Fish and chips is an iconic British dish cherished by millions, often a staple on school menus and a beloved takeaway across the country. For many Americans curious about British cuisine, fish and chips offers a classic introduction.
Sarah Renee, a US-born TikTok creator now living in the UK, has made a name reviewing British foods and brands like Greggs, SpudBros, and Toby Carvery. Recently, she embarked on a culinary journey, traveling five hours to the seaside town of Bournemouth to try its renowned fish and chips and compare them to what she knew back in Orange County, California.
At Harry Ramsden’s—an established UK fast-food chain famous for its fish and chips—Sarah ordered a large cod with regular chips, alongside gravy, mushy peas, and curry sauce. Her first bite was met with delight, calling the fish “incredible.” Curious about traditional condiments, she dipped the cod in gravy, assuming it was meant for the fish rather than only the chips. She found the flavor “unique” and then braved the unfamiliar pairing of curry sauce with fish for the first time.
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Surprisingly, Sarah preferred the fish dipped in curry sauce over gravy, an unexpected but successful flavor twist. When she tasted a chip with gravy, she noted it surpassed similar offerings at local Chinese takeaways. Wrapping up her experience, Sarah remarked, “This tastes nothing like California fish and chips, so this is fantastic. I’m giving Harry Ramsden a ten out of ten. This is phenomenal.”
Situated on Bournemouth’s seafront, Harry Ramsden’s lounge boasts seating for up to 420 diners. While its signature is classic fish and chips, its menu also features alternatives such as wholetail scampi, various burgers, and a traditional Caesar salad.
Sarah’s TikTok video sparked lively debate, with over 1,900 comments. Some locals criticized her choice of Harry Ramsden’s, calling it a chain restaurant and labeling it a tourist trap. One Bournemouth resident suggested, “There are so many better places to go, always go local.” Others recommended independent chip shops around the area, citing superior quality.
Still, Harry Ramsden’s retained its fans among viewers, with one sharing they had visited the same restaurant twice recently because of the “soo good” experience.
Sarah’s fish and chips adventure highlights both cultural culinary exploration and the passionate local opinions surrounding Britain’s most famous takeaway.