The beloved Winstons chippy on Weston-super-Mare’s seafront closed its doors earlier this year after more than two decades, leaving many locals disappointed. But fish and chip fans have plenty to celebrate now that Michelin-starred chef Josh Eggleton has taken over the site and launched one of his Salt and Malt restaurants and takeaways.
Eggleton, formerly of Bristol, transformed the venue swiftly, reopening just in time for summer and immediately attracting a steady stream of customers. On a sunny Saturday evening, queues for both dine-in and takeaway stretched well into the early evening.
Salt and Malt’s new location retains the stylish charm familiar to fans of its Chew Magna and Bristol Wapping Wharf spots, featuring a blue-tiled exterior, classic black and white chessboard flooring, and ribbed glass partitions between booths. This aesthetic hints at Eggleton’s ambitions to bring the concept to other seaside towns around the South West and beyond.
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The menu showcases sustainable North Atlantic fish paired with gluten-free chips, alongside daily specials such as Cornish Mounts Bay sardines with toasted sourdough, salad, and pickles. Eggleton strikes a balance between refinement and accessibility, keeping takeaway prices reasonable — for example, a small cod and chips costs £12.50, battered sausages £2.40, and kids’ meals £7. Chips are available in cones for £2 or in large boxes for £5.60.
Restaurant prices are understandably higher, with battered haddock and chips served with buttered crushed garden peas priced at £19, and a homemade fishcake incorporating cod, haddock, lemon, dill, and parsley available for £14.50. The children’s menu, intended for diners 16 and under, offers a range of options including battered fish, sausage, chicken chunks, scampi, and halloumi, all accompanied by chips and a choice of peas, baked beans, carrots, or cucumber, at £7.50.
What truly differentiates Salt and Malt from typical seaside chippies are the creative twists and accommodations offered. Gluten-free batter comes as standard, and diners can opt to have their cod or haddock baked in garlic butter rather than battered — a lighter option for those mindful of their summer beach bodies. While chip refills are free, portions are generous enough that they aren’t often needed.
During my visit, I sampled the cod and chips (£18) and the curried cod burger (£16.50), both of which were outstanding. The cod was enveloped in a crisp, golden batter, with moist, flaky fish inside, served alongside buttery crushed peas. The curried cod burger shone with a lightly battered cod fillet in a soft brioche bun layered with subtle curry sauce, tartare, coleslaw, and pickled red cabbage. The chips were perfectly crispy and fluffy, with no greasy residue.
While the price point is higher than your typical seaside chippy, the quality justifies it, offering diners first-rate British coastal comfort food in a sophisticated setting. Weston-super-Mare may have said goodbye to Winstons, but Salt and Malt is poised to be the seafront’s new favorite this summer.
With exquisite chip shop classics and a prime sea view, this is the ideal spot to savor fish and chips on a sunny day.