The Pelican in North Devon

The Best Fish and Chips in Barnstaple – Hands Down! Pelican Fish and Chips is my absolute favourite spot in Barnstaple — it’s the kind of place that reels you in once and keeps you coming back for more. The fish is always perfectly cooked, light and flaky with that golden, crispy batter you dream about. The chips? Chunky, piping hot, and just the right amount of salt and vinegar. The vibe is friendly and relaxed, and there’s a subtle seaside charm that makes you feel like you’re just steps from the ocean (even if you’re not). It’s got that classic British chippy feel, with a little splash of something special — like the Pelican crew sprinkled in a bit of sea magic. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, drop anchor here. You won’t regret it.

Amazing fish and chip take away and restaurant. The food is amazing, staff are lovely and the whole vibe is very relaxed. Can't wait to return

Everything 5 stars here! From food, to atmosphere, sevice, staff, cleanliness, etc...... Parking available!

Always excellent service, very friendly staff and consistently the best battered cod and chips and prices that are good value. And a spotlessly clean restaurant and toilets. It's no wonder these guys have won awards.

Easy to get to when driving into Barnstaple from Dartmoor. You can order online on the way. The pick up with minimal wait. I stay on a mates farm nearby. The Pelican has less tourists is more local. Clean quality fish and chips. See you soon. Regards D

The best local Fish 🐟 and chips 🍟

Claims to be one of the best chip shops in the country and I'm not going to argue. Popped in a couple of times and the food is brilliant. There is parking around the back a good looking clean restaurant, which can get very busy and on my visits I've never been able to use. Testimony to the quality of the food.

Best chippy I've ever been to!!! Fact

One of the best fish & chip shops in th area. The fishcake was delicious and huge.

Food is ok. The order wasn't quite right. Otherwise a nice place to eat.

Food is good and plenty of it.😋😋

Amazing food , great atmosphere and fabulous staff ,totally recommend!!

Amazing fish & chips! This place feels like a step back in time—in the best way possible. The fish is fresh, the place is clean, and the staff are super friendly. Highly recommend!

Been twice now absolutely loved it.

Really great place to eat, fish & chips smashing, the staff are friendly & helpful.

The service is fantastic as always. The take-away food is cooked to order which is good. It beats Squires hands down!

Not bad for a fish and chip shop, my daughter loved her fish, I really enjoyed the big burger, way too many onion rings and not that great, they did not taste like fresh chef onion ring tasted like something frozen out a bag but all in all ok.

Can not fault the food or the service , excellent value for money , and the restaurant and toilets are spotless .

Lovely resteraunt just outside Barnstaple. Fish and chips lovely.

Been going for 10+ years. Refirb is nice and so is good. Atmosphere is a bit loud

Turned up at 19.55 hours to be told restaurant closes at 20.00 hours and she turned us away. Said to her on Google it says 20.30 hours she said now on winter hours, also says on door 21.00

Great place to dine out with family or friends and there is a really good choice of meals

Absolutely amazing place , went there for a birthday meal. Was less than 27 pounds for 2 BIG main meals Sandie had grilled u half a roast chicken chips peas and side salad and 2 soft drinks . From the outside you wouldn't guess the quality of the food but was lovely very clean tidy fast service friendly staff many many thanks peter and sandie

Had a sit down meal with partner in this lovely chip shop plus restaurant as a sufferer of anxiety n social anxiety I dot go out much but i was made to feel comfortable I felt safe the lovely young lady called delaney went above and beyond with her welcoming smile an politeness she is a credit to the pelican x

Always good. Really nice fish, unlimited chips... live locally, always come here.

Great takeaway with an easy to use app.

Lovely clean place, with polite staff. Music playing and not to loud to overpower any conversation. Cod and chips done to perfection and hot as it should be. I come here every time I am in Devon to see family. I can't fault it. Very nice and wortt a visit. If you dine in, good idea to book ahead, as it is very popular.

Carvery was excellent. Nice hot veggies and plenty of choice. Three different meats on offer.

Used this place for a long time service has gradually gone down hill only interested in click and collect the staff are generally kids with no interest waiting time is shocking the final straw is staff being rude and eating and drinking while serving will not be returning if zero wad a option this place would get zero the management need to sort the staff out service is a real letdown vist with caution

Not the best cod to be honest bit watery Felt very rushed Sit down served As soon knife & fork down cleared Put glass down cleared Wouldn't rush back

They know how to run a chippy!!

Had a meal here last night, very nice food, large cod was amazing with light crispy batter and chunky flakey fresh cod, my son had the homemade fishcakes which were also very nice, they came out like two scotch eggs. We took them up on their unlimited chips and had an extra bowl of chips to share (two hungry boys after a day's fishing) service was a little slow, but they were very busy, it was also quite hot in there (we were glad to get out into the fresh air by the time we finished) still a five star experience over all though. Would definitely go back next time we're in the area.

Very nice looking restaurant. Friendly team who were quick to the table to serve and food was freshly cooked but didn't take long to come out. Prawn cocktail and whitebait for starters were very nice, both served with salad, and the plaice in lemon and pepper breadcrumbs and cod and chips were lovely. We had curry sauce which wasn't very strong but that is a personal preference. We booked for late afternoon and there was plenty of room in the car park and the restaurant. The bill was +£40 for 2 starters, 2 mains and 2 soft drinks, so comparable with others. Fresh flakey fish and unlimited chips. What more could you ask for! Would recommend.

Wonderful restaurant and wonderful food.

The food is always plentiful, tasty and reasonably priced. I’ve never had a bad meal or heard anyone complain. Every time we eat here they are always busy and the staff always friendly.

Excellent all round, fast service and good price.

I have been coming to this award winning fish restaurant for 10 years and it has been faultless. However today it was appalling. The fish was kind of processed, the batter was flat and meagre - as if it had been reheated in a microwave. The chips also felt reheated, The chips tasted stale and almost microwaved. I was shocked. Nothing lasts forever I guess.

Our first visit today whilst holidaying for a few days. A fabulous "award winning " restaurant. A substantial menu offering a wide variety of fish meals as well as other options such as gammon, sausage, chicken and burgers. The portion sizes were very generous, with unlimited chips offered. They sell a range of alcoholic drinks as well of soft drinks and hot drinks.The battered cod was crispy, tasty and had beautiful white, tender fish. The fish pie was very tasty with a lovely cheesy potato top. The staff were friendly, polite and attentive. The restaurant was modern, well decorated and clean. Definitely worth a visit. There is a take away section, next door via a separate entrance door.

Amazing. Great service and great value for money.

The best fish and chips ever, according to my sister. We had the special and the food stayed hot until th last mouthful. Generous portion of tarta sauce. An excellent meal,highly recommend.

The staff are amazing...so happy & helpful it was a joy to watch their camaraderie! The food was delicious - highly recommend! We will be back.

Fantastic place.food very good .staff very helpful .

Great food, some interesting options - I had fish tacos from the specials. Good desserts. Lovely service.

Food excellent staff couldn't do enough

Nothing to say except - The best in the world (that I have tried 🤣) Booked on line given time and collected on time.

Just a great place, great food, great service what more do you want

Saw the reviews and stopped by on route home from North Devon. The cod and chips were simply delicious - so perfectly cooked, tasty and fresh. One of the best cod and chips we've had. Well done The Pelican. An easy easy 5 stars from us!

The best fish and chips ever in a lovely restaurant setting! Take away option available, too. Highly recommended and truly well deserved vote of the best in the UK! Lovely atmosphere and outstanding service 👏

A very nice experience all round. Generous portions, happy buzz from other diners and excellent service

Bit pricey but good hot food and friendly service

We have been coming here for years since I was a little girl and when I lived down the road. Now my husband and I come here and we won't go anywhere else our children enjoy the chips as well,the chips are spot on and the fish is so fresh.

The best fish and chip restaurant in the area, and there are some good ones ;) If you like fish and chips, you won't regret it.

Very good restaurant, from main course to dessert! Fast service despite a full room. Only downside: the acoustics of the room are terrible, this should be remedied for the comfort of all

Best fish and chips in the town

We didn't actually dine in but sat outside, the food was beautiful and really good portion size. Would recommend

Had a lovely evening with friends, the food was very tasty.

Great customer service very polite friendly staff understand people's needs as well

Best fish and chips for miles around

The chips were very dry, you had to wait for the fish to be cooked and the rest of the order, so by the time everything was ready the chips had overcooked. They needed throwing away and a new batch put in, also the fish was mediocre. I Wouldn’t use this place again

A must if you are in the area. We come here often. Food is fresh, tasty and delicious. Staff are amazing. Disabled toilets downstairs and regular toilets upstairs. There is parking at the back of the restaurant.

Good chippy but fish a bit pricey

Ordered a click and collect, arrived on time expecting a wait considering how busy it was but it was ready as I walked in, food was lovely great value and offers grilled fish and other bits too for if you are tired of the standard fish and chips!

I'm down from Stourbridge/ midlands ways visiting family .I heard its always busy here . I must say I'm impressed 👏👏👏 order on app everything was bang on and time slot perfect . Cheese burger grilled to perfection 👌 battered sausage hit the spot and the curry sauce must be 1 of the best I've ever had from a chips shop and not forgetting the chips 😋 solid 10 . Well done down there whatever your doing it's perfect 👌 👍

THE BEST FISH AND CHIPS IN DEVON NO GREASE FISH LIKE A SHARK AND CHIPS TO DIE FOR

The best fish and chips I've ever had, will definitely return if in the area again. Staff were very friendly and polite etc. Would recommend to anyone.

Lovely restaurant, we celebrated as a large family for a 50th anniversary meal. Fantastic customer service, lovely atmosphere and great value. Thank you!

The haddock, chips and mushy peas were good but no Catch of the Day on offer.

Excellent as always. The fact that they cook the fish exactly as we ask for it, no rice flour under the batter, which makes for a crisper lighter coating, is something we really appreciate. This takes the attitude "that the customer is always right" back to a bygone era. An attitude that is rare these days, but one that means we have recommended this restaurant to many many people. Other businesses could learn a lot from them. Long may they prosper.

I use click & collect. So easy to use, can book a specific time. Just go in and give your code and the food is ready. Plenty of parking in the lovely refurbished car park.

Ordered online and all went very well...food was delicious 😋

Always fantastic here , food amazing , restaurant and toilets always spotless! Best fish and chips around!

We always visit this wonderful fish restaurant when on holiday in Devon. In my opinion it can’t be bettered anywhere in the country. Everything about the cod and chips is perfection. Lovely tasty white cod fillet which flakes showing it is very fresh, the lightest, crispest batter and great thick cut chips. It is all cooked with the minimum of grease left on the finished meal. To finish, the banana fritter is to die for! The portions are generous and the food is not over priced. Service is quick friendly and efficient. We will definitely be back!

Love this place, best chippy in Barnstaple. Food all cooked fresh & steaming hot and waiting staff always very friendly an helpful

Never dissapoints! We visit regularly and always enjoy the food here. Well worth the money, arrives quickly, cooked to perfection, tastes great and the staff are super friendly & accommodating!

Have been here a few times at lunchtime with a group of up to 10 so we always prebook. The staff are always friendly and efficient and everyone enjoys their meals. There's a good choice on the menu including gammon, sausages and various types of fish and desserts too are available. Cod and chips is available in 2 sizes, the large one is huge and the smaller is still fine.

First time visit to the Pelican and it certainly won't be our last. The food was delicious and the staff are extremely friendly. Would highly recommend you book as it does get very busy especially on Friday's.

Very rude staff service and extremely poor communication skills

Food is always hot and freshly cooked, all great quality.

Fantastic fish and chips. Quality, quantity, and service great

Been here a good few times now! Good BUT could be better! Tartare sauce defo needs to be a better version! Fish is good, despite being a little oily 🤭 Mushy peas ok... and service pretty good BUT have experienced and enjoyed better before!! Maybe a bit if an off day.... hence the 3 star review, whereas usually 4 or 5 star 🌟 👌😋❤️

Fish not cooked. Staff couldn't care less. Sent the grilled cod back because it wasn't cooked. Waited 5 minutes while my partner ate her meal, didn't want it to get cold. Fish returned minus the garden peas. Mentioned all of this at the checkout, he was surprised when the generic "Was everything Okay sir?" received a negative response. No apology, just an "OK then that will be £££" We are frequent customers here but will now look elsewhere. They've become too complacent and standards have dropped.

Best fish & chips in Barnstaple 10/10

Always amongst the best you'll ever get....

Went with my daughter... I had fish and chips she had egg and chips very nice! A little mix up with her lunch but apart from that nice place and good food

Beautiful place but shame to be greeted by hooded man stood at counter waiting to do a uber eats

Lovely fish n chips, plenty of food and very nice staff, the restaurant is very clean and pleasant. Nice 😊

I honestly feel that this place has been the best sit in fish and chips for years now..my mum would also agree 👍

An absolute gem in Barnstaple, Pelican - Fish and Chips is likely the best spot in town! Prepare to be wowed by their delicious offerings. The place gets bustling, so booking a table is a must. Don't miss the chance to savor their fantastic fish and chips experience

Efficient..Clean. Good food and plentiful . Beautiful fish . Very kind polite and friendly staff.

Sadly can't recommend, just wasn't good

Extremely busy restaurant & take away. Worth booking if sitting down for food. Service and staff excellent.

After having soggy fish & chips a couple of weeks ago, tonight I thought we would give them a 2nd chance and we asked for the fish to be wrapped up separately from the chips, we live less than 5 mins from the shop and tonight they were absolutely disgusting, the chips were all stuck together and full of grease and the fish batter was soggy & full of grease. We won’t be going there anymore.

Lovely staff, always friendly. The food is always cooked fresh and tastes delicious.

Great place to relax and enjoy the best fish and chips in the area.

Terrific food, reasonably priced in a spotless restaurant.

Pre order on there website , all fresh and ready to collect 15mins later , excellent food !

We used click and collect. There was something for everyone on the menu, which isn't always the case. We were very pleased with it all. XX

Great stuff, call 1st and ready for when you get there.

We were a party of 5Adults. We were served very to tasty hot food.we can't wait to go back for another meal

Beautiful food, good price, clean