Fish in the House

The Fish House is a modern fish and chip shop restaurant that has really got it right. The owners of this family run operation on Lauriston Road, on the edge of Victoria Park really seem to care, and use sustainable fish wherever possible. Waiting staff are usually efficient and delightful (on one occasion we had a disinterested waiter), but the food never falters.

Arrive hungry and have two courses, if not three. The seafood starters – such as calamari aioli or Colchester oysters – are sublime and the very English desserts like Eton Mess and Victoria Plum and almond tart are always enticing. It goes without saying that you can't go wrong with the fish and chips here, ideally with a some bright green mushy peas, but my favourites are the creamy Fish House pie and the scallop saffron risotto, with a side of buttered samphire, when it is available.

Dine in the charming, contemporary indoors space or at one of the outside tables. For counter service customers, there are a few bench tables set aside, or get your take away wrapped and eat in the park.