The Merchants Fish Bar in Ballymena

Tasty chips and good portion sizes. Nice touch with the free tea top ups. Enjoyed sitting in. Friendly staff. Just good honest grub served well. I look forward to coming back.

Ordered goujons and chips, £8 for the portion size was absolutely terrible for all the size it was, not only that but the goujons were literally inedible, the grease was actually dripping out the of them. The chips also weren’t up to standard. If they manage to make a simple goujon supper wrong, god knows what the rest of the food is like. I would avoid this chippy at all cost not only am I left starving but actually nauseous from the grease of the goujons.

Cod fantastic. Long wait and only 2 nd in queue. 10 mins to put cod in and 15 min wait. Food class. But need more staff to serve.8 orders after me😬

Fish is as good as always but not as large portions as there used to be hence four stars instead of five

Best wee fish and chips in ballymena. Good price to not to expensive n close to town centee we be back soon

Food is excellent, fantastic customer service from lovely staff ,so clean .simply the best .also a big thank you for your kindness to the NHS.

I have never seen a kebab meal so small. Must've been half a chicken breast & a handful of raw chips in a small box!!Still full price. I know they are really busy at this time but standards have dropped massively. Really disappointing 😠😠😠😠

This has always been my favourite and go to chippy at weekends. This last two weeks I have noticed a reduction in portion sizes which will force me to try another chippy from now on. Basically half portions of chips now.

on reviews thought give place a try, ordered fish and chips to take away, fish was very overdone batter hard, crispy, broke away from fish and the chips just ends as they could not be bothered put more chips on, rubbish

After a long day in the hospital and really feeling hungry dropped in and ordered the Chicken Kebab. Great food and so tasty and great portions. Kebab made to your personal preference. Recommend to anyone and can’t wait to next time.

I am hoping this is the correct fish bar - The Merchant Fish Bar Broughshane? We had the good fortune to have some of the best quality fish, scampi & chips we have ever had anywhere. The batter was light and crisp, the chips were double fried which meant firm and crisp on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside. The only adverse comment is the portion size - for us it was way too big.

Any time we visit... always get fish and chips from The Merchant. In the enchanting village of Broughshane there are more than a few lovely places to eat. But takeaway from The Merchant is always tasty, always fresh and satisfying.

Had to make a visit to Ballymena and as it was going to be a long one needed to get some lunch. Had a recommendation to try the Merchant and we weren't disappointed. £7 for a cod supper and boy was it good snowy white flaky cod in a thin crispy batter which was as if it was painted on and the flavour was mmm washed down with a nice cup of tea topped up if wanted by the friendly attentive staff. The establishment is popular as it had a regular flow of customers, it has a varied menu which can be viewed on their website. So if your in Ballymena don't let this one get away.

The Merchant serves good honest fare, and plenty of it. It is clean, well laid out and the service is excellent. No netter place for a fish supper.

Visited today for lunch, meal was lovely as is the restaurant itself. But the staff are second to none, so attentive, so helpful and all really great at their job.

This busy take away or sit in is spotlessly clean which is a first for me ,. The service is very good and the chips crisp and dry A welcome change from some establishments.

I would say the best fish in Ballymena, the only complaint I would have they don’t let the drain and the plate a bit greasy the fish on the bottom is soggy. Other than that very good.

Restaurant was quiet with only 2 tables occupied. Orders taken from a Waitress with absent personality and not suited to front of house. Tea arrived but waited another 15 minutes for meal. Chips hard and tasteless and portion small. Ketchup definitely not Heinz but in Heinz bottle which was misleading. Very disappointed with this visit. Not sure I will hurry back. Efficiency sadly lacking today.

I ordered cod, my partner ordered scampi. They came freshly cooked and piping hot. The cod was perfectly cooked, succulent, with deliciously crisp golden batter. Scampi was large, plentiful and delicious. We shared a portion of chips, again hot and crisp. Our Thursday treat never disappoints. I recommend this most highly.

The Merchant is a really good fish and chip place. You can sit in or take away at the Ballymena Merchant. There is a Merchant Take Away in the Village of Broughshane. Both of these shops are always busy because the food id really good especially the very light batter on the fish.

Visited take out yesterday afternoon 4 pm

Last time we visited here it was disappointing but decided to give it another try and so glad we did staff where friendly and the fish and chips where divine best in Ballymena

A longed awaited visit to this popular sit in chip shop, which certainly didn’t disappoint. Very busy with sit in diners, lucky to get seat reasonably quickly at window. Order promptly taken and tea served instantly. Very short time later suppers arrived and absolutely beautiful. Tea topped up 3 times. Nothing is too much effort in this family run establishment. Amazing atmosphere obviously with regular customers who knew staff. Food presented well and very reasonably priced. Will definitely return, great night.

The service was quick we ordered two fish one smoked they didn't have so got cod very thin batter but fish was good. What I noticed sitting eating in was there was a young guy doing burgers/hot plate and when lifting the food or dressing the burger he used his hands even the cooked food e.g. Like a chicken burger and a beef burger there where tools to use for the lifting but he just seemed to like his hands. I am a business owner aswell and that is just basic hygiene.

Food was good enough however paying £5.40 for a small curry chip and 1 sausage is a rip off. Restaurant however was packed but listened to the table opposite of me about the fish batter being so crispy they could hardly eat it. At my chippy I get twice the quality for half the price

Was ok nothing special won't be rushing back the girl who served us was pleasant but like I said I have had better fish and chips there was no taste of them had to plaster them in salt vinegar and brown sauce.

Best Fish and Chips in Northern Ireland Kilkeel Scampi is just superb Staff are very friendly and service is excellent Sit in or Take Away Never go anywhere else

We had the most delicious fish and chips here last week, large helpings of beautiful fish and delectable chips. Just couldn't bear to leave any.

Good hearty portion of fresh fish and chips with nice table service quickly served and reasonably priced very busy which is a good sign.

Visited the BROUGHSHANE shop for quick tea. Telephone order, cooked freshly for each customer. Exceptionally clean and organised. Young pleasant smiling staff with a warm welcome. Food beautiful. Can’t fault this place, good every time.

We use The Merchant for our weekly take away and have done for some considerable time. The food is always top class and the staff very friendly and helpfully. I would definately recommend them with no hesitation as a good chippy.

Called at lunchtime for something to eat. When the food came, I asked for a glass of water. The waitress returned with a bottle of water and a glass, and said that’s £1.20. I said I just wanted a glass of water?.....only to be told they don’t serve glasses of water!! I was amazed, and very disappointed with this response, and refused to buy the bottle of water.

Fresh scampi for Kilkeel simply delicious. Cooked to perfection not overcooked like so many places do. Always good quality food served here

Probably one of the best fish suppers I have ever had the quality is excellent beautiful fish and chips also the gravy is very good, if you like fish and chips this is to come to.

Handy place to get fast food , sometimes the fish can be greasy especially when the boss is not cooking , also need to watch the chips these can be under cooked at times .

Went here yesterday with my children after we googled sit in chippy shops when we where in Carnlough, came here sat down nobody came over so we assumed it was just counter service, went to the counter ordered chicken fillet burger, chip, kids chicken burger mean 2 gravys and 2 drink £19.90, near died. Right enough came real quick chips where great but, chicken fillet burger needed a steak knife to get into it. The two tables beside us both got immediate table service asking for menus, couldn't believe it. All in dear hole, with plates that are two small.

Best Fish and Chips by a country mile Very pleasant staff super service Kilkeel Scampi is superb Never go Any where else

It's basic, it's clean and that serve excellent fish and chips. In face the Merchant has to be visited at least once on a trip to Ballymena. Quick service, reasonable prices. What more could you ask for?

Great feed and was very tasty. Nice crispy batter and chips. Good friendly service and very clean surroundings

I could not speak highly enough of this fish and chip shop. The food is all cooked fresh and the fish has a beautiful crispy batter. No soggy uncooked batter here. The chips were equally as good all served piping hot. The cafe itself is spotless and they never stop cleaning. There is a brass rail and I seen the staff on their knees polishing it on several occasions. The staff are all very friendly and welcome you back. The best Fish and Chip shop in Ballymena. Definitely give it a try you won’t be disappointed.

Mum has been going here for years. The fish is second to none, whether its a full fish supper or fish goujons.

Excellent value for money, fish and chips cooked the traditional way. We visit once a week best fish and chips for miles. Heaped plates, friendly staff,

Hi i was informed that this was the best chippy around & people we're not wrong!! The friendly service the very high standards of the products they produce is by far exceptional.

Best fish and chips in ballymena in my opinion. Right in the centre of town and very handy for lunchtime or a quick bite to eat after work.

Friends had told me to try the smoked cod, delighted I did! 1st time I have tried it and will definitely be back for another!

A friend suggested we try here, so we did for a change. The fish was greasy and soggy. Perhaps this was because it was busy and the fish did not have the chance to drip the fat off before being packed into the wrapper, but it was not an appetising experience in any case. The chips were ok. But having eaten the stuff I would not be rushing back.

Best fish and chips in town. Take away day most of the family pick the fish. I always do. Couldn't fault the place. Food staff and service all excellent.

Came here for a sausage supper and I was very disappointed. The chips were so bad they were inedible while the sausages were so salty they made you need to drink a whole load more. The staff here are disrespectful. Wouldn't return here again.

Nunca me ha decepcionado con el comerciante. La comida siempre es hermosa. El lugar es impecable. Estábamos en el miércoles y la camarera era una chica encantadora. No sé su nombre, pero ella era un soplo de aire fresco. Sin duda volveremos.

Ha sido un par de veces antes y la comida ha sido bastante buena. Decidimos ir por una hamburguesa, esta vez, muy decepcionado. Uno de chip van hubiera sido mejor, era muy seco y sólo un anillo de piña. Goujons peces eran grasienta. El personal...

Teléfono en un orden y chica izquierda las patatas fritas muy decepcionante para sábado por la noche y pasamos más de £11 libras

我們抵達的時間太晚了已經快要關門了，所以只能外帶不能內用，魚肉很嫩很好吃，薯條份量非常多，炸的很酥好吃

My daughter got my fish and chips from the merchant and wat was supposed to be a cheese burger we could have got better quality from a burrger van outside a nightclub its totaly disgusting its the last time i shall eat from there. The burger looked awfull smaller than a hapymeal from mcdonalds, had raw onions there was no choice chips half cooked i will be advising ppl to go no where near the place has there been a takeover because it has gone downhill so far u couldnt push it up again

I usually get a takeaway from here as it Is always very good especially the fish. Also the staff are very friendly. However, the last time I was here I thought the portion of fish was smaller than usual and there was also fewer chips. Hopefully this was a one off as I was a bit disappointed.

We have been here a good few times the food is always fantastic fast service and a good choice on the menu but I have to admit 95%of the time I go for the fish it is delicious fresh light and tasty

I really don't think this can be beaten folks, quality, quality, and Quality. Staff are fantastic, service is awesome but it's the food I go back for every time. Perfect every time. Thank you!

The best fish in town and can say the smoked haddock is a taste. Of its own .The cleanliness of the premises is also noticeable and this is due to the great staff they have.

Good fish and chips with friendly service. Generous portions and reasonably priced.The place is clean and warm. Staff was attentive and helpful.

Called in for something to eat, great food even thou they were extremely busy food was first class and plenty to eat

My family headed to the Fish Merchant for our tea one night recently. Having ate there before, we were familiar with the menu and food. We waited for quite a while before the waitress came, only after been instructed by another staff member. We proceeded to give our order. While she was friendly, and wanted to help, she had very little grasp of the English language. We tried our best to to help her understand, and explained 3 times what we wanted. When the order came, one of them was incorrect, and we had to explain yet again what we wanted. What annoyed us the most, was the fact the management were in full view of our table, and could see that the lady was struggling, yet offered NO help whatsoever, nor accepted any responsibility for the poor service. Whilst the food was good, the portions were very small, and not what you would expect for the price. Strangely, we felt that all the attention was being given to the carryout customers, while the sit in was barely noticed. The management need to have a serious think about how this business is run, and anyone dealing with the general public need to have a basic knowledge of the English Language.

This is how a fish & chip shop should be! A warm welcome from friendly , polite and attentive staff ; spotlessly clean premises ; and - above all - perfectly cooked fish & chips! Perfect :)

Had a very basic meal here tonight , the girl who took our order was foreign and after explaining 3 times we wanted a cheese burger we were then brought a chicken burger don't get me wrong i am in no way prejudice and believe the girl has every right to have a job here but if she is taking orders then she should understand basic english . I then asked for coleslaw and was told they don't serve it ,its about the only restaurant i've been to that doesn't serve coleslaw and the prices are not reasonable we were charged £5.20 for cheese and gravy which was minimal but then everything about the meal was minimal the gravy was disgusting and far too salty . We also noticed after leaving that my daughter was charged for a chip and cheese then charged £1.30 for cheese does cheese not come on the chip and cheese. I noticed the takeaway customers where getting much larger portions and for a lesser price . At the end we asked for a glass of tap water and was told that they are not allowed to give water to customers seriously we wanted a glass of water to take paracetamol and it was denied . Will not be eating here again !

Must admit this chippy has to one of the better Ines I've been to. I had a lunch time fish supper to go for £6. Bargain-big thick hot chips and fish well battered and flaky inside. Definitely worth finding and trying, can also sit in

I always get fish and chips here as they are the best in Ballymena. Every thing is cooked at the time so you know it is fresh. My only problem is sometimes the fish isn't that big and other times they give two pieces. Also, the staff are very friendly and that counts for a lot as well.

Had fish and chips with the wife. For Northern Ireland this is a top rate chippy. £6 for fish and chips or £6.50 if you sit in. The staff are nice and attentive. We also had some battered mushrooms and onion rings. To be honest the extra portions were a bit much in terms of batter for one sitting but still tasty. It is pleasant to sit in for a chip shop.

love this place serves the best fish and chips in town either carry out or sit in other things good to but go for fish it's the best.

our family has ate in this 'bar' numerous times and i'm going to make this short.in my lifetime i cannot think of any other fish and chip shop that betters this one,that says it alll!!

Last week made my first visit to the Merchant in Broughshane . The place was spotless . Ordered my usual single fish and certainly wasn't disappointed when I got home ,two pieces of fish with a few chips thrown in ,was absolutely lovely will certainly return thats for sure.. If any critism was needed it would be in regard to food handling, my server with bare hands cooked bacon ,lifted salad ,cooked burgers ,lifted baps wiped onto her apron took money ,scratched her head and never used the numourious tongs provided . On my next visit I'll certainly be expecting changes .gloves ??. You don't think customers see anything .. Think Again !!!

My friend and I eat there every time we are fishing stuff always fresh and beautiful the staff so friendly could not do enough for you one of the best chippies in Ireland the fish and chips are always the same high quality I owned a chipper in Belfast so I know what I like 5star

Best fish in Ballymena, battered fresh and cooked while you waitLunchtime specials are great value especially chicken fillet burger

The Merchant Fish Bar does a very tasty and filling Fish Supper. you can sit in or carry out. If you order Fish you get 1+ 1/2 extra and a few chips included!

We were driving through Ballymena so stopped in here. We ordered and when it came they missed part of our order. We said no problem we'd order again what was missed but as under £5 couldn't order again as only had card, even though there fault to begin with. The food itself was very greasy.

Visited earlier today, and usually frequent at least a few times a month. The food is well cooked, but if you ask for anything outside what the counter staff can comprehend, and none of which difficult, good luck!! Staff pay no attention to what the customer asks for, and make up what they wish to, whilst discussing their personal lives. Such a shame that a one time excellent establishment could dip so far on the customer service scale

Called in to shop, fish and chips /tea/bread /butter .the food was great the cod was over each side of the plate it was that big .

We ordered lunch by telephone to pick up for 12 of us, food was ready at the time stated, was warm and enjoyable, would definately go back, good value for money.

Ordered two fish suppers and a bottle of coke. Then asked for a glass of water to take my medication and was refused! Unreal. Greedy greedy owner wanting to take as much off you as possible. Rip off prices to. Plus you need to pay for your food before you eat!!!! What a joke, made to feel like crook. Stay away

I have been eating at terry scullions chippys for years because they are quality his sons carry on the tradition of friendly pleasent places to eat.The staff are so lovely nothing is any trouble I always have the fish which is devine I never order chips as the portions are so big and I hate to waste food they always give me some chips and never charge. You get constant free refills of tea.I feel I can go to the merchant on my own get a lovely lunch read the free newspaper or mag and always leave happy.

We went In for a family tea, the young lady on the staff was so nice and friendly to our child. The food is fantastic and everywhere is so clean. 5 star well done. Don't miss this fish supper highly recommended.

Have ate in the Merchants a few times, a few days ago i got a chip, cheese gravy and a bottle of coke and i got charged £6.90!!!!! shocking price!

Can never say anything bad about here food always great the staff aways nice. always clean will be back np

My favourite chippy in Ballymena! Good sized portions, fast service.. and the chicken goujons and chips are the best in town!

Just been to merchant chip shop in broughshane .Best chipy in Co Antrim Allso been to merchant b.mena first class been many times Allways good. Fish Allways fresh and we'll cooked nice crisby .And good value will be back.

This is a first class fish and chip shop worthy of five star rating in its class. The food is always fresh and superbly presented generous portions and reasonably priced.

I regularly buy our Friday evening carry-out here. The food is superb, the service is efficient by friendly staff. Helpings are generous.

Had some beautiful chips and burgers out of here tonight passing by! Definitely recommend to anyone. Hawaiian burger with lots of salad it was beautiful. The 3 kids ate every bite!

Called yesterday as this has always been my favorite chippy for a good fish supper and it did not fail fish was non greasy only complaint and it's very small I asked for loads of vinegar and there was barely any otherwise 1st class

Ususally go to the Fish'n' Chicken but to decided to try the merchants as I hadn't been there for ages.Enjoyed my fish supper. Will be back.

I head here a good bit. It's the best fish in Ulster by a long mile. The shop is really nice and very clean and tidy. Staff very friendly. If your every in ballymena this place is a real must.

had the good old traditional fish and chips and was not disappointed chips were good and fish was excellent would recommend to anyone

Great spot to chill out, watch the world go by and enjoy consistently excellent food. Fish and chips always the same all day long, all year long. Top, pleasant and friendly staff with brilliant, efficient service. Not to be missed!

Cannot fault a thing, the best fish and chips I've ever had. Service helpful and friendly and never had any problems

Love the Merchant for the best fish & chips anywhere. We always sit in and the service is fast and very friendly with as many free coffee top ups as you can drink. To the people complaining about paying 10% extra to sit in, I'm guessing that its a contribution to the 20% VAT charged on food eaten on the premises. Not a bad deal I'd say so stop your whinging and enjoy the food

Have eaten here on a regular basis for about a year now and find the fish very good.Shop is well laid out and kept clean.Would recommend visit at any time.

This place is really worth a visit the best quality fish I've ever had in a warm friendly environment pleasant staff sit in or take away service.

Just been (sep 14).I phoned in an order. It took the 12/13yr old on the phone half a dozen attempts to understand what I was saying, apparently chip, pea, onion & gravy is a complicated combo?!I arrived at the shop, and... my order was wrong. So I changed it with the Eastern European girl at the counter, who to her credit only needed told three times before she got it. And can I add the other Eastern European lady who seemed to be in charge didn't look like she was physically able to smile and could barely make eye contact when addressing me.So, after 10-15 mins waiting on the revised order I left and in the car noticed the topped chip dishes (gravy, curry etc) were packed in the bags on their side and starting to leak already. It was whilst fixing this that I noticed the receipt I asked for was actually that of another customer.So, I got home and we all tucked in. That was, tucked in to the smallest portions I've ever seen. Now, we all know the standard polystyrene containers chip&gravy etc would come in. Well these were like those, only smaller. So already disappointed we ate the food which to their credit was quite good as they usually are.We then queried the price as we realised on trying to see what everyone was chipping in owed, that it was quite high. I called and spoke to the lady in charge, I asked about the first thing, a chip, pea, onion & gravy. I then found out this was £5.30!!! For chips and a few toppings!! I didn't bother asking for the rest.I have to honestly say as someone who loved the FM when it opened and since; that the service, portions and price have left me that I won't go back. The title sums it up as best I can put it, shocking!

I dropped in on the way home from a weekend on the north coast and was really looking forward to a tasty meal. Unfortunately I was left very disappointed with what I got.The premises are well appointed and were very clean throughout, a credit to the owner.I ordered fish goujons, a pastie and a portion of chips. The goujons were very spare on the fish end, very tasty but a lot more batter than actual fish and my pastie was like no other pastie I have ever tasted. It was more like a battered burger. It was very unpleasant and I simply couldn't eat it. The chips were good but unfortunately everything was awash with an excessive amount of grease.As pleasant as the premises and staff were, the food was sadly not to my expectations and I don't think I'll be returning any time soon.

When we feel like fish and chips this is the place to go, friendly staff, efficient service. Its always a real treat to have a Merchant fish supper.

Best chicken fillet burger, fish and chips I have ever had. They also serve heinz ketchup which is a nice touch. Slick rick

Called in for a quick bite of lunch on a Saturday. At first I was disappointed because they didn't have any haddock. I decided to try the cod and went to sit and wait. After a short wait my tea arrived. Very disappointed. It was cold and like it was sitting a long time. When my cod arrive with some chips my taste buds roared into life. It was the best cod I ever had. The batter was very light and crispy. Delicious. I upgraded my experience to 5 stars because a fresh cup of tea arrived with an apology for the cold one. I never complained about the cold cuppa they just sorted it when they realised. Will visit when I next visit Ballymena.

easily the best fish supper ever ...and im not coddin ye lol....hi all jokes on the side iv tried fish here and iv tried fish there infact iv tried fish everywhere ...but nothing comes close to the merchant in bmena hi