Posh fish and chips in Dorset

Next time you crave the classic seaside supper, ditch the newspaper-wrapped quick fix from the nearest chippy for an elite feast at one of these spots for posh fish and chips in Dorset

SWIM, Lyme Regis

Delicious seafood dishes are served with a side of ocean views at this contemporary restaurant on Lyme Regis’ Marine Parade.

Floor-to-ceiling windows reveal a panoramic display of the bay and bathe SWIM in natural sunlight, creating a dopamine-boosting space from which to enjoy a plate of fresh fish and chips. Local fish is beer-battered until it reaches crisp perfection (the batter is gluten free), and presented alongside a tower of golden chips, crushed peas and tartar sauce. Little ones aren’t left out either, with a mini version available on the kids’ menu.

If you’re particularly peckish, kick off the meal with starters such as fish and prawn satay skewers served with coriander kecap manis, or sticky Korean wings with gochujang sauce. Fancy something punchy to cut through the rich fish supper? The bar team shake a mean margarita.

The Club House, West Bexington

‘Comfortably elegant’ is how the team at The Club House define their Chesil Beach restaurant – a fitting description of its art-deco exterior, nautical interior and relaxed-yet-smart dining vibe.

It’s the kind of seaside venue where holidaymakers can leisurely sip a glass of local sparkling Blanc de Blancs while tucking into a plate of posh fish and chips. The Club House version of the perennially popular dish features battered line-caught hake, rustic chips, minted mushy peas and a homemade tartar sauce.

Net-fresh seafood forms the bedrock of head chef William Hickton’s two-AA-rosette menus, and the chef complements his fish-centric creations with handpicked veggies from the restaurant’s kitchen garden.

Three Horseshoes Pub & Kitchen, Burton Bradstock

Fish and chips don’t have to be scoffed within eyeshot of the sea and earshot of squawking gulls. In fact, tucking into a feast of lightly battered fish and pub-style chunky chips is just as pleasurable when seated next to a roaring log fire and nursing a pint of local ale.

Located in the small village of Burton Bradstock, thatched dining-destination Three Horseshoes Pub & Kitchen is a delightful find for quality pub food inspired by its surroundings. Dutch chef-patron Jaap Schep works closely with Dorset suppliers to curate menus that angle towards locally caught seafood.

When it comes to the British favourite of fish and chips, Jaap favours hake for its mild, sweet flavour, superior texture and complementary pairing with Palmers Ale batter. Crisp-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside-chips are served alongside chip-shop-style curry dipping sauce, in addition to buttery crushed peas, tartar sauce, a wedge of lemon and crunchy pickled onions.

Rockfish, Poole

The Poole outpost of the Rockfish collection of seafood eateries is a must-visit for those in search of a sustainable fishy feast.

Daily changing menus at the quayside restaurant reflect what’s been caught in Brixham that morning, or what’s available from local MSC-certified fisheries. However, fish and chips are always guaranteed on the line-up, with diners able to pick between line-caught Icelandic haddock or Brixham hake. Whichever you plump for, the fish will be fried skin-on for added flavour in Rockfish batter and served with unlimited chips and homemade tartar sauce. Add curried mushy peas to your order for next-level dipping.

Crab Restaurant, Bournemouth

Fancy your Friday-night fish and chips with a side of live music? On Fridays and Saturdays, this glam restaurant at the Park Central Hotel has a resident pianist tickle the ivories as guests delight in two-AA-rosette dishes and drinks.

Throughout the week, beer-battered haddock appears on the menu alongside accompaniments of thick-cut chips, creamed peas and tartar sauce. However, on Friday and Saturday evenings, the dish is remamed as ‘chef’s special fish and chips’, and guests receive a surprise addition to their plate.

Fans of the musical ambience can elongate dinner by sharing starters such as Dorset Rock Oysters, pan-seared scallops and grilled octopus before their supper.

Like 5 of the best posh fish and chips in Dorset? Check out our pick of seafood restaurants in Dorset.

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