The Townhead Cafe in South Lanarkshire

I try to give positive reviews, but on this occasion I can find nothing positive. I ordered a baked potato off the menu with beans and cheese and side salad. I felt that the service for a chip shop, was very slow and it wasn't particularly busy, the chips and fish seemed to be ready in the warmers, so after approx 20 mins wait, my meal arrived in a box wrapped up in paper. I only had a 3 minute journey to make. When I unwrapped the parcel, my friend asked if it was pizza, but no, just a squashed up potato which was cold as were the beans and the cheese was partially melted in places, the salad was just a mush. Horrible. Needless to say I won't be back.

This is a complete waste of time. Man needs to go back to frying school. Batter is way too thick and stodgy absolute minging waste of my hard earned money. Not even proper sausages either. He needs to go to valerio’s in lanark. To see what fish and chips are. I have tried and tried this hole. And that’s what it is. A hole.

We only stopped on our way through. Breaded fish was nice but the prices are very expensive compared to other chip shops and probably wouldn’t go again because of that. Young man cooking had his gloves on touching the food etc and then straight onto his phone and then back to the food so that was a tad unhygienic and not what customers want to see.

£5 a fish cake says it allwas was told prices have gone up therefore they could only serve me 1 fishcake, if I wanted a second fishcake it would be £5 extra 🤬

Always nice to come back to biggar for a good chippie tea. The two pizzas and a portion of chips were absolutely fantastic, in spite of how mobbed the place was (always a good sign) and the staff were absolutely lovely. Feel as though most of the negative reviews were desperately looking for an excuse to complain about something, as they really don't reflect the quality of the food or the service. Was served by a younger lad (Vincent?) and he really produced the service with a smile. Vive la Townhead!

We normally go here about once a month, usually for special fish and chips and pizza. This time I decided to try normal battered fish and my partner had a 12 inch pizza. The fish and ships was absolutely fine but I still prefer the special fish. The pizza was very disappointing. I ordered a 12 inch but when we opened it in the car it was more oval shaped than round and was the smallest 12 inch pizza I've ever seen. Thinking there had been a mistake I took it back and asked the girl on the counter if it really was a 12 inch pizza as it was so small. She hesitantly said it was and, at this point, another female member of staff looked and also said it was, adding that they shrink in the oven. I'd never heard of pizza shrinking (by several inches) anywhere before and decided not to argue the point (her tone and body language were quite adamant - the lady wasn't for turning) but to head back to the car as my fish and chips would be cooling down. As I was leaving the shop two gentlemen who were waiting for their food asked me what the problem was. I showed them the pizza, saying it was meant to be 12 inch, and they said 'you're joking' and 'no way'. I've visited this chip shop for many years and recommended it to numerous people, but I'm sad to say that I won't be doing either again.

Wish I could give zero. Shocking food. Had fish and chips the fish is tasteless and batter was awful and soft the chips were anaemic and even seemed to be stingy with the salt and vinegar. The old gent cooking i saw touch cooked fish with bare hands after handling raw food. The whole meal was just terrible and so expensive (for example £6.20 for chips and cheese and £4.70 for a sausage) will never return.

A portion of chips, 3.50 absolutely disgusting, we had a couple of chip's each, I said to my husband that they tasted strange, stale and even though we only had a few chips each my lips and mouth were full of grease.

Omg fish to die for WOW this is a place to come back to if your after proper tasting fish and chips, 2 fish fillets too in batter was divine, a pleasure to google a chippy and find this place very accommodating, thank you

Over priced, dry fish, miserable with the chips portions. Actually got around 15 chips in a half pizza supper once and I'm sure the fish is getting smaller too. Mostly batter and air! Never opens when it advertises as open.

call in when passing by for nice fish and chips.but this time fish still nice but chips not so good?was if they were using frozen chips

Friends staying fancied pizza. Not that we like the pizzas anymore. Anyway phoned in our order. Hmmmm. No pizzas Mondays and Tuesdays. Well that is not stated on the website. Bang goes our plans.

Such a disappointment, was looking forward to revisiting a previous fave. Won’t be back. Just another fish shop/takeaway run by teenagers who believe that dark brown scampi that could be used as hockey pucks was properly cooked. Refused point blank to refund or prepare others. The scampi inside was shrivelled and brown as well. No other options given. Watery ketchup, more than most. Chips ok for other family members. Was first visit for one family member, his got binned as well. Avoid

The Townhead fish and chip shop came recommended - but we were bitterly disappointed! Both the fish and chips were dry and tasteless - they had clearly been left for hours on the hotplate - not the lovely fresh food we were expecting. Plus no gravy, what!!

All round fantastic, not been for a while but just couldn’t pass without popping in for a fish supper and a sausage supper for our daughter, all made fresh, everything was delicious, we live in the Scottish Borders and this is chippy is by far more superior than the ones we have, the staff couldn’t have been any more friendlier, after reading all these very poor reviews but not only was shocked at what people are saying but felt we needing to leave a true reflection on this amazing chippy, Hopefully won’t leave it too long next time to return.

Disappointed. Stopped at this take away when passing through. Asked for 2 single fish, 1 small sausage supper and chips and cheese. Very expensive. Got more food than asked for which put me off. Fish very thin mostly batter. Tasteless.

For over £8 for a small fish and chips which was terrible is extortion. The fish was properly cooked but tasteless and the chips were almost inedible, as if they were yesterdays heated up. Overall not good.

Really disappointed with my experience at my local chippy, was patiently waiting for a takeaway order when I was approached by a staff member and asked to stop watching the pizza being made as I was making the pizza chief uncomfortable, this was said with all the other customer listening! I had waited 20 min and was innocently passing the time but was made feel horribly embarrassed. I will never be back.

We had been recommended this cafe for fish and chips by a friend. the food did not disappoint but the staff left a lot to be desired. Civility and a smile go a long way.

Please change your advertised opening times online, which are currently stated as being 12pm - 9pm and 10pm) to more honest (and reflective of reality) opening times? It's now 12:44 and they've just advised, on the phone, that they'll open the doors at 1pm. Becoming a regular occurrence.

Terrible service and overpriced food not much better. Spent almost 30 quid and they wouldn’t sell or give me a plastic bag because It was a card transaction. This place used to be good under the previous ownership but has gone downhill.

Worst chips I've ever tasted. All stuck together and swimming in grease. Binned the lot! Won't be back.

Used to love their pizzas. Not any more. Base fine. But the cheese I can pretty well be certain is analog (salty and artificial). Toppings reduced in quantity. Won’t be going back. Oh and it’s not a cafe or restuarant anymore. No eating in. Which...

Well, I drove, actually. All the way from London. It was worth it. This was some of the best fish and chip I've ever eaten and trust me, I've eaten a lot. For me as a Sassenach, it was a revelation that you had a...

arrived wednesday afternoon..fancied a mince pie, all butchers shut..apparently half day on wednesday in biggar ...asked for mince pie..single minced pie..£4.00...i should have asked first...lesson learned and won't be back..2 bells mince pies cost £1.30..some mark up !!

My dug loved the chips. Pure banging scran likes! Maist munch throughout the shop. I GOT TWO BITS OF FISH IN MY FISH SUPPER! talk about a deal.

Half hour wait for fish supper.Fish was overcooked,not fresh and had bones in it.Chips were soggy and horribly greasy.Price for this wonderous fare?£8.20!Extremely (un)recommended.

I,ve had fish n chips all over Scotland and this place by far is the worst in the country. Used to be a good chippy a few year back but the standard of the food is inexcusable. Ordered a special ( breadcrumbed ) fish supper...

Like most we enjoy a take out now and again for convenience, however the price to portion/quality ratio is terrible small portions/expensive and to be fair not that well cooked . Gone back 3 times now having said don’t bother , seriously they don’t deserve custom expensive with tiny portions-don’t bother

Worst chippy ever! Poor service and terrible food! No manners! Ordered a chicken supper, got the smallest most rubbish wee bit chicken, a Handful of small cold chips, pickles and a bottle Of water-£9!!!! Don’t go-drive to penicuik and go there!

I ordered sausage supper and curry sauce and I was standing outside and people behind me were called first to collect there order and I went too see why this happened and the young female assistant said they misplaced my order couldn’t run a chip...

After a wonderful visit to New lanark. The falls of Clyde and Castle bank park. We were looking forward to fish and chips. The batter was soggy and so were the chips at £16.40 for 2 fish suppers I would have expected better,also with every...

I visit the Townhead Cafe a few times a year, always great food and the staff always welcoming, even during the Covid times , they are well organised and get the food out to you in a timely fashion.

I was looking forward to my fish supper as based on past experience the food was good. Unfortunately my fish was dry and and sitting on top of 6 chips plus the hard dregs from the chip basket. My can of Coke was excellent however...

After a 4 hour drive to see my mother in law I called in to the town head chip shop. I purchased 2 fish and chips and haggis and chips never again the lot went in to the bin the fish smelled awful the flakes...

Inedible, rubbery, tasteless fish with tough, rubbery, greasy batter. All 4 pieces of fish ended in the bin. Chips were hot but also very greasy. To think I waited at least 20 minutes for that. Total waste of time and money and we won’t be...

My partner and I stopped off today on a trip from Edinburgh as we have done many times my partner decided to have a sandwich from the coffee shop ,I preferred to have fish and chips from across the road. I order my fish and...

Waited for 28 mins for a Sausage & Hamburger supper, had to ask them what the hold up was, they are not well organised. I also asked for Brown Sauce which they did not give me. Disappointed with the service.

Do not listen to bad reviews this is good fish and chips! As with most stores in Biggar service with a smile!

Consistently good service and food quality have been the hallmark of this cafe since we moved to the area four years ago. Good value for money, polite and helpful service.

Stopped off on way home and had two fish and chips. Although portion size was excellent it was tasteless. I had asked for extra salt and vinegar as I struggle to taste food, but I actually asked my husband if he had my box but he said he couldn't taste any salt or vinegar either. So it's a bit concerning what was being shaken on the food! It certainly wasn't normal vinegar. Such a shame as why go to the bother of cooking lovely food but not putting on good quality extras. Happy to pay for this should it need to be added as an extra.

Do not be taken in by the 2 fish in the fish supper, very thin fish and covered in too many breadcrumbs etc.Tasteless,poor motorway services standard, the other fish and chip shop in Biggar is far superior, I noticed more people standing outside there, that may say all we need to know.

Worst chip shop in biggar very slow service staff are so rude and the food is disgusting do not eat here

Staying local for a few nights. Ordered 2 x 12" pizzas to collect. They were lovely fresh and tasty. Easy to phone in order got a time to collect and was nearly ready when we arrived.

Excellent service great food and polite staff , helpful and kept us going in this pandemic with deliveries and set opening hours keeping to social distancing, plenty of parking spaces and seating areas, everybody is made welcome

Stopped on way home from Edinburgh. Friendly staff. Good sized portion for a mini fish and chip. As there was ten of us some had to wait for fresh chips, didn't use the restaurant which was upstairs or toilet facilities so cannot comment on them.

Gotta love a wee Visit to Townhead ! Food is good, Staff are Friendly and there is a good sized Dining Section upstairs if you want to sit in and Eat, Its Table Service also, so that's an added bonus !!

I have no idea where this facility gets its reputation as a good fish and chip shop. The service was slow. The food was dripping with grease and tepid. The batter was soggy and the cheese on the chips obviously not real as it had no flavour and didn’t melt. I have also been up half the night with indigestion. Definitely won’t be back again!

Stopped here on way home...specifically as this place used to be spot on..... Sadly not anymore..... just asked for chips and thought they were waiting to be fried....no no she was more interested in having a conversation through back with other staff.. and other customers waiting too......then on her phone.... that’s ok though I’ll get my chips and then I thought I would treat myself to a nice wee tub of ice cream cos this used to be best ice cream around....wrong ....a small frozen tub was presented... although it was nice....my change was given with not a word.... no thank you nothing... it’s clean and modern and such a shame poor customer service really lets this previously highly commended place down.

Been to this establishment on a number of occasions and have never been disappointed at all, would recommend their food. Clean and polite staff.

previous review should have been for this place. not acceptable standard of food. not hygenic to refry lunch time rejects

We’ve been coming here for 10 years now on our usual holiday cottage stay in Mossfennan. Thankfully it was nearly back to it’s high standard. We ate in and all had something different, fish supper, haggis and fish cakes. The meals were all delicious, huge and good value. Would recommend.

Ordered fish and chips with no peas But 1 with beans and 1 with curry sauceBoth came with peas, no beans or curry sauce the food took over 30 mins to arrive the cup of tea i had was finished by the time the food came Husband ordered a irn bru and got given a coke The chips were disgusting although the fish was nice I have eaten here before but probably wont return

Been here a few times now. There’s a fab cafe upstairs to eat in. Staff are always friendly and attentive. Food is always great, fresh fish, crispy batter, chips are amazing. Would recommend and will be back again.

We’ve had pizza from here a couple of times and it’s been great each time. Reasonable prices and a good range of options. If pizza isn’t your thing you can mix and match from the whole other fried food menu. Only thing to watch out for is the opening hours, they close earlier than a lot of other similar places.

Friendly staff, clean and shiny shop, crispy fries. like I like them. MMM will be back recommend the chippy.

Fantastic chippy to have close by. Large portions, fresh and great tasting fish, nice chips. The pizzas are very good here aswell.

always stop here on way home from edinburgh for fish and chips always enjoy them and would highly recommend

Visited in January of this year and found the restaurant to be comfortable and clean. The service was very friendly and welcoming from a young Stirling university student who I would commend to everyone with whom she comes in contact. The food was very good and the atmosphere tranquil.

Standing 15 minutes for order while 4 that were in after me were served and gone. Then asked what it was I ordered again. Poor. Will review evaluate after another visit, at some point.

Called in yesterday evening on way home from Edunburgh. Very slow service amd long wait for food. Have used before this is worst servuce yet , previous visits much better.

Popped in here for a fish tea and would highly recommend the ‘special fish supper’ comes with the choice of drink.....saw someone at another table with a HUGE portion so thinking that’ll do for me. We ordered one large and a mini fish tea....to our surprise when served to us I had TWO full sized fish along with chips and peas...... and even managed to finish it but couldn’t eat again for two days..... huge portion, SMALL prices, great value for money.

Dropped in a couple of days ago for a takeaway Fish Supper on the way to Edinburgh. There were only half a dozen people in the shop, but it took ages to get served and the staff kept disappearing into the back room. Chips were fine, but the two pieces of fish were very poor. Fish was dry and the batter was far too hard (overcooked?). Shan`t be rushing back.

Stopped in Biggar to break our journey. Very clean restaurant, quick service and very good fish & chips and white pudding Would recommend

I was going to a gig in Abington and needed a quick meal on my way south. Usually approach chippies with trepidation as I can't eat wheat so it's chicken or nothing. And chicken is not the easiest to prepare - I have eaten so many half-cooked or incinerated offerings. However! At the Townhead both chicken and chips were piping hot, crispy and cooked to perfection. I've never stopped in Biggar before, but I will do again.

Stopped in on way home from Highland Show. Sat in as was on route. Food served quickly and staff very friendly. More than helpful wgen wanted to share a couple of the meals - children fancied pizza and smallest is 10inch, my parents shared the fish meal deal and ordered extra drink. Great portions. Pizza was slightly spicy(pepperoni), but still tasty and children enjoyed it. Would stop in again if passing.

The food in here is great and if you have had a good day at work and want your night ruined then this is the place! Went into shop and fancied fish and chips as there was 14 fish in the hot display so assumed...

Popped into Biggar for the day decided to visit the Townhead Chippy . My husband & I went for the Fish & Chips which was a decent size & very tasty.

food is first class but the method of ordering and service is a disgrace. Waiting 30 mins for a fish supper when there is clearly plenty of fish and chips available but had to wait while all other orders for special items like pizza and special fish were full filled is no way to run a takeaway.

Been here a few times and never disappointed.

Have had a super Fish Supper in recent years but on my last visit I’d rather Snowball my partner. Frozen Fish, mediocre Jockey’s Whips, tinned Peas & watered down Curry Sauce.

We often get pizzas from here. Usually excellent.

Recently refurbished fish & chip shop for sit-in or take-away meals. It’s bright and modern and the staff are uniformed.

Both really hungry so stopped off in Biggar and spotted The Townhead. Decided to eat in and received a warm welcome. Order taken, pot of tea came straight away but after 40 mins no food, starving by thus point and trying not to feel disgruntled. Gently reminded the person who'd taken our order about our food and she was very apologetic. Food arrived, two big pieces of breaded haddock and chips which were chunky and not greasy. As well as a fresh pot of tea and cups. We were very surprised and impressed as when we came to pay, no charge due to the wait. Thank you again!

great fish and chips All freshly cooked only downside is it’s a bit pricey if your sitting in and having soft drinks, carry outs are great,

30 minutes for 3 Haddock and chips and not even busy. Staff didn’t care either Food was ok when it was eventually cooked

This chippy has improved massively over the years having been taken over by new management and having had two refits.

This is a regular stop on route to Edinburgh from south west Scotland. the meals are cooked well with quality...

Super value Fish & chips .You can see why it has won awards.Great meal & great value.Well worth a visit,either...

Had a fish tea today in the Townhead Cafe. This must have been one of the best fish suppers ever....

Went for a sit down Fish and Chip supper, as it looked a really nice fairly up market Fish and...

Friends and Family lived in Biggar and have always rated this fish bar as very good , so on our...

Have recently had a few take away pizza which have been lovely. Have also sat in for a fish tea and it's been great.

Stopped at Townhead in Bigger Scotland.I always thought that things were bigger in Texas but they obviously have never had the fish special from the Townhead.Two huge pieces of fish in a crisp non greasy batter that were so big they hid the chips in the box.Top quality fresh and tastyWish we lived closer

Excellent fish and chips to take away! Freshly cooked to order. Lovely light non greasy batter

We stopped to have fish and chips and on their website the price for fish and chip supper is 7.70 but when you pay it's 10.75 because why they have changed hands and have not updated their menus it was explained that there has been a change of ownership but what no update on your website and owner away on holiday but the menu is exactly the same as the old owners but with the huge price hikes. Suffice to say I WON'T EVER BE RETURNING so buyer beware

Called in for a sausage supper as couldn't be bothered making dinner, didn't have to wait too long for service and realised later on why, sausage was nice, usual chip shop sausage, could have been from anywhere, chips however were dry and obviously reheated, ended up throwing them away as they were nearly uneatable, have always had reasonable food from here previously but this time it I was earlier than usual so the reheats weren't used up and they hadn't got to the fresh stuff yet, will know next time or will go somewhere else.

We stopped here on our way back from Edinburgh - free off-street parking across the road. We didn't realise at first that there was a cafe upstairs. The young man who waited on us was both friendly & welcoming. On seeing the size of fish dinners being served we asked if there was a child's portion - yes. We ordered the mini fish & chip dinner with tea which duly arrived piping hot. One of the best fish & chip dinners we've ever had (& we've had a few) - light batter on the fish & crisp chips which were fluffy inside - delicious.We were surprised by the generous size of the "mini" meal - locals must have large appetites! Super impressed by the quality of the fish, chips, the price & service. Wish we lived close by - perhaps 12,500 miles is a bit far !

Stopped here last night en route back from Padstow to Stonehaven and thoroughly enjoyed a tasty fish supper on a lovely summers evening. After having indulged in some fine seafood cuisine in Cornwall and we know a thing about fish up our way too; We were very impressed with the quality of the fish supper served up by the friendly staff at the immaculate Townhead. The freshly fried fish in breadcrumbs was top quality and chips were good too and all at a reasonable price. Just the job during our 630 mile drive home. Thanks to all at The Townhead, we look forward to our next visit. Stuart & Susan, Stonehaven, Kincs.

Have had takeaway fish and chips from the Townhead Cafe,they are left sitting too long and are cold by the time you get them home. Tonight I thought that I would try the chicken pakora, it was cremated very dry and would have broken my teeth on them therefore I could not eat them, another £4.50 down the drain. My husband had a kebab and had to heat it up in the microwave before he could eat it. This is definitely a poor show.

Popped into our local chippy on the spur of the moment, got a table upstairs, spotlessly clean and a lovely girl serving with a smile and chat, it was pretty busy as there was something going on in the town but didn't wait long to get served, we had a pizza & chips with 4 toppings and it was fab, nice thin crust and loads of topping. One of the best pizza's I've had.

Came here as we were passing by and needed a quick bite.Theres a takeaway downstairs and cafe upstairs. Cafe wasn't too busy and we were able to get a seat.Menu had just your usual chippy menu with fish tea etc.I ordered half pizza crunch supper and my partner had a large fish tea. We didn't have to wait long for the meal.Chips were lovely and not greasy at all so crisp and tasty. They had a nutella pizza which i was going to order to take home but was too full up!Definitely recommend this place if you are nearby

Husband and I had a great lunch here, enormous portions of well cooked, hot food. Spotlessly clean restaurant and toilets, good service and good quality food. We both had a sausage supper with mushy peas and a pot of tea in the upstairs restaurant. Delicious and we'll definitely be back again. I couldn't eat anything else all day!

Fish and chips really nice , crispy batter on fish chips good , was busy which is a good sign and yes would go back , but service a little to slow, waited 15 to 20 minutes but i think the village gala was that day but worth the wait fish great

Had the sit in fish tea in the nice area upstairs. Friendly helpful waitress - fish tea was high quality very fresh fish as you would expect - chips too were excellent - none of the black bits you get in some other places. The only thing that is a minus for me is the very bland tasteless peas that come with the meal - we got extra mushy peas as a side & they were very good - the peas that came with the meal were so bland that they would be better leaving them out altogether rather than serving them which actually diminishes the overall effect of a very very good fish tea. If you are passing the area, make sure you stop in for a fish supper. Excellent.

Great, and judging by the queue of people waiting in line, this is a very popular cafe, fish and chips par excellence, friendly staff polite service and just excellent Fish and Chips and don't forget the mushy peas. Delicious well worth queuing for.

Fish and chips were lovely the service was also fast and friendly, they were really busy but we never waited long for our food, seating area upstairs was nice also made a wee change

Quick service, nice staff and lovely food. Definitely the best chippy ever. If you haven't been you have we missed out on a lot.

been in this place a few times and had take outs also. highly recommend the fish suppers delicious and you get alot for your money when we visit relations in biggar we eat her twice during our week stay

Went last Sunday as a family who fancied a really good fish supper , we were not disappointed , great fish tea , lovely haddock , friendly waitress lovely smile,will be returning very soon