread roll.. the bread roll was dry as a bone and the margarine inside I had no idea you could get it that cheap, it was disgusting.. the chips were mushy..I put my fork into them only to find the chips completely falling apart.. after over 10 attempts I gave up.. every thing looked over cooked in the display cabinet.I am aware it has been taken over by new owners.. it was disgusting.. and to top it off.. the bloke cooking the chips at the back looked absolutely miserable.. what a waste of money that was..I will never go back there again..I was aware that the last owners fish and chips were a bit hit and miss at times but this new owner has single-handedly destroyed the business model that worked for the area in such a short period of time... my purchase went straight in the bin...

Bought a fish and chips from Mermaid about two weeks ago. Under the previous owners the food was excellent but this time it was inedible. My fish was not too bad but my wife's was overcooked on the outside (very dark hard batter) and wet and full of grease on the inside. How van two pieces of fish be so different. Last night I went to the new fish and chip shop that has opened where mantles was. I hoped it would be better but it appears to be owned by the same people who own Mermaid and it was worse. I paid £22 for two large cod and a portion of chips and most of it went in the bin because both were very overcooked and dry. So in the last two weeks I have spent £40 on fish and chips with a company that doesn't appear to know how to cook them.

We went to the mermaid on 20th May after a day out. We went early just after 4.30 hoping it would be fresh. Once we got back to our holiday cottage it was still hot but it was awful. The batter was overkooked and the fish was dry. That was the worst fish and chips I have ever bought. It felt as though it was left over from lunch time and reheated. Never again

Having spent a day at the coast, we were really looking forward to our fish and chips from Mermaids once we’d got back to our holiday cottage. The staff were great, but when we got the food home we were really surprised by how tiny the fish portions were. A large chips was really small too. The batter was dark and soggy and stuck to the paper it was wrapped in. The fish was overcooked. We ended up throwing most of our dinner in the bin.

As soon as we walked in, we were asked what we would like by the fryer, so our order could be cooked fresh for us. Very tasty fish, with crispy batter. Loads of chips, so in hindsight should have had one portion between the two of us. We sat opposite in the memorial garden, as did many others, to eat our takeaway in the sun.

Been going here whenever we were in the area for the last 4 years. This is this last time. Nowhere near as good as it used to be, very disappointing. The lack of customers should really have alerted us, but we had been here many times and hadn’t seen the recent reviews. Please don’t bother

Used to be good under the old management but not anymore. Fish is extremely thin, prices rose up with the new management. Chips are not as soft and tasty as before. And the guy that fries it all gives the most weird vibe I've ever experienced in a fish and chip shop. Looks like he hates working there and everything he fries is an inconvenience to him! Horncastle has no good fish and chip shops anymore, advice is drive on by to somewhere else like skegness, spilsby or Louth for some decent chippy tea

Visiting our son and just called in for 1 x fish and chips small curry sauce just under £10.smallest fish ever very expensive we live on the outskirts of Sheffield and would get a super large gear fish for that price. Will not go again very expensive not value for money 12 dec. My husband got this for me. If I had been there I would not have bothered with the size of the fish on offer

With price of fish & chips currently, I’d expect better than what I was served.. Fish was so hard where obviously been kept under hot lamp , greasy chips .. Certainly won’t be returning..

Since the owner selling and new buyer takeover - sadly it's definitely not as nice. It was - and I repeat was the best fish 🐠 & 🍟 chip shop in Lincolnshire- but last few time's of cod & chips the chips are greasy and cod is ultra - thin.. the curry sauces are x-lent though...why did the new buyer's just not stick to the original owners food supplier- well I can probably answer that - to make more money - and can understand that..but people just won't go back or only eat occasionally... I'm going to eat again today Mid-october and keeping my fingers crossed the owner has read the reviews & improved....

Very disappointed since its change hands chips have no taste not proper chipping potatoes we used to travel every week from mablethorpe for the price they charge it should be good

Have used Mermaids in the past and the food has always been ok. However we called in Friday 14th Sept at 19:30 . My husband was queuing for almost half an hour before being served . He said there were two young lads serving who were polite . On returning home with our food ( 5 minute drive ) both battered sausages were well over cooked and the chips were soggy . Disappointing 😞

What had been looked forward to as a treat, was ruined by having to come back to get missing items. Not a great distance (5 miles) but we are camping with 2 small children, and a dog, so its not easy as just jumping back into the car at 8pm at night. Meaning that when i got to 'enjoy' my fish and chips, it was a cold and soggy oil infused lump of meh. An apology and refund was offered over the phone, with some fresh chips, but that message hadnt seemed to have been passed on to the server, with no one watching over to rectify or check. The only warm thing left was the mushy pea fritter, which i was quite excited to have as haven't had one for a very long time. Its not about refunds, its about learning from your mistakes. Do better.

Polite professional staff, sadly lacking at some places now. Best fish and chips I've had in ages. Certainly call again

Very impressed ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️! Great good, fairly priced and freshly prepared. Beautiful looking shop and excellent customer service..highly recommend a visit.

First time since new owners. Quality gone downhill a lot. Fish no flavour I had cod which was mushy and flat soggy batter also tasteless Chips were greasy and limp tasted funny maybe not chipping spuds. Not busy like it used to be !!!! Wont be going again. You have been warned.

My wife and I usually visit Mermaid Fisheries on a regular basis, although we have to travel 20 miles or so to get there it's the best Fish & Chips for miles around. Last Friday was our first visit after quite some time, and we were not disappointed. We both had a fish (Haddock) plus a small portion of chips between us. The fish was excellent, nice light and crisp batter and cooked to perfection. The chips (a very generous small portion!) were expertly cooked, crisp on the outside but nice and soft on the inside. The staff were friendly, and the service was (as expected) excellent. The shop itself was its usual clean standard. We will be definitely calling again soon. So, Mermaid Fisheries, keep up the good work and we look forward to many more Friday Lunchtime Treats in the future.

Called in on Saturday whilst in Horncastle visiting relatives, the Mermaid has just had a facelift so was open. It was busy and everything is cooked freshly, is red hot and tastes great! We had sausage and chips, it was honestly perfect. The staff were all lovely, the place is spotless and probably the biggest draw to Horncastle for a non-native of Lincolnshire! Just when I thought it couldn't get any better there was a pea fritter on the menu! For a pea fritter usually I have to go to Southampton. Highly recommend this place for the quality of food and very well priced. Will definitely be visiting again in the near future.

I’ve been twice in the past fortnight and will be going back again. Just what you would expect from a traditional fish & chip shop. Good food and very pleasant staff. Recommend

I was visiting friends in the area and we bought a takeaway from here. Staff were hardworking especially as a busy Friday evening. Staff were still warm and friendly though

Ever since moving to the area people have raved to me about this place - what am I missing? Every time I’ve had fish the batter has been soggy. Tonight we had chicken and chips. Chicken was what you’d expect. Chips were greasy, floppy, tasteless and a fair few not fully cooked. Apart from the food, yes there was an ‘annoying’ customer ahead of me but the young girl behind the counter rolling her eyes and muttering to a colleague was totally unprofessional

went here friday night long queue , good job too if chippies arnt busy on a friday night stay away , they are very careful of covid precations and are very clean and tidy the chips are very good and the fish is wonderful

This chippy is quite small and currently only allows two people in to order at a time wearing masks, there is no restaurant just a take away facility. We tend to sit on a bench just over the road in small park containing a memorial for the Korean war. The fish was cooked to order and was a good sized fresh fillet with a large portion of chips. Top quality, well priced.

Prepare to queue but worth any wait. Freshly cooked fish and chips and very friendly service. Cannot fault.

Used to have a good reputation. Last year was really good. This year, when open?? Has been really poor. Tonight’s offerings so bad. Scampi was a really small portion (1/2 to what you get at The Great Barrier Reef in Metheringham. Plus, the latter actually...

We visited after reading reviews online and were not disappointed. Very covid safe even though regualtions have been relaxed. Was very busy, always a good sign with a fish and chip shop. We both had cod and chips, really tasty, good sized portions. Didnt give...

Amazing fish and chips! Crispy batter on the fish and the chips were heavenly. Glad we had our fish and chips from here, thoroughly enjoyed them. Staff pleasant too 😊

I phoned in a complicated order for 13 people and half an hour later I picked it up. The order was exactly right and the food was perfect. Thank you to all the staff that worked there your efforts were most appreciated.

Used to love the Fish from here but dont know whats happened.The Fish is no longer golden like before more brown either over cooked or they need to change the oil etc more orten.Shame really.

I last went to Mermaid 14years, when I was 8 months pregnant, and I visited again recently, having moved back to the area. I was so pleased to see they were still wearing straw hats, and I enjoyed both the food and the service received.

Had this place recommended to us while staying in Horncastle. Called in on the Friday evening for takeaway. Very popular place judging by the queue! Definitely best fish and chips I've tasted outside my locality, so good that I returned the following evening!

Driving from Boston to Louth via Horncastle saw Mermaid Chippy fancied chips & scraps pulled over .Very bright clean shop virus precautions in place, Very customer friendly Chips & scraps spot on !

So impressed both with the covid precautions the politeness of the staff and quality of the food. Crisp batter on amazing fresh fish . Chips perfect . Back next week .

We went today with my little girl and husband. Beautiful food at reasonable prices. Would recommend to anyone looking for nice fish and chips.

If you fancy fish and chips this is the place to go, I can honestly say I have never had better anywhere and I am not alone in thinking this, it is common knowledge in this area. We go here every couple of weeks on...

Excellent food very friendly staff great service very clean would highly recommend well done all at mermaid fisheries

Called in, waited for a fish to be cooked and got chips, beans and a bread roll with it......it was absolutely gorgeous.

We we’re staying in Tetford & after checking reviews went to this Fish & Chip shop on a Monday night. We were very disappointed. Both had cod & chips. The cod was very thin, greasy and chewy. Both our portions of chips although generous was...

Had a ride to one of our favourite chippies again, Mermaid fisheries. The chips were excellent, perfectly cooked, delicious! We'll be back again soon

The Mermaid is one of the best Fish & Chip Shops for miles around. There is always a queue out of the door as people come for tasty food served by friendly staff and in spotless surroundings.I can certainly recommend the Mushy Pea Fritters which have to be ordered when you arrive in the shop.A visit to the Mermaid Fisheries is a must.

Took a 30 mile detour so as to return to Mermaid Fisheries. Excellent Haddock and chips, piping hot.

Every thing was fresh and tasty, sometimes you have to que but that shows how popular they are. Fish very generous and plentiful.

Super friendly staff. Fish was amazing in perfect batter. The chips however were very pale and soggy.

Had fish n chips to take out, Haddock had been in warmer far too long and dried out, chips weren’t fit to put in a tray. Rather than complain in the shop I rang the owner who apologised and said to come back for some more which I did, only to be told they would refund the cost of 1 piece of fish!! The chips were small because of year!! So asked for a full refund which I was given begrudgingly and asked to

Always stop here for Fish and Chips on our way through Horncastle. Taste like they used to. Delicious.

Come here regularly and have never had a complaint food ALWAYS great, the best around for miles and staff always speedy and friendly too.

Fantastic tasting chips, peas and scraps from here, they were gorgeous! Well worth travelling to. Highly reccommended. A+

If you want fish and chips in our area, don't bother to go anywhere else for fast efficient service, high quality of product and friendliness.

Lovely fish n chips very tasty 😋 always very friendly..they are always still hot by the time I get home.

We took out fish and chips with curry sauce a couple of days ago. Fish was beautifully cooked and the curry sauce was homemade and tasty. Chips not so good. But would go back for the fish and cook my own chips at home.

A tarda sera abbiamo gustato il Fish and chips, buono e abbondante. Ci sono varie possibilità di scelta. Personale gentile, buon prezzo.

Great traditional British Fish & Chip Shop. Good quality food, freshly cooked by friendly staff. Recommend a visit if in Horncastle area.

This fab fish and chip shop in Horncastle is always busy and worth a wait in the usually long queue. Portion sizes aren’t massive but large enough for my appetite. Food is always fresh and often cooked to order and the place is meticulously clean.

We had a takeaway from here and tried the homemade fishcakes, chips & of course a mushy pea fritter. Loved it all especially the fishcake. Service was great, we didn't have to wait long and there is a great place to sit and eat them just over the road if the weather is good.

Great fish and chips lovely staff quick service very clean get plenty for your money,we will go back again .

Brilliant Fish and Chip Takeaway. We go there regularly on Saturday evenings and never had a bad meal there. The fish is always meaty and properly cooked with crispy batter. Chips are great, crispy outside, soft inside. If you go early there could be a queue (speaks for itself) but later is quicker. We live 11 miles away but it is always worth the trip. Very occasionally the fish is a bit small but still cooked to perfection, and sometimes they run out of bread rolls but that is to be expected if you go later on. Still the best in the area.

Mermaid has been run by the same family for many years and it has consistently offered an excellent take away service as a Fish & Chip Shop. This is epitomised by the long queues that build up owing to the popularity of the shop. Clients are served rapidly and efficiently but in a friendly way. Often regulars have a chat between themselves catching up life while they wait. The banter is great sometimes.

I used to live in Horncastle and The Mermaid was my local chip shop. The queues were always down the road, but the food supplied was always worth the wait. Freshly fried cod or haddock, a variety of pukka pies and battered or unbattered sausages, curry sauce, peas, gravy, pea and spam fritters. The chips were always cooked to perfection and the fish was cooked to order. When it arrived, the fish was white and flaky, full of taste and the batter a beautiful crispy golden colour. I now live a drive away but decided to treat myself and a friend to 'the best fish and chips in the area'. How disappointed were we? The queues were still outside but I was a little bemused as I walked in the door not to be asked if I wanted fish fried. I checked the menu board, (it has been updated and refurbished since my last visit) and noticed that the number of items available had been significantly reduced. I ordered two haddock and chips and a (large?!) tub of mushy peas (£1.50!) The fish looked half the size I was expecting and the colour of the batter was very off-putting, it was a very dark colour and looked greasy. The chips were not any better, gone were the nice golden individual chips, but a massive lump of mush. It was all liberally doused in salt and vinegar and wrapped up. I was doubtful on the drive home about the quality of our proposed fish supper, and wasn't wrong when I came to dish it up. The fish batter stuck to the paper it was wrapped in, there was insufficient fish inside the batter to give it any substance, it was only the fish skin holding it together and the grey flesh looked thin (none of the anticipated big flakes of white fish) once revealed. I managed to peel the paper off and dump the fish on the plate. The chips had congealed into one big lump of greasy fried potato which I plonked onto the plates hoping that it all tasted better than it looked. The mushy peas were fine, but the tub was the same size as previously and had more than doubled in price. I couldn't eat more than a couple of mouthfuls, (thankfully), I filled up with the bread and butter I had got to make a chip buttie, but my friend manfully ate his portion, only to regret it later, as we both suffered terribly with indigestion. This was not a good eating experience, I won't be going back ever again. I saw the owner in there, so it wasn't that the staff were serving food of a quality that he wasn't aware. We had been in Skegness two weekends ago and got a far superior fish n chip meal for a similar price and without the stomach ache and indigestion.

I have used this chip shop over many years & have NEVER had a bad experience, fish is always lovely with just the right amount of batter & chips always just right. Staff always friendly & helpful. Would highly recommended .

We live not far away and occasionally get the urge for a good old fish and chip supper. We have always seen great long queues outside of this place and though well, people vote with their feet and it must be good. We have also heard no end of local people talk about the lovely chips and great fish here. So we finally decided to try it. We usually go to Woodhall Spa for our take away treat, but opted to be a 'local' and give it a go. I can honestly say I have never been so disappointed with a takeaway as this was. I opted for a mussy pea burger sounds yummy right? Only if you like it oozing with fat. My OH couldn't tell what fish he was eating only that he has to remove every bit of batter. It was just so greasy and I do mean GREASY! The chips were pale and limp and when unwrapped stuck together like a colorless blob. I do worry about the takeaway standard that people are prepared to put up with. There being no credible alternative is the only answer I can think of. We didn't eat much of it and for that I am grateful as the little I did digest gave me plenty of unhappy groans from my stomach. Indigestion meds taken and a resolve that we would never again, even if they were giving the food away free. Big gap in the market here in Horncastle for a good old fashioned chippy.

There's a jolly fryer at the back but the front girls are a bit miserable. Food is first class though

My little family love getting our tea from here when we can't be bothered to cook at home. The food is always served piping hot and absolutely delicious to eat.

Great take away for fish and chips, will have a big queue on a friday night. Staff always very friendly. Little park over the road if you need a place to eat them.

A range of meal options were available on this Saturday evening; Fish & Chips, Sausage & Chips and Pea Fritter & Chips… Therefore all the family flesh and vegetarian options could be covered.

This is a fantastic fish and chip shop, by far the best in Horncastle, we use them on a very regular basis and food is always first class, service with a smile

Lovely meal, chips cooked well good quality batter and sausage nice aswell would recommend. They now have a card reader!

Excellent quality fried haddock. Chips a little flaccid but then this is a fish and chip shop. Told that the mushy peas were very good. Staff efficient and very smiley. Shall return (and return and return)

A small independent Fish & Chip shop with friendly staff. Good range of food on the menu and at a sensible price. Had several takeaways from here and all been very enjoyable.

Had Lunch from here the other day. A real old fashioned (and that is a positive as far as i'm concerned) Chip shop. Great chips freshly made. We both had sausage which was also very good.

Beautifully cooked fresh fish in crispy batter and chips cooked to perfection. Very clean and welcoming with lovely cheerful and polite staff. Highly recommended.

Read all the reviews, is it really as good as people say?. We really enjoyed our fish and chips, hot fresh tasted great, everyone agreed it was top drawer, have I eaten better, yes, but not at this price, would I go again when next in area DEFO!!!!.

Following recommendations by friends who live locally and people in the friendly shops in horncastle we were delighted with the excellent fish and chips.

I tried Mermaid Fisheries a few months ago but found that the fish had been very greasy and I was just quite disappointed overall after hearing such good things. I thought I would give it another try this time as the previous time could've just been a one off.It was very chaotic in there with no apparent queuing system and the staff seemed to be under a lot of pressure trying to keep up with orders.I had sausage and chips with curry sauce. The chips were very soggy and lacked in flavour, there was a bit too much vinegar on them too. I think the chips had been sitting there for a while because they didn't taste fresh and I expected a larger portion than what I was given. The sausage was ok and the curry sauce wasn't bad. I don't think I would come here again after giving it another try.

We stopped off in Horncastle for lunch as had takeaway chips with a pea fritter. This is the only chip shop that we can find these in now and they are lovely. Great service, friendly welcome when we walked in and everything cooked to order.If you haven't tried one yet - you must and good value too!There is limited parking on the road outside the shop or there is a pay and display just up the road.

Der Fisch ist einfach lecker, die Chips sind selbst in "small" ausreichend. Die Wartezeit - aufgrund des regen Geschäftsbetriebes - nimmt man gerne mit Vorfreude in Kauf. Egal ob Kablejau oder Scholle - jeder Fisch ist empfehlenswert. Das Personal ist sehr freundlich.

Just another fish and chip shop with nothing to make it stand out. Tasted much better, this is the minimum standard I expect.

Called in for an expected quality fish and chip tea but out of four meals all fish were over cooked, one being well over cooked with very burnt batter and the fish being dry. If it wasn't for an abundance of chips we'd have gone hungry

Got lunch whilst passing through Horncastle. Lovely chips, fresh haddock in a perfect crisp batter. Will definitely call again.

Called in to pick up our lunch of fish & chips,never once have we been disappointed, all the years we have been going they've been brilliant. The staff are polite and helpfull,and there's usually somebody in the long queue that will have a chat. On a Friday when we are heading to Cadwell Park we look forward to picking up our supper.......as do many other riders I'm sure.

The queue might have been out of the door but it was worth waiting for. The sausage and chips I had were excellent and the rest of my family who had fish and chips were equally satisfied by the portion size and the quality of the food.

Visited the Mermaid after searching reviews here on Tripadvisor. Only a short drive from Coningsby. Arrived at 5pm and the chippy was already chokka which is a good sign. Looked behind the waitresses and there was stacks of cooked golden and crispy fish waiting to be served.My turn came around and I ordered a regular chips and a nice piece of cod with a carton of mushy pea's looked pukka as the lady wrapped them up for me. Returned to my van and tucked in. Absolutely fantastic fish and chips, everything was spot on and I was completely full after my evening meal. Hoping to go back again soon.

This chip shop never lets us down. Always greeted with a smile by the staff. The food isn't as greasy as some chip shops I have been too. The service is brilliant.. even when the queue is out the door, they are very efficient. Good value for money. The portion sizes are very generous. Will definitely keep visiting this chip shop.

I used to come to this fish shop some 35 yrs ago with my grandmother. I still come here and the fish and chips are still the best I have ever eaten. The portions are generous and excellent value. The staff are friendly and the place is spotless. For me this shop will always be a sentimental pilgrimage but would still recommend to anyone in the area.

Always top quality, fresh peeled Lincolnshire potatoes, not frozen.The queues each evening speaks volumes.

The fish is simply fantastic.. everything is cooked to perfection.. clean and well run chip shop.. you gotta try the mushy pea fritter and spam fritter.. it's a must.. the peas and curry are the best in town.. the only thing I wish they did is Battered BeefBurger then I wouldn't need to go to the opposition!!Lovely friendly staff.. you won't be disappointed xxx

Take away fish and chips of a good standard.Usual varied menu -pies, sausages, chicken etc and mushy peas, curry etc.

Having moved to Horncastle in March, this has become a regular treat and it always lives up to it's reputation! Classic fish and chips and always friendly staff.

Great chippy with friendly staff and speedy service.I just wish they would put those yummy veggie pies back on the menu !

Lovely place, friendly staff & extraordinary food :)) best fish & chips I've ever had, & for 5 of us to have a meal each it came to less than £20!

Always use this Chippy and we have to travel further to get to if than our local one, but it is well worth it and the prices are good. Very tasty :)

Very hard to find a good fish and chip shop these days but Mermaid Fisheries is a top notch establishment. Wonderful fresh haddock, great chips, lovely peas. A very clean shop with friendly and helpful staff. The owners take a real pride in providing great food, excellent service & good value for money.

We had heard good reports about Mermaid and seen good reviews here so instead of our usual chippy at Conningsby we gave it a try. The premises are beautifully clean and not surprising, a hygiene rating of 5. So far so good. We both had haddock and chips. The fish was well cooked but thin with small flakes with little taste. The batter was nice but I prefer my fish skinned although I would not criticise a shop which leaves it on. The chips were again well cooked but rather tough and certainly not crisp. The shop was quite busy so no problem with freshness. Sorry to say that I dont think we will be back. I hate being negative but this site depends on honesty.

Had fish and chips here last night. The haddock took about five mins to freshly cook but well worth the wait. Fresh fish, crispy batter, good portion of chips who wants anything else.

This place is advertised as a restaurant on website. We went there for the purpose of eating in a restaurant. It was also advertised as open from lunch to evening however it was closed. From all the reviews the food seems good, so please sort the website out as it is misleading especially when we had traveled a good distance for it so it left us fuming

This chippy provides a varied menu and excellent service. The staff were efficient and speedy and the food well-cooked and piping hot. We will be back.