New Sole Plaice, Fish Bar Norwich

New Sole Plaice is quite possibly the friendliest fish and chip shop we have ever visited. When the Chip Fiends entered on a midweek lunchtime we were greeted with a warm hello and an exclamation of "I haven't seen you here before!"

You see, this is a chippy where the owners take an interest in their customers. Mostly catering for locals, nevertheless, newcomers are greeted attentively and enthusiastically.


The menu here is impressive. New Sole Plaice serve cod, haddock, plaice, rock, skate and scampi. The fish is available in 3 sizes - small, medium or large. Cod is available in 4 sizes, including jumbo! It is interesting to note that this shop serve fish fingers rather than fish cakes. We think this is probably a better alternative. Fish cakes often have a high proportion of potato.

The Fiends ordered medium haddock, chips and curry sauce and chose to sit inside. There are tables with ten seats inside the chip shop.



As we waited for the fish to be freshly fried, the lady owner attended to us by asking if we wanted to eat on paper or on a plate. We asked for a plate and were duly given a napkin and metal cutlery. A potato fritter was offered free of charge because this was our first visit!

Lots of customers came and went, some with armfuls of goodies in paper bags: a mixture of local men and women from the surrounding flats, and workmen arriving in their vans for a lunchtime treat. Sausage and chips is a favourite with the latter.

There's a sign in the shop asking customers who are eating in to collect their food from the counter when it is ready. However, the kind lady owner brought the food over to our table.





The fish was perfect. Fresh tasting and squeaky on the teeth. It was housed in a light yellow-golden batter. It reminded us of the haddock we had eaten in Gorleston. The chips were a medium thin cut and a sensible portion.



The potato fritter was small, round but chunky. Inside it was pure white and marvellous. It made a lovely addition to the meal and we recommend you try one - even if you don't get it for free. (They're usually served in 4 pieces for £1.20).

The curry sauce was generous and served in a pot so that we could pour for ourselves. It would be good if this chippy served a Chinese style curry sauce - especially as the owners are Chinese. That would be the ace final touch to a lovely culinary experience.



If you are in Norwich and want good value 'fast food' with a 'slow food' experience, go to New Sole Plaice. It's only a ten minute walk from the centre of Norwich via Chapel Gardens on Vauxhall Street.

Fish: 5
Chips: 4
Curry sauce: 3
Potato Fritter: 5
Shop / Service: 5
Signage: 5 - there are amusing illustrations of fish on all the shop's signs. A nice attention to detail.
Bonus: impressive menu for a 'local' chip shop: 5

Over all: 5