Ventnor Haven Fishery Takeaway in Isle of Wight

Wow, I’ve just read the reviews on here and following my own experience, I can concur with the reviews highlighting the rude nature of the lady who runs this place. I also saw one review from one man claiming misogyny on this review chain, it’s simply not. Bad manners are not gender specific, they just are bad manners. Yes people in this establishment may get up early to bring fresh fish in everyday, however the clientele do not expect to be slapped in the face by a wet trout when they turn up to the premise or enquire about buying it. I will be taking my business elsewhere as I am sure many others have in the past and will in the future.

Popped in for a Large Tub of Fresh Dressed Crab 🦀 Yummy! 😋 Always do when we come to IOW, best place for fresh sea food. Stay have always been polite to us...

Beautiful fresh sea Bream brought today. Really helpful and filleted one for me as my mother in law doesn't like it whole. Very tasty and we have a lovely chat with the lady behind the counter about the trade and the buisness. We will return when back 🙂

The fish is fine and reasonably priced, but the staff's attitude left a great deal to be desired. They were unsmiling and unwelcoming and we won't go again. This is a very similar experience to the one we had last year.

Oh my goodness!!! The most delicious fresh crab you could hope for. We found these wonderful people on Wednesday and brought their crab and some rock salmon, dinner was divine. Returned the next day and brought their grey Mullet which was fantastic, on our final day we brought the sea bream. We had a great conversation with the owners who were very happy to share their recommendations, these guys are well worth a visit if you enjoy the freshest fish possible, and it’s good to remember that they can only catch what the ocean decides to give them!! We look forward to seeing you next year and thanks for the great produce

We had a lovely holiday in Ventnor 2 weeks ago. We bought crab which was already prepared and I have to say that it was the best that we ever tasted. On my last day I bought Seabass and we took it home to freeze. Last night I cooked it and it was absolutely amazing. I definitely rate the quality of the fish and the lady that served us was very chatty and pleasant. The place is open 7 days a week!

Great fishery by the sea. Had seabass caught in the morning and scallops. On holiday here & cooked them up as per the fishmonger’s suggestion and was excellent … restaurant standard meal! Highly recommended.

What a bad tempered angry rude ghastly woman. We had the audacity to request prawns BIG MISTAKE. !! Anybody would have thought we had asked if she had any cement for sale ! We got a lecture about being fishermen not a fishmonger ! I could be forgiven for not being au fait with the complexities of her business. For goodness sake you bad tempered woman leave serving customers to someone who enjoys chatting to jo public and go to the back of the shop and be miserable on your own.

The best place for fresh crab. Couldn't get enough of it. Had so much we are walking sideways now! A must have treat when you are visiting the island.

There is a really rude lady that works here. She has just sworn at me after I delivered a parcel to this establishment. I will not be shopping here.

Very friendly and knowledgable staff. I got exactly what I wanted, a beautiful large live locally caught IOW female Lobster :) We had a long conversation about the fishing environment around the Island and they were generous with their time explaining about seasonal prices and availability. Ignore the reviews about rudeness as my experience was 5 star and I will be back!

Crab is an expensive product due to availability and prep, so that didn’t surprise me. Can’t tell you how pleased I was not to encounter the lady mentioned in so many reviews here because I give as bad as I get! 😅

Picked up some super fresh seafood after a quick call last night. Couldn’t be happier.

I've read the reviews and laughed to avoid crying. When a woman is assertive she gets abuse that would never be given to man behaving exactly the same way. It's called misogyny. I was about to walk in with my dog today and she stopped me. Fair point. Dog tied up outside. We come back to this place every time we visit the island. You buy what they are able to catch so ask for advice. Today we asked if we could buy but come back later to collect it a so we did not have to walk the beach and visit the pub with fish and crab in a bag. No problem. Totally helpful. These folk have been up at the crack of sparrows getting fresh fish ready for us. They're knackered. Give them some slack. The fish is superb.

Not a happy first customer at all. the woman behind the counter was so very rude and abrupt perhaps they should rethink who serves at front of house with a attitude like that you are going to loose a lot of custom no need for it

Love ventnor so nice but always breezy on sea front

Popped in for prepared crab and what a crabby lady who was serving! Very ignorant and rude! Almost felt like we were causing offence for trying to purchase. The guy who was in there had no smile on his face. I would of thought that as a business they would want profit in the till and returning, valued customers 🤔 probably the 1st hostile person we've come across on the isle of wight. Also apparently crab 🦀 is something that isn't eaten in the summer 😕 🙃 not sure about that.

I would just like to say thank you to the Blake family for providing the local community with the best seafood available, at reasonable prices, all year round. The Isle of Wight is very fortunate to have you and I'm most grateful for the friendly service you have always provided me.

Shouting abuse words at me and my partner when we stop to take pictures of our cars when I'm with my 8 year old son! Shocking behaviour, grow up women and if you have a problem come and say it to my face!

Called to enquire about fresh crab, I had barely finished talking when I was rudely cut off by the lady telling me no they couldn't possibly take on another customer in the summer. I understand they maybe very busy but felt the conversation could of been handled alot more politely.

When ever we are on this side of the island we pop in not for the fish and certainly not for the service we just love how rude the women on the fish counter is , dare to ask a question and you’ll be met with the most rude wry sarcasm mixed with utter disgust for your very existence, when we leave all of us just laugh so much . Obviously she is like.this with many customers as the reviews say , but just wanted to say thanks for never changing and cheering us all up

Contrary to other reviews we found the proprietors to be welcoming and extremely helpful; giving us a recipe for fish tacos that we are going to try out tonight. Highly recommend a visit!

Several years back I had the most delicious crab and chips from this outlet. I made the error of remembering it as a crab sandwich (it was crab and chips) and, accordingly, asked the owner if they sell this now. I did not expect the curt attitude with such rudeness and sarcasm. It might have been the previous owners who sold crab and chip, with massive success; I cannot be sure. Be prepared……I am sure that Covid and Brexit have wreaked havoc on their business but it isn’t about to improve anytime soon with this level of customer service.

Lady is super rude and hostile! Didnt even enter the shop and she came out and was rude to us so we left right away. Its amazing how she's still in business!!!

This place was the lowlight of my visit to Ventnor. The lady who runs the place is incredibly rude. I imagine she probably enjoys the infamy, but she should really ask herself why she behaves like this. Would really recommend going somewhere else over supporting an extremely unpleasant business.

Absolutely appalling. The woman who runs this place is the rudest, angriest, and unpleasant person; and such a terrible advertisement for the otherwise beautiful Ventnor.

How the owner of this establishment is in any sort of customer service related business is astounding. She yells at prospective customers to get off her property (the pavement). She gives the Isle of Wight a really bad name.

Had the best potted crab that I've ever eaten - absolutely fresh, succulent & a taste to die for....worth every penny & will be back for more before the end of our hols!

A convenient and picturesque fish shop built on a pier, possibly sourced locally, friendly sales assistants.

Crab is second to none and fish as fresh as you can find anywhere. Highly recommended. Don't really get the comments about the lady in there. She was quite direct and to the point but I wouldn't describe her as rude. Will definitely go back on our next visit.

Fish is amazing and the crab is delicious, a really great place to buy quality food!

Incredibly rude woman behind the counter. Only reason I give it one star is because the rock salmon was good. Will never buy from her again and warn others not to!

If you want top quality buy from here. It's slightly more expensive, but your unlikely to eat better.

After visiting and experiencing quite abrupt and offhand service, we looked at other reviews and weren’t surprised to see that the lady, who I understand is the owner, has been described as one of the rudest people on the island. Probably a bit late to change habits by now as previous reviews haven’t made any difference.

Unbelievably rude woman who served us. Could not agree more with the other reviews. Only asked (in a friendly way) if the crab meat was well sealed as we were putting it into a rucksack and didn’t want it to leak. You would have thought we were asking if we could buy her firstborn. And we heard her complaining about us as we walked away. I think she assumed we were tourists, which is funny, since my partner was born here. Maybe find a job where you don’t need to deal with the public lady, because you are horribly rude.

Do not make the mistake of thinking this is a takeaway or restaurant.It is the retail outlet of a Ventnor based family fishing business. The fish is caught every day,is totally fresh and top quality. You get what they have caught on the day plus crab and prawns. You get expert advice on cooking. Once you are clear on what it is- not,repeat not a takeaway everything is brilliant.

This is The best tastiest crab I’ve ever had ♥️ Served by none other than the now famous lady who is getting bad reviews by city tourists from all over the mainland (apparently Karen’s and Kevin’s) These city dwellers unlike crabs who have clearly no idea how to review a family business run by traditional fishmongers A hard working establishment with awesome views and incredibly large portions of the best tastiest crab you will ever feast your eyes on It tastes out of this world and incredibly fresh We had them with toasted buttered sourdough bread and fresh ground garlic … layered with spinach ferry tomatoes and fresh squeeze of lemon It’s absolutely divine if you get the portions correct when serving

Let’s get something straight- this is an outlet selling amazing fresh fish caught daily. Over many years living in Brittany I have never come across fish as fresh and good as at The Fish Haven. Let’s also get another thing straight- the lady serving here who is criticised in reviews here is knowledgeable,helpful and friendly. If I had idiot visitors thinking I was running a takeaway or some fancy takeaway I’d be impatient,not least with rude and overbearing visitors. Fishing is not an easy trade and the team here work very hard. Local residents know the truth- this is one of the best locations in a quirky town which is fast becoming a gourmet centre. So buy fish,take their advice on how to cook it and enjoy the wonderful experience.

Bought fresh fish from here no more than being 4/5 hours from the sea to the table. I’ve travelled the world and have caught and cooked fish within 2/3 hours.. The Haven Fishery is just as nice if not better. Such a high quality at such a great price. Simply delicious

There is definitely a very rude lady. She literally shut the door in our face and warned us not to go inside the shop in a condescending manner. We got it, you were closing for the day, but you didn't have to be so so rude!

Delicious dressed crab and fresh fish.

Lovely crab but unfortunately this family have the monopoly on fishing in the area so customers have no alternative but to buy from possibly the rudest woman on the Isle of Wight. We love crab in our family and I can honestly say, she has been ignorant, dismissive or downright rude on every single occasion I have ever visited. If I could buy it elsewhere, believe me I would!

on requesting this take away the lady was very curt and said she hadnt done it for 2 years. she said we could buy crab and get chips anywhere. disappointing

Very good food and really friendly staff too. Fish and chips excellent but make sure you have lots salt and a cold soft drink too.

Very unpleasant woman no maners

I can't comment on the quality of the food because we didn't make it past the woman serving. I don't think I have ever come across anyone quite so obnoxious. I'm staggered that anyone working in a forward facing role can think that behaving that was is at all appropriate.

Phoned to ask if it was possible to order some crab for collection only to be informed in a very rude manner ‘we don’t do orders’. I asked if they would have plenty available for me to collect and the reply was that we had better get there as they opened and they may have some but couldn’t guarantee it. I also asked about cooked prawns and was informed they only had frozen catering packs but ‘don’t think there are any of those left!’ At this stage I was absolutely disgusted and very sarcastically thanked her for ‘all her help’ and slammed the phone down. Phoned JB Fisheries at Cowes and spoke to a lovely lady who couldn’t have been any more helpful......ordered my crab and prawns, was able to collect them when it suited me..in a totally covid safe manner. Absolutely brilliant. My advice would be don’t bother with Ventnor....go to Cowes!

Yes!!! At last!!! Fresh!!! Fish is bought at the harbour cooked in the restaurant on the other side of the road! It's amazing .... The UK is a relatively small island and never very far from the coast but it proves so hard to have fresh fish and not "fresh from frozen". Fish depends on what's come in on the boat! Highly recommend any fish dish. Batter is light and made from beer ... Not soggy not oily.... Crisp light and great flavour. Oh and the price is great !!! Owner/Manager is great knows what he's on about... Fantastic experience! .....NB people seem to be confusing the restaurant with the fish market, two different things.

We called today to kindly ask to reserve my much anticipated birthday dinner for collection this morning to be very rudely told by a woman, “we don’t do that, we don’t just whip things out from under people’s noses” referring to walk in customers. “We don’t do telephone sales *grunt*.” I was merely asking to reserve two fillets of skate. It’s fish, hardly the Harrod’s Boxing Day sale. The manner was shocking. I wasn’t given the chance to explain I cannot be a “walk in” because of a recent seizure and my husband would instead drive across the Island and collect within the hour once my carer had arrived. I understand if this is their policy to have customers huddle outside (albeit a strange one during a Covid pandemic lockdown) but the stunning rudeness with which it was delivered left me shaken and it tainted an otherwise happy birthday morning. The woman could have simply and politely explained how they run their business. It is a tremendous shame that they have now lost us and our family as customers that used to travel from the opposite side of the Island to them. We will certainly be using JB’s of Cowes who appreciate their customers and for decades have treated us all with kindness and grace. A sad day.

The fish from here is wonderfully fresh. The staff are super knowledgeable and helpful. We had turbot fillets today. Scrumptious!

You simply cant get fresher, piping hot take away to sit on the beach or bandstand and munch away. The quality is Excellent

Was concerned to see lots of bad reviews to do with customer service, but I was in the area for some freshly caught fish so I thought I would chance it, the service was fantastic, got a whole sea bass with recipe recommendations and cooking instructions not much more you can ask for.

Bought today... crab cakes from the fishery... had them tonight with salad... a lovely meal. Perfect place to buy perfect fish and seafood.

As others have confirmed in their reviews, the woman who runs the counter in this shop is unbelievably rude. Went in to ask if they did crab sandwiches. Got a very sharp response along the lines that this isn't a place which does anything ready to eat (despite advertising "fish and chips" outside). I then asked about the crab turnovers (also advertised on the sign outside) and got "No, you cant have any because I've not made them yet".Was planning to buy some fresh crab, but after the experience I wasn't about to hand over money and validate this behaviour.

We have been told by them that they are now shut for good. How sad. At least they are still doing the fresh fish at the front.

Wonderful crab cakes, and amazing crab turnover! Need to cook at home, but wonderful food and really good value.Lady serving didn't particularly make me feel like a valued customer. Asked if the items on display were all they had (I wanted to buy more than was on display) I was told, quite curtly, "well, this is what we sell". But, it wouldn't put me off because what they sell is brilliant!

This relates to their wet fish takeaway. Purchased 2 tubs of crabmeat for £34, too much liquid and suspect it had been previously frozen. Glad we live in Lowestoft where we can get fresh dressed crab 6 days a week and served with a smile. Not the case at Ventnor Haven Fishery.

Woman behind the counter was rude and not very helpful. Brought some crab as we promised my little girl to try some but wish we hadn't and had gone to Bembridge instead to give them our custom rather than her. Change your job lady or go on a customer service course. Will not be recommending anyone go there. Only given 1 star as can't go lower. Won't be back.

Very strange. I called to order some lobster and the lady was fairly nice to me. On collection she was abrupt but not rude and very helpful. My partner then called to ask about the daily catch and he was basically told to “sod off And to come into the shop as she was so busy and had so many people queuing outside” she then hung up on him. Funnily enough my partner was in Ventnor so drove straight down to find nobody in the shop. Shame as her rudeness has put us off going back.

Incredibly rude service. It defies belief that the woman who works here deals with customers and the public. Fish overpriced and of average quality.

Very rude for no reason. Wanted to buy my fish there but prefer to go elsewhere for now

Only stopped by to ask a question and the woman was totally rude to me for no reason. I only asked if there were any good areas for rock pooling or finding crabs. She said it was dangerous and she would never advise such activities. Very condescending. Avoid.

Outstanding turbot and lovely crab

Reading other reviews it’s clear that the level of customer service is always awful here. The owner is rude and condescending. 2.6 stars out of 5 - you should be ashamed of yourselves. I’d treat your customers with some respect considering they contributed through their taxes towards the construction of your harbour and building. The saying ‘fish wife’ couldn’t be more apt! Go to crabonchips outside the spyglass or to Captains Stans in Bembridge for great crab and a friendly welcome!

My dad phoned up this morning and the owner got very annoyed and cross twice very unacceptable behaviour

We bought a Turbot yesterday. Best fish ever. No bones and superb tasty meal. Thank you from both of us.

The woman who serves in the fresh fish shop is appallingly rude. It's almost worth going there, taking a deep breath and then roaring with laughter at her. When I went and politely requested something regularly advertised outside, her total response consisted of one word "No". This was repeated, with an expressionless face, when I asked a follow up question. It's a bit like visiting the zoo and watching the creatures misbehave. Sad, sad, sad...for her and for the business. Zero stars. Grow up!!!

We bought two pots and sat on the sea front and enjoyed them very much - wooden forks to eat the crab.

Fresh-cooked local fish, double ( or treble ) cooked potato, cooked to order. Fish from the boats right by the shop!

Can only comment on our personal experience. We were served by friendly staff and got quality products - the fishcakes and the crab turnovers were we filled and very tasty. Not outr first visit and it will not be our last!

I had a uniquely odd experience at Ventnor Haven Fishery whilst buying some fishy items to put on the barbeque. I wouldn't describe the two folks who served me as rude so much as deliberately uninterested! I even asked the lady who served me (who identified as the owner) "Are you bored of me asking questions?" because I seemed to be irritating her. In fairness I do like to ask questions when purchasing fresh fish because I allways seek greater wisdom than that of my own. However, I felt my presence in her fishy emporium was something of a bind. It was a great shame. I've given it one star because they do sell fish. Unfortunately I can't tell you how good it was.

We use the haven quite regularly and purchase a significant amount of crab, lobster and other items. Never had any issues with quality of fish or shellfish. Lobster is best ever. Sadly, the woman serving is beyond rude and unhelpful. Puts me off buying more frequently. I order from a fantastic retailer in Cornwall called Fish for thought - who deliver fresh crab ready to eat. Slightly more hassle but they have charming and helpful staff who deserve custom.

Now, I'm not going to deny that VHF has the kind of customer service you might expect was taught by an H-Block Prison Guard. However, I suggest you treat the whole encounter as an immersive theatre experience, imagining what life might be like if there were no such thing as 'being reasonable'. But there was lots of very good and fairly priced local, fresh fish. Take your abuse on the chin, softy. Expect it. Enjoy it. It's the longest running show on the Island and it's free if you don't buy anything...

Really superb fish and chips all cooked freshly and the fish all caught locally. Fantastic chips. Best fish and chips on the island.

Idillic setting and was really looking forward to buying freshly caught local sea food. Not much fish on display and greeted by a very grumpy lady who worked there. When we asked what they had was given a very sharp answer of 'what we have is there'. So taken aback at her response and attitude we decided not to purchase from her and bought from the local co-op instead. Looks like they supply quite a few businesses in the area so maybe they don't need the business from holiday makers (she seemed to be friendly enough with the locals). Politeness costs nothing. If you can't be bothered with holidaymakers just keep supplying local businesses and don't bother.

Nice location to get fresh fish 🐠 and crab 🦀. You can also get fish and chips 🍟 at the side however there can be a very long wait at busy times, and of which we waited in queue for around 45 minutes and I must say was disappointed with the food. Try it out and make your own minds up!

The woman serving had the most disgusting attitude towards us when we asked the most simplest question! As if we were an inconvenience!!!! There wasn’t any fish on display so I dared ask her if there was anything out back?! I was met with a very hostile response . Her customer service attitude stinks more than her fish!

Fresh, well prepared, beautiful!

Amazing place! Nice people and nice seafood! Отличное место! Свежие и вкусные морепродукты

The most rude person in the island works there do not go there .it is surprising that the place is still there.

Awful place.Such rude staff !!!!

Nice little takeaway window at side and service excellent, food fantastic and not too badly priced. Portions very good size and a MUST visit

Went there and they had the slimiest crab "something" which gave me an upset stomach, it was so slimy and disgusting, I would give them minus points if that was possible.

Rude owner A smile and a thank you don't cost anything .

Lovely fresh fish but the chips are McCain frozen chips. We have the same ones at home! If you just want the fish then go for it. Otherwise you are paying a lot for what you get.

The fish and chips were delicious and full of flavour. It was all beautifully cooked and we were given all the condiments to take away with us. If that wasn't enough they also gave us a lemon scented hand wipe to clean up afterwards. This is a must when you visit Ventnor.

Popped in to give it a try as we’re staying nearby.

As a crab meat fan I was looking forward to visiting this fishery and I wasn’t disappointed! Lovely fresh crab and crab turn overs. I was also looking forward to meeting the grumpy sour rude lady so many reviewers were going on about, annoyingly the customer service was impeccable! (Disclaimer: I’m not remotely linked to this business)

Proper fish and chips! Fish is freshly cooked, the chips are chunky and the mayo's are fab! Do not miss this great takeaway!

Travelled here to buy fresh fish only to find they decided to change the time they were open to without any prior notice, waste of time. Visit supermarket instead,they are more reliable.

We visit this perfect little hideaway on birthdays, eating crab and chips by the seaside is just...bliss ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

We’ve had a takeaway from here many a time and the food doesn’t come any fresher ! The fish and chips are lovely as well as the apple fritters ! and we enjoy it as we walk back to bonchurch along the sea front.

Took away 4 turbot fillets which were beyond gorgeous with a Sauce Vierge and a gratin dauphinois made with Briddleford cream. Just divine.

We’ve been here a few times, picturesque location whatever the weather and polite service from the young staff who answered any questions I had about the menu.

I have reflected on the other reviews of this place, and considered my own experiences before setting down this review. I like this place. The operators have set out to do something differently and, most of the time, they succeed. The food is very good quality, fresh and tasty. The downsides of the location, on the side of the Ventnor Haven pier, has to be considered, but retail is a two-way relationship so, if queueing in the open is not your bag nor waiting a little longer than Mcdonalds or KFC for your food, look elsewhere and leave this local delight to those who can.

We heard this was the best place for fish & chips, so we went and gave it a try. It was not very busy but we had to wait for a long time. During the waiting we saw and heard the staff (two guys). They were criticising each other… "I knew this was not cod, why did you say it was cod, I knew you made a big mistake". Then one said the fries were done, the other thought not and poked with his fingers in the fries, not so hygienic. And then the fish & chips itself, fish was bland and fries were soft... And quite expensive I thought.

Yup you have to wait, which in a Society with no patience might be a chore for some. Me, I’m happy to wait for fresh food cooked to order and thought it was certainly well worth the wait!

Ventnor Haven Fisheries gives Britain’s contribution to world cuisine ‘the chip’ new meaning! On a recent visit we ordered fish and chips only to be told that “we are not a fish and chip shop,” “I beg your pardon?” was my reply. I was then told that one of my boys could not order just ‘chips’ but they would have to purchase, at the very least, an additional portion of onion rings priced at £2.50. When the food arrived we split box and were presented with a lovely bit of white fluffy cod that looked as if it would melt in your mouth but... only 11 chips each!!!! A pitiful amount considering the cost of fish and chips was £8.50. The two young lads that worked there was obviously quite embarrassed by this explaining that they had this complaint regularly and they were just following orders when it came to portion control “don’t blame us,” they said “we are under strict instructions,” “We demand to see the proprietor,” came our retort. He arrived 15 minutes later as he was rather busy out the back (probably counting his cash) He reiterated that he was not, and repeated, he was “not a fish and chip shop, despite selling fish and chips,” and doing a very convincing impression of one. “If we wanted seaside haddock and a mountain of chips then you should go somewhere else, we are a fishery that’s sells fish and chips and certainly not chips on their own,” We asked for a refund but he refused and when we asked why he said “Do you have any idea how much potatoes are ?” “Yes mate cheap as chips,just not yours!” we replied. “Our chips are not ordinary chips you know’” came the retort. “Ours are hand cut and double fried!” I don’t know how else you cut chips but maybe they use a ceremonial sword? And if they are double fried then perhaps maybe just frying them the once might reduce the cost. Why twice anyway nobody seemed to know? This establishment obviously has delusions of grandeur or likes to present itself as a Monty Python sketch when it comes to coastal fayer. Maybe it thinks it caters for the hipsters or the Islington sect, who knows? Either way 11 chips each wasn’t cutting it even if they were by hand. As we walked away I said “We know fish and chips mate, we are from Brighton and these aren’t fish and chips!” Maybe that’s what he was trying to tell us all along.

Ventnor Haven fisheries gives Britain’s contribution to world cuisine ‘the chip’ new meaning! On a recent visit we ordered fish and chips only to be told that

I had the best apple fritters and crab nugget. It was so tasty! Much better than the fish and chips we had earlier in our holiday at Totland. Looking forward to going back for full fish and chips! Customer service was great and all good fresh!