Mersea Island Fish Bar in Colchester

Very disappointed with the quality of the fish & the chips & also the tartare sauce. Have been using the shop for about 9 years but the last year or so it's far below par. The were over cooked & the fat tasted like it needed replacing. The fish was a lot smaller than it used to be & again wasn't very tasty. Always used to look forward to it as the shop could accommodate my gluten free & was delicious. For now will not be using your shop until we've been told things have improved.

Had a really good lunch here. Battered sos and jalapeño poppers and medium chips. All was very tasty and good chips cooked perfectly and portion was very generous, definitely enough for two. Very reasonable price as where we come from would have cost alot more. Friendly and good service too. Thanks much..

We went here today for lunch as we're on the island for a week's holiday. We got the munch box for 2 people and it was beautiful. The fish was light, moist and flaky and chips were perfect. I wasn't keen on the salt n chilli fish bites but to be fair there was way too much h foor for 2 of us and this could've easily have fed 3..so dogs enjoyed a good bit of fish too. Would highly recommend

Had been informed that this was an amazing fish & chip shop . Ordered cod & chips x 2 Received delivery within the hour £30 including tip The fish was limp, flat, cold and dry! Chips soggy and cold. Peas cold. Immediately phoned the shop who would not accept that their food was delivered like this and was verging on being rude towards us. The Manager accused me of being rude as I was criticising his food! Will attempt to get a refund and wont order from there again.

My partner ordered collection on website for 18:22 whilst i drove from work. They were busy, I was there 10 minutes early, they kept asking for a Mike several times. At 18:40 I asked where is my order, they said the order was ready, and they had been calling for it. That never happened, as i was in the store the whole time. The whole experience made me loose my appetite.

Just had fish and chips here, cooked to order so nice and hot. It was a mixed bag. The most important thing, the fish, was superb, 10 out of 10, the staff were friendly and the environment was nice, clean and pleasant. We ordered a haddock and it was fresh, cooked to perfection, extremely white and very enjoyable. Unfortunately the chips were a complete let down., a 5 out of 10. They were very brown as if they had been cooked in old oil and didn't seem fresh or appetising. They were just edible but not nice to look at or eat. Oil change needed asap!

Popped in for sausage and chips for lunch and I was pleasantly surprised. Good sized portions and reasonably priced. Would recommend.

Typically when a business is sold, it can do one of two things: Get better Or Get worse. Sadly since Sel decided to sell this business it’s steadily got worse in my opinion. We bought fish and chips about a month ago, and the fish was tasteless and the chips tasted overcooked and burnt oil. We tried again last night (well everyone can have a bad night, so benefit of doubt). We ordered a fish burger and chips and scampi and chips. First off the scampi portion was poor, the fish burger tasteless but the chips !! They were chewy old potatoes. Don’t know if new owners are using cheaper suppliers or cutting corners, but that’s twice now, so won’t be trying again.

Worse fish and chips every we ordered a large cods and chips to share, and we chucked over half in the bin, chips were brown and soggy and the fish was tasteless never again.

Excellent fish and chips cooked to order, about 10 minute wait, well worth it. then took them to the local park to sit and eat

Our favourite fish and chips in Mersea Island. Lovely fresh food, large portion and reasonable price.

Worst fish and chips of my life. The chips weren't fully cooked and the fish and chips were soaked and dripping wet with oil. I tried to finish but couldn't and honestly threw up 3 times from the amount of oil. Go elsewhere

Very disappointed with our food….this place was recommended to us but after watching the server pick chips up off the counter and put them back in the oil it should have been a sign!! I’ve never had a bendy tasteless saveloy or soggy chips with so many eyes in them!! The onion rings were disgusting too!! Not cheap and a waste of money, it all went in the bin!!

Had skate & chips there if I could give it 100 stars I would give it that. Was absolute perfection and the tartar sauce was lovely too

Used before and was very good! However went there last night and ordered 4 X fish and chips cooked to order, so should have been good. Fish average cod not good haddock and the worst chips I've ever had.

Just stopped to pick up a quick lunch snack. Not a great experience. I think the chips were left over from the night before and re-cooked. We won't be going back for a second attempt. Once we had removed the 'better' chips, we were left with the brown, crispy overcooked remnants.

Upto an hour wait. Need to get there house in order!

Was very busy but the staff were great and the food even better

The chips were lovely and a good price The chips are vegan too :)))

Decided to eat in. Meal was served in a polystyrene box with wooden utensils and the drink was in a bottle, no glass or straw. The chips were ok but there was a lot of very small bits and the fish was bland - no flavour. Not recommended.

Been there many times before and no complaints but the fish and chips we had Saturday was awful the chips were tasteless and anemic looking most went in the bin the large cod we ordered was small with soggy thin undercooked batter the only nice thing was the tartare sauce.It was a busy bank holiday the place was very busy with some customers kicking off about the length of time they have waited, the young staff were unable to cope we definitely will not be returning.

Bit slow but was gearing up for a Saturday eve. Nice fish and chips. Curry sauce was amazing!

Service was very bad waiting for 1 hour to get soggy fish and chips and my husband got ver poorly from the food and very rude staff won’t be coming back here

First time we've ever ordered, not the cheapest but you undoubtedly get what you pay for. Food was perfectly presented, good sized portions, lovely additions like tartar sauce and a wedge of lemon with your fish and chips and utterly delicious. Place was spotless and served with a smile. We've put our caravan on the Island for several months and will definitely be back.

Tasted ok, and they have some speciality food like chili con carne and salt and pepper cod as well as the regular fare.

Absolutely disgusting found an ant on the table didn’t give plates for food chips was burnt and server didn’t listen. To what I wanted salad in burger got a process slice of cheese no salad

Lovely chips. Nice and hot when we get them. Very clean. Nice and friendly staff. Well be going back when I am in West Mersea island.

Family take away delivered on time chips are excellent curry sauce is the best family said the fish and chicken nuggets were amazing great value for money !

Travelled for the menu advertised on line and instore, to be told they no longer do seafood. The chips smelt nice though.

Popped in for some food on Friday evening and the staff were friendly. The menu was clear. My cheese burger was awesome and my mate enjoyed her chilli cod bites! We will be back! ❤️

Fantastic fish and chips shop immaculate staff very polite

Fish was excellent however the chips were very disappointing, not sure if they are pre cooked but colour was strange and lacks flavour. Sausage in batter was great shame no spam fritters.

Not safe for anyone with an allergy or coeliac disease. The website states they can do gluten free, and when asked about it in the restaurant they confirmed this. However the gluten free member of our family is now severely ill after eating chips we were told were gluten free.

Best fish and chips in Essex ,lovely friendly staff , nice and clean 👌

I had used the shop once before and found the service below average. If you just want a single portion of chips I'd suggest you use another shop, as the wait isn't worth the time.

I bought battered sausage and chips. It was absolutely disgusting. I will never go there again. After one bite went straight in the bin.

Friendly but forgot to put salt and vinegar on food. Looking a little like it needs an upgrade, doors don’t shut properly. Good fish.

Great fish and chips great value. Well worth a visit

Fish and chips as it should be, clean fresh and crispy. Gluten free is available too. We sat and ate ours at a table in the spotless shop and the staff brought it to us.

Thoroughly enjoyed my food tonight. Lovely big sea side portion of chips. Hot, crunchy, and soft all at the same time. It felt like heaven at every bite. So succulent and moreish. My mouth pretty much had an orgasm! Don't get me started on the sausage! The burger was also top-notch. The best food I've had in a long while. I will be back! *probably again tomorrow* lol

Great food , prices a little higher than most, good service

Just had cod an haddock with chips. Cooked to perfection, one of the best fish and chips I've had in ages.

Great selection of fresh fish, tasty and hot. Friendly staff too.

Came down here for a night's stay. So never been in this fish and chip shop but can highly recommend to anyone. Lovely fresh fish crispy batter and delicious chips 👌very spacious so plenty of places to sit and eat in. Thanks guys great food 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Such a great place. Sel the owner couldn't be more helpful and welcoming when you go there He runs a brilliant Fish and Chip bar. Excellent food - fish and chips the best Highly recommend it.

Dropped in at lunchtime after a 180 mile drive. Chips were fantastic, fish was superb. Very clean restaurant. Highly recommend this place.

Great fish and chips. You have to wait, as they cook to order.

Had the best Haddock and chips ever.The staff were really nice 👌 and the price was very good .Also very clean and tidy

Pre ordered a large order of 33 fish and chips. Collected , warm and came with complementary peas and curry sauce. It is a very busy chip shop on a Saturday

Fresh fish was battered - not frozen!! Was lovely and you could taste the freshness!

Ate inside and this was the best chips, curry sauce and cheese onion pasty i think i have ever had. Me being a middle aged man who has eaten alot of chips, all over the UK

We wanted take away fish and chips on the coast. We both went for haddock which was very large as was the portion of chips we shared! Lovely!!

2nd worst fish and chips I've ever had. Overcooked fish which didn't look or taste like Cod and the chips were disgusting.

Used to be so good for oysters and seafood. This time hardly anything fresh. Have to time your visit right. 50p for a ketchup is just annoying.

We came here few months ago and fish and chips were so good that we recommended it to our friends. However we came yesterday and were a bit disappointed, fish didn’t taste fresh, batter was thick and greasy and chips didn’t taste great either. Shame. Bill for 1 large; 1 medium and 1 medium grilled came to £40! So sadly we may not return.

Had large cod and large chips. About £15. Probably the 2nd worst fish and chips I've had. Fish over cooked. Didn't look or taste like cod. Chips were greasy and not nice. Steer clear isy advice. When you're charging about £5 for chips make sure they're fresh for Christ sake.

My friend went in to buy the fish and chips. Fish was for her. My chips were excellent, even when reheated. Extremely popular, people sitting inside and coming out with orders continuously.

Ordered fish Rock and chips had to wait which is to be expected because it's cooked fresh. Fish was over cooked batter was dark brown not golden chips were the same didn't eat the chips straight in the bin. This is the second time it's happened will deffo not be returning read so many good reviews not for me though

This was the chip shop of choice as my daughter can only have gluten free meals,this past week we as a family went to have a meal and have to say,we won’t be visiting again,chips were diabolical,fish was undercooked,we used to visit a couple times a month,but time to look for another chip shop as this one has gone down hill

Fish was not white or fresh, batter was soggy and not crispy at all and as for the chips, they should never be selling chips from black potatoes, and it’s quite obvious these have been cooked before and then re fried, this is terrible for the money you pay now a-days and i’m disgusted to have paid almost £30 for this poor family take away tonight, your taking potatoes bread and butter for a chip shop and you can’t even get that right !!! fuming 🤬

Fish and sausages were lovely but the chips were dry and was like no potato in the middle. Shame because the fish was so good

Fish and chips are OK but a bit greasy. Platter was OK.

Lovely staff and food had a wide variety and was excellent. Prices were very reasonable and a lovely atmosphere. Will definitely come back again.

Repeat visits suggest this place is always very good, consistently serving up crispy, fresh flakey fish and beautiful chips. 6+ visits over last 5 years and I recommend that you will not be disappointed!

Good was delicious we all had cod and chips great portion order at counter and delivered to table. Tartare sauce included and a weg of fresh lemon. If you can get to West Mersea go and have a meal they do other stuff too including large selection of cold dishes such as prawns shrimps oysters etc.

Great gluten free fish & chips perfectly cooked highly recommended

Best fish& chips at good prices

Very busy on an early Sunday evening, so we had a short wait, but it was definitely worth it. Fish and batter was very tasty and the chips were delicious

Been visiting Mersea Island for many years now and at least once a year, buy some chips for my wife and myself from here. Experience and quality does tend to vary, year-on-year and I'm wondering if yet again, it has changed ownership. Called in there yesterday, to buy a large bag of chips to share down on the beach. Was amazed to find that they'd hiked up the cost yet again and this time to a whopping £3.95! Quality of the chips didn't match the price either : not that hot, clumped together and most were not full-sized chips, just 'end' pieces. Also, if this was a 'large' portion, goodness knows what the size of a regular one is! Out of interest, we picked up a current menu and were equally gob-smacked at the prices that they were charging for other items. Over £9 for a 'large' piece of cod! Judging by the quantity and quality of the chips, I'm glad we didn't speculate and buy a portion of cod! I wish that some businesses such as this, when inflating their prices, would realise that a price- point is reached, beyond which people are NOT prepared to pay. MY wife and I have reached that with the Island Fish Bar and won't be going there again.

Generous portions, excellent service. If ever back on holiday I'll be coming back to this chip shop. Wide variety of sea foods available and the usual saveloy. But the fish was delicious. Thank you.

It is alright, but a seaside fish and chips shop, not fully

Grab your chips and go sit on the beach lovely

So expensive for size of the portions

Good fried oysters are a test of a good fish place. There are 3 places we know that do good fried oysters One is the Fishermans restaurant in Half Moon bay, California. Another is the Oyster Bar in Grand Central Station, New York City. A third is the Mersea Fish Bar. Half Moon bay's are the best but the Mersea Fish bar's are a very close second. They also do good fried fish and are nice ot their customers.

Great chippy well worth a visit

Fish is nice but chips are terrible. Chips were undercooked...its been a few times now

Fish & Chips used to be a cheap and tasty supper, but during the cost of living crisis in the UK it's a rare and expensive treat for most. But we were on our holibobs and so decided to splash out a bit! The place was clean, the staff were friendly, the service was pretty quick. The fish (cod and haddock) freshly battered and fried, was truly excellent, up there with the best. The chips? Well they were okay-ish, pretty much standard quality these days, bit on the floppy, greasy side, we’ve had better. Sadly a good crispy chip seems to be a lost art!

I understand when business has been super busy, weather is hot and it's approaching the end of a long day. But the last few times I've been here I've seen changes and sadly it's not for the best. A 20min wait for something as basic as chips isn't great. Neither was the quality of them or the amount. The waiting system in this ace as just got king and more convoluted over time and staff never look particularly happy. Given they're on an island they have a captive audience. Maybe they've just stopped trying as a result. I won't be going back in a rush. But I don't live on the island so I have a choice!

Good but buzzy and long waits at times

Lovely customer service, food was fresh and a really spacious sitting area. I totally recommend this fish bar!

These people done my daughters wedding reception order and they were spot on with the order price was excellent and order completed on time excellent service best chip shop on the island very friendly staff

Absolutely amazing fish and chips!!! Best I have ever eaten. Homemade tartar sauce delicious. Wish we lived closer to have them regularly

This is by far the best chippy in and around Colchester. The Cod, plaice, scampi and particularly the fish cakes are outstanding. Eat in recommended.

The cod we had was thick & flaky and batter was crispy and delicious! Best piece of fish I've had in ages! Chips not the best I've had, I prefer them crispy and these were soft but still very nice

nice fish and chip try burger really nice I take my own bacon boss cooks for me bacon cheese burger thank you sebastian.

I found this place from google. One of the best fish and chips shop. Perfectly fried fish and chips. And the guy who served us named Michael was amazing. I’ll definitely visit again if I go mersea island again.

Excellent take-a-way pensioner portions of cod & chips, included wedge of lemon & tub of tartare sauce! Thoroughly recommend them…for value, service and well-cooked fish’n’chips.

Wouldn’t go back again! Large chips were more small chips and also had a strange taste to them. Battered sausage was over cooked and had no taste! Over priced and terrible quality.

Been from Yorkshire, the quein system was a bit confusing, placed order smelt amazing, got it back to caravan, and tucked in the fish was so fresh and cooked to perfection the batter was crisp and not greasey Chips are very good . Tarte sauce was bang on obviously homemade 😋 Staff very friendly and a very clean place, so it's a ten from this fatlad

This is a strange irony to come to a part of the world renowned for its seafood to then be insulted but the produce served to us. We ordered over the phone as we were staying 15mins away only to find that the order hadn’t been started when I got there. When I finally get back to where we we were staying there was no chips. When we phoned back there was no offer of a refund just “if you come back we will give you your chips” I guess we would have to microwave the fish when I got back? When we tucked into the fish it was dry and seemed reheated. Please do not bother .

Food tasted good but very pricey and not very accommodating for kids portions. Efficient service and clean. Good selection on the menu

you never disappoint. thank you for the lovely meal. and amazing oysters as usual 😋

Our fish and chips were not fresh and the mushy peas were like soup

Convenient location, pretty standard fish and chips (I’ve had better but also worse). Packaging is convenient for taking away to eat somewhere else outdoors, and I liked how there were different size options for portions of fish.

Perfect. Fresh fish, beautifully fried. Not too battered. Crisp chips. Friendly, fast service. Thanks!

I've been getting take away fish & chips from here for years and always felt that it was the best around but on the last 2 occasions the quality wasn't what it used to be. The freshness of the food was fine but the fish was overcooked which made it somewhat dry. The fish was always cooked to order and I for one didn't mind the wait, it was worth it but I suspect they may now be cooking the fish before it's ordered as most run of the mill fish & chip shops do? If it's not that then they should concentrate on the cooking time, but that was what made the Mersea Island Fish Bar better than the rest. Such a shame.

Nice clean place. Had skate and fish and chips. It was nice thank you. Please keep up to better standards. 👍🙏

Lovely fish and chips, bit pricey though!.

Nice place to try the Colchester oysters.

All food cooked to order. Chips were crisp and not soggy. Decent sized portions. A good experience. Will go there again.