Papas Barn in Tonbridge and Malling

I went to Papa’s tonight for dinner with my young daughter who has lots of allergies. The tomato sauce came out in a pot with the label missing. I asked to see the ingredients and explained that my daughter can’t have all ketchups due to allergies. The waitress returned and said the manager told her that I couldn’t see the ingredient list, it wasn’t allowed. I firmly explained that this was unacceptable and was then shown the list (my daughter couldn’t eat it). Why I was denied seeing the ingredients first time round beats me! I ordered a coffee with non dairy milk but was told there was no dairy free option, they don’t do dairy free. My daughter wanted desert but they don’t stick vegan ice cream either so she was disappointed. The food was nice, environment pleasant and staff friendly but if you have allergies I would go elsewhere!

This very smart establishment rose from the ashes of the old Papas Barn - literally, as it burned down! Plenty of parking, although strangely the disabled space we could see from the front was about the furthest from the entrance to the building. We went in at about 3pm and there was plenty of space. It’s clean and bright inside, and very modern. The staff are very pleasant. Our waitress turned off the very cold aircon in our area, when we asked her to. We were a bit shocked at the prices shown on the Specials board, but in practice we didn’t think the standard menu was at all bad. Probably comparable to gastropub meals. The menu was far more extensive than the fish and chips we’d expected - pies, burgers, salads, veggie options. We both chose the standard cod and chips, which included a roll and butter. It was absolutely delicious - freshly cooked, beautiful flaky cod in crispy batter and a mound of chips to die for. Tartare sauce was available free of charge. We felt the price of the optional extras was a bit pricey so didn’t have our usual mushy peas. The total bill was £39 for the two meals, one Diet Coke and one latte coffee.

Been going here for years. Expensive but the was always the best. UNTIL NOW!! What a rip off. Large battered cod was smaller than a small cod everywhere else. Their small cod was like a large fish finger! Their curry sauce was in a smaller pot than usual and runny as hell. C’mon guys £25+ for this? You must be joking. Lost yourselves another customer. Greedy sod’s. Bye

We went to papas at drakehouse and was served by the lovely Pauline the service and food was excellent freshly cooked you should visit soon you will not be disappointed

Visited today, ordered 1x Haddock and chips £19.95 and 1 x Haddock and salad no chips £19.95 + £1.50 for salad Now I am happy to pay extra for salad, but unhappy to pay £19.95 for haddock and no chips. Felt really conned and as the wine was not good either will not be returning

Popped in for two takeaway fish and chips. Ordered at counter. The member of the team who took the order called the order through to the staff working in the kitchen. The response from the "loud mouth" team member already shouting in the back, was to shout "You'll have to wait!" The second team member at the counter shouted through my order in response. The loud mouth in the kitchen then realised it was a takeaway order and shouted back. I politely asked the original order taker to cancel my order. Why do I want the stress of a loud mouth shouting rubbish in the kitchen. If this person is unable to conduct themselves professionally around customers they should not be employed in a service environment. If this is the standard of Papa's then I wish the business luck. Because with this loud mouth being employed it is going to cost you customers. A&D were happy to take my money nice and professionally.

We often eat here but today, I think, was possibly the best fish and chips ever! The batter was golden and delicious and the fish was superb as were the chips!

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟We had a FANTASTIC meal today (1st December) … my husband is Italian & absolutely loved his fish & chips too! Beautifully fresh Cod.with crispy batter … & lovely chips … Staff were so friendly & helpful too. Well done to you all

We have been using Papas Barn for several months after moving from another local chip shop that had gone down hill. Normally we have Scampi, medium cod, and medium chips which we share between the scampi and the cod. Tonight I got home to find the scampi wrapped separately, the cod rammed in a box with all the chips. This made it impossible to remove the cod without it being completely ruined and broken. The chips were then contaminated with the cod which wasn’t what my wife wanted. The chips were also no where near the size portion that I normally experience as a medium. That with a large price increase for the whole meal. Why don’t you train your servers to be consistent and wrap the meal so it is presentable when unpacked at home. Given this and the price increase it looks as though I will need to look for a new chip shop for next week.

We've been before but this time was not very good. My wife ordered a butterflied sea bass from the specials, and chose to pay more for salad rather than chips. The fish was not butterflied, just a single small fillet, and the salad was tiny and not good quality. We told our server we were expecting it butterflied, she went to check and came back saying they had not had the butterflied option (which was not explained when we ordered) but we had been given more fish than normal. Since my wife only received a small fillet we wondered what the normal amount would have been! The quality of her fish, and my cod were both fine, but we felt ripped off and we won't return.

Evening spoilt as we purchased a bottle of wine. We never finish a bottle at the meal in view of driving back home. However when we paid bill we were told by Waitress we could not take the half bottle of wine home with us. Disgrace and for this reason I mark it Zero

We’ve been here so many times for lunch dinner and takeaway because it’s the best place apart from another place in Canterbury known for its quality however they have clearly changed supplier as the chips were a different shape to normal and we swimming in grease. They’ve always had great quality dry chunky crispy chips but I ate about 10 as I just couldn’t bear the taste of oil in my mouth as that’s all you’re left with. I’ve sen lots of recent similar reviews so I strongly suggest they revert back otherwise they risk losing their customer and will become like all other greasy spoons! We won’t be returning unless it goes back to its original quality. People WILL pay more for a treat but this was way overpriced for what little we ended up eating. The staff however has always been brilliant and still can’t fault them and I’m sure the chef does all he can with the poor food they have been given to cook

Great food and service will definitely be eating here again 😋 🙂 Halloumi fries were amazing. the best I ever had 🙂🙂🙂

We had 8 portions of cod and chips the fish was fine but the chips were disgusting soggy and greasy

A little disappointed in the batter - too much and very dark. Fish portions not very big. Chips good. Garden peas at £3 a small pot really over the top expensive. Fresh rolls. Service excellent.

went to go to get a drink and the shop was closed half an hour early! Terrible service !!! very unprofessional, I only wanted a can of coke and there was a boy cleaning up at half 8 when the sign says it closes at 9!!

First visit for a while so we were unsure if it was still a good restaurant, however we were pleasantly surprised. My wife and sister had the Rock & Chips, first impression was that it was cooked perfectly and contained plenty of fish. I went for the Cod & Chips and I was mighty impressed, again perfectly cooked with nice white flakes of cod. The chips were hot and crispy and it was the best fish n chips I have had for a very long time. To put that into perspective we are foodies and have dined in many Michelin restaurants up to 3 star (I'm not comparing just saying I know good food). Sad to see some poor reviews but you can only go on your own experience, ours was great and we will continue to be customers if the quality maintains. Also thanks to the waitresses who looked after us very well.

Unfortunately my husband had skate and was so over cooked for £18.50 he could a little bit our waitress told us she could not reduce the bill no manager on site to authorise it will not be returning any time soon was celebrating my mums...

Oh Dear. What a disappointment. What, in my opinion, was the best fish and chips in the Maidstone area has just been moved to be the one of the worst. Last time we came to Papas barn takeaway they got my order wrong and gave...

Incorrect order ... again I go here maybe 4 times a month and lately nearly every order has been wrong. I only order a number of portions of chips, some with sausage and more often than not it's wrong. I don't discover it's wrong until...

We had fish & chips from the take away ; spent over £40 on them and I would say £30 worth of them ended up in the bin !! Chips were nearly cold and tasted earthy and the fish was soggy and slimy , this...

Excellent lunch, fish and chips were so nice and tasty, best I have tasted for a long time. We all enjoyed it so much. The staff were lovely too and very happy and attentive. Will be back very soon.

We went here for dinner on a Thursday night. Great portions of Cod and Haddock, Chips and Mushy Peas. The restaurant was about half full. Good service from the friendly waitress. Still the best fish & chips restaurant in the area.

This really was the best fish & chips I’ve ever had, the cod is so light and delicious. Staff are really friendly, there was a great atmosphere as everyone enjoyed their meals. Desserts looked great too, I’m trying the banana split next time!

Proudly claiming to be award winning! Lucky I was not on the judging panel. We had chicken goujons and a chicken pie each with chips. Chicken pie was the best I've ever had in a restaurant. Full of chicken and a crispy pastry. Far superior...

Had traditional fish and chips today , 14.95 . I would say the fish was very small not a n adults portion . On a small plate to make it look a lot . Chips nice but there again not an adult size portion ....

Poor overall thought this place had a really good reputation but can’t see why as the chips are soggy not crisp at all as well as having zero taste to them!!! The battered sausage very dry maybe been sat in the hot cupboard for a...

Wish I had read these terrible reviews first. I like many others have said have used Papas for many years! I called ahead and arrived after 20 minutes but still had to wait for my food to be prepared. I was very surprised at the...

We love going to Papa's, we go at lunchtime and always have the lighter meal of plaice. You have the choice of chips or half chips and half salad. With a lovely roll and butter with a cup of tea. Everything is cooked to order,...

Don't waste your money the fish was stale and rubbery and the chips were squashed all cold and greasy and totally overpriced An insult to proper fish and chip shops

Papa’s has been a family favourite for many many years and we’ve spent countless Sunday afternoons in the restaurant. However, I ordered a takeaway on Sunday and was met with utter chaos. I was charged £25.00 for 2 small plaice and 1 regular portion of...

Very good fish & chips, very quick and attentive service. Just the place for a mid week lunch BUT oh dear...what an awful selection of music intruded to the conversation and ambience, the demographic of the 40 or so diners was 95% over 65 BUT...

Don’t bother phoning ahead, you still have to queue and wait and the place is utter chaos on a Friday night. Hundreds of staff but they all look overwhelmed and if you phone ahead you’re told when you arrive to wait in line. Completely crazy...

Agreed like most reviews, standards have gone down on the fish and we,as a family family travel to this place from Eltham London SE9 (25miles away) as it has been known for years to be the best in our household. Frozen fish on the menu...

Thought we’d try Papas as saw online it has awards etc. Honestly was a big disappointment. Very expensive for what it is - The ‘jumbo sausage’ is not much bigger than a regular supermarket sausage, large cod was £13.50 & quite small. Much better fish...

Do not order a small cod and chips from here as you get what they call *SPECIAL COD*! I was so very disapointed in my order last night, we thought we would treat my old Mum to fish and chips and as she is not...

My family and I have been visiting Papas since it opened and felt the fish and chips served here were simply the best, the cod ALWAYS being beautifully white, fresh, with big flakes. The last 2 visits I have had to return my fish. You’ve...

I visited with my daughter and 2 year old granddaughter. When offered the bread roll, we asked for one for my little one, the waitress said yes but at an extra charge ! Really! We were charged £1.65! for a bread roll for a 2...

I used to drive from Essex to this chippy, getting chips from the take away part and sitting in the car and eating them, watching the world go by. It used to be really excellent. The last two occasions they have been poor. The last...

The restaurant food and service are brilliant. Food is hot, good size portions and friendly staff 5/5. Takeaway have had it twice - cold both times, takes a very long time and expensive for a Takeaway 1/5 Overall 3/5

used to be consistently good but some staff just don't care! They have gone back to serving greasy chips and dried-out cod!!! What a shame ill now go elsewhere as this is my chosen food to eat and they wouldn't cook like this for themselves

Very expensive fish & chips for 2 people and was very small was like child portions very disappointed won’t return !!

I’ve been here for my takeaway fish and chips for years. The price I paid on Friday was just ridiculous nearly £30 for 2 cod and chips. The batter on the cod was thick and dark in colour not crispy at all. Not an affordable...

Always good quality and freshly cooked friendly staff and good parking for take a way and restaurant which is always clean.

We have not been to Papa Barns for 2 years because of the virus .we went along Tuesday and found the prices had risen quite a lot ,and the fish was not of the normal standard[small peace of fish,and batter really hard]there were new staff...

We have been patronising Papas for years, and in the past have had decent sized pieces of fish. Papas have increased prices and at the same time have reduced portion sizes significantly. Having purchased what was supposedly a large haddock for £9.95 we then visited...

Being visiting Papas restaurant for years now on a Friday evening. Last visit yesterday very disappointing. Dramatic increase in cost of fish with portions definitely smaller. In addition used to have the half salad/half chips option at no extra cost. Now have to pay £1.50...

Having used this restaurant for a number of years, we were very disappointed on our visit on 9/04/22. I always have a large haddock with half chips and half salad. The “large” haddock has shrunk considerably in size and the batter is puffed out so...

This is what I wrote to Papas, twice, unfortunately with no response whatsoever: Just to let you know how very disappointed I was when unwrapping the meals bought from you on Saturday. Standard cod and chips and chicken goujons and chips, the fish was okay,...

Papas is our favourite Fish and Chip restaurant in Kent , Its never failed to deliver quality Fish and Chips of good portions and, equally important,always served by welcoming and profesional staff... The Restaurant provides excellent free parking on the same site, The way the...

Popped in for a meeting and walked out with double saveloy and chips. The BEST saveloys outside of London and chips to make you drool. Amazing place, wonderful staff. Everyone should treat themselves to proper beautifully cooked, high quality chips. Five star plus!

Have visited Papas Barn several times in recent weeks, have enjoyed the quality of food, service and atmosphere there having been only a couple of problems being a mix up over our beverages, so minor it does not stop a maximum tar award. Each visit...

Toyed with the idea of using the fish and chip shop nearby but decided to use Papa's barn as it's apparently 'award winning' ...what a joke. Order was completely wrong and the food was at best very average. Lesson learnt. Won't be going back.

Ordered from takeaway side. Not busy, got order wrong. Portions compared to other chip shops is very small. Paper stuck to chips in the box and bones in the fish. Thought it was premium given the price (£9.95 just a large cod which was average...

I had a long and good conversation with a sweet girl called ruby she was asking about my day and seemed very interested she looked like she knew what she was doing and bought the food out quick. I t was a pretty busy day...

Honestly don’t understand how this place is award winning. As a northerner I’m pretty use to having fish and chips, came here on the 27th December and genuinely blown away with how bad it was. Completely cold, absolutely tiny fish and no salt and vinegar....

Fantastic food and amazing service at Papas. Easily the best fish and chips restaraunt around and by some distance. Everything I have eaten there is immaculate.

Brilliant service by everyone in there, food was also excellent and would definitely recommend to anyone else!

Papa’s is the best fish and chips in Kent without a doubt. I order from there nearly every week and it’s always amazing! Especially love the Scampi

I can honestly say this was the best restaurant experience we’ve had since well before COVID began… the staff were absolutely lovely and we were served with a bread roll as soon as we sat down. The food was sensational and they even had plastic...

Usually go to Papa’s for lunch once a week or so. Food is always top quality and the staff are lovely. Best fish and chips about.

Without question the nicest fish and chip shop you will find, went and had a sit down meal in there and the service was on point and as ever the food is delicious. We will continue to go back

Tried all the chip shops around the area and in my opinion these guys are the best. Food was cooked just as we liked and staff were very welcomin. Will be going back

By far the best fish and chips in Kent. Good value and always good service. Never had a bad meal from there

For something that's meant to be traditional and cheap, these guys think it's the Ritz. And to top it off the chips I got was undercooked and still hard potato

Terrible food . Ordered from the specials board . Sea bass and sauté potatoes at £18.95 . Food came up and looked like it had just been shoved on the plate . No presentation. Waitress then charged us twice for the sea bass and when...

thought i would try papas fish and chips tonight for a change ,fish was lovely. chips hard and lots of bits, not happy ,wont be going again, shame i have heard so much about papas, this was a takeaway treat for Friday evening .

Food portions small for the price I had a piece of fish that could be called a fish finger dread to think what small fish size would be !! £13 for a fish finger and chips. All overpriced food. Starter looked and tasted like it...

Stopped here for a fast food takeaway. Ordered Two small sausages and Two regular potions of chips - was over £10 Thinking this was a bit expensive I assumed (mistakenly) that it must be good quality. Sausages were very poor quality but worse still the...

We came across Papa's while driving past by chance and what a superb experience we had. The welcome and service were excellent, the menu wide ranging and the food mouth wateringly good. We loved the bright decor and atmosphere. Excellent all round.

Went there last night.very expensive meal.chips ok but fish and batter over cooked.waitress very rude ignored us three times.they weren't full up so not rushed off their feet.a small glass of coke cost 2.00 disgusting prices all round. Not good wont go there again. I...

Been there quite a few times always enjoyed the food. On this occasion the fish was overcooked so much it was i fmpossible to separate the batter From the fish. The chips were very dry and tasted stale. Worst fish and chips I have ever...

Best fish and chip takeaway. Service attention to detail and quality of food is first class. Pre booked a large takeaway order mid week for Saturday night. Had to change order Friday due to half the party being Covid pinged. Even though i had paid...

I totally disagree with the previous review the staff are always very polite and the food is very good. The biggest disappointment for me was being charge £2.50 for gravy I have never been charge for gravy before. I have used Papas for many years...

The staff, facilities, food are all exemplary. Theo runs a first class facility with no attention to detail spared. He sources only the finest ingredients and ensures everyone has a fine dining experience. To be sure of a warm welcome and a delicious meal, look...

Orderd my takeaway fish n chips, paid and went home. On arrival home I put the food on our plates. It was stunningly average and my order was incomplete. One portion of chips was missing. My order was one regular cod, quarter of chicken, 3...

I have been choosing to buy from here for a long time as i felt the quality was good, however the customer service now is appalling, if you run a good business you know when your peak times are and cook accordingly and not expect...

Looking forward to a treat. Meal for 3. 3£37 so not cheap. One meal was sausage as well. Ordered online. Picked up. Drive home, sausage missing. Rest of food distinctly average. Chips now the same as everywhere else when they used to have a uniqueness.Won't be back anymore.

Disappointed haddock was ok, batter not as nice as normal and the chips were cold. Except more fir the money

Delighted to find out they have vegan chioces now! They're not 'on the menu' but I asked and was offered a choice of vegan pie, vegan sausage roll and vegan pastie. The pastie is excellent. The chips are pretty good too.

Fresh food and tasty but quick it isn't and with just one person front of house most people I was outside with, had to leave their cars post receiving their food and go back for items missing or omitted from the order. For the premium price would expect better.

Has really gone down hill since I last visited. Haddock was over cooked, and smelt overly fishy which may sound daft but it didn’t smell fresh. Chips were average at best. Mushy peas were really watery - more like a soup. We pre-ordered but still took 10 minutes to get our order. And it wasn’t busy. All 3 of us said the same and it came to over £38! Won’t be going back

Really rather expensive for poor quality food , a&d is far superior for a fraction of the price Wouldn’t go again

Central London prices, and food is average at best. £4 for a pukka pie is a joke... Better food 300 yards up the road.

Best fish and chips for miles ! Have to queue but worth it. Takeaway and sit-in restaurant, same food (they cook for the restaurant on the same fryers)

Great food COVID rules maintained Take away used regularly Always good service Clean Tasty food Nicely cooked Good packaging Easy to find on main road Bit more expensive than other chip shops around area. Recommend yes

Ordered click and collect for collection on the hour. It arrived 25 late and when we got home they hadn’t put the order in our bag. I wouldn’t bother again.

Called in 10 minutes before closing, “that’s all we have left” says the guy behind the counter pointing to some very shrivelled up looking food- “don’t think I’ll bother” I replied and walked out !If you are open to 9pm, why not cook food to 9pm ? Thanks for wasting my time.

Safe, very friendly and efficient service. Business rigorously adhering to distancing. Our meals were correct and very tasty upon short drive and return home. Would use again.

We ordered fish and chips, saveloy and chips, chicken nuggets and battered sausage and chips. Firstly it was extremely over priced. £28. Secondly, the fish was very greasy, the saveloy tasted very dry and the chips were lukewarm and soggy. Also, we asked for salt and vinegar and some had and some didn’t. Certainly would not recommend them and definitely will not be visiting again.

Thank you for opening up and providing such a safe and pleasant takeaway service. My parents really enjoyed their supper tonight. Priceless seeing their faces when I took it round to them. Thank you again.

I discovered this establishment a few days ago whilst driving to work. The Motorway was shut so the alternative route took me past London Road. The Building looked very nice from the outside which was they initial appeal. Modern Structure which catches the eye as you drive past.The intention was to come and have a sit down meal which changed hours before due to how things are globally. Arrived and placed order for Large Fish of Haddock for me and Cod for My Sibling and we waited which was standard. The Ladies were pleasant. When the meal was handed over it was piping hot and fresh. The aroma filled the car as we drove home and was still in the car this morning as a reminder. I would say it was value for money our meal which we shared sampling the haddock and cod. The batter was crispy nice and crunchy. It was clear haddock was preferred by both of us. Variety is nice. There was enough left over for Brunch which is how much grub there was in terms of portions. I know where to get My Fish and Chips treat when I have a craving. I highly recommend the Fresh Meal here which went well with My Herby Ketchup at home. Thank you.

I got a take away today saveloys and chips. Firstly can I say the saveloys were amazing - firm, spicy, slight crunch to the skin and meaty scrumptious. Not like the soggy, watery, pappy ones I’ve experienced (one bite) in the past. Top marks. Couldn’t finish all the chips so thought I’d reheat them for tea. Didn’t have quite enough so supplemented with a Waitrose chips in dripping. Really no competition - trialled both before I served. Needless to say hubby got the Waitrose ones. Love you papas x

Went for lunch, had cod roe was very nice, the medium cod, was quite small, chips ok.Cup of tea well over priced.The place looks nicer on the outside than the inside as inside it is a bit road side cafe look. Service was quick and polite.

Visited on a Saturday lunchtime. Both chose the £7.50 deal - cod & chips, bread roll & cup of tea. I thought this was fab value for money. Added a couple of side orders to try. Onion rings were lovely, battered mushrooms were huge - needed a sprinkle of salt though.Saw some desserts going to other tables that looked amazing, but far too full to try unfortunately.Good service, food came out quickly, lovely & fresh and piping hot. Staff very friendly.Would recommend and hopefully return. Well worth a drive out for a nice meal.

Myself and my father visited on Friday the 6th of March after hearing how good the place was,I had cod and chips and my father had plaice and chips,I asked for large cod and when the food arrived at the table my cod was no bigger than a savaloy in batter and the chips no better than supermarket oven ready chips,well disappointed indeed,very overpriced as had far better from my local fish shop,won't be going again, certainly can't see how the ratings are always good

A meal always guaranteed to be good. Great tasty food, with a menu to suit many. Staff friendly, helpful and flexible with meals. A lovely friendly atmosphere. If you haven't been, go ahead and enjoy a meal guaranteed to be tasty.

I live very close to this restaurant and had always wanted to try it after it was rebuilt after the fire. Earlier this week my wife and I eventually got round go trying it. We had no expectations apart from the fact that the car park is usually quite full so we assumed that it must be good. I had skate and my wife had plaice. The fish in both cases was excellent but I still can't believe that I was charged over 17 pounds for the smallest piece of fish I've ever had. We both had a small bottle of cider with our meals and the total cost was £39.60Bearing in mind, this really is just a fancy transport cafe next to a main road, the prices are exorbitant and we will never be going there again

I would like to recommend Papas Barn had a great meal food excellent all 4 friends totally enjoyed there meal

It had been some time since we last bought a takeaway from Papas. Chips were luck warm, fish average. Placed order with an unsmiling young lady, order given by another more customer-friendly colleague. Overall experience was disappointing, especially at Papa's prices.