This summer we spent a week in North Norfolk before the boy went back to school. It was a break where we revisited a few of the sites we’d been to on our last visit two years ago, and explored some new places.
Last time we visited we spent a day on the golden sands of Old Hunstanton beach. This time, we headed to the main beach in “Sunny Hunny”. It’s so-called because it’s one of the driest places in the country and because its west-facing nature offers spectacular sunsets.
Of course, I did my research into the town’s foodie offerings before we went. I’d singled out two places I wanted to try – both for fish and chips. One of these was Elliot’s (which I’ll review soon), and the other was Henry’s of Hunstanton.
Having taken third place in the Fish & Chip Restaurant of the Year category at the 2023 National Fish & Chip Awards, I had high expectations. But did Henry’s live up to them?
On a hot day there were plenty of diners on the large terrace out the front – and plenty more popping in and out of the dedicated takeaway entrance. We decided to sit inside for a break from the sun (the air conditioning was very much appreciated!)
Henry’s is decorated fairly smartly and traditionally, with a range of seating options for groups of all sizes. There’s plenty of dining space both inside the restaurant, and outside on the terrace.
Screens dotted around the restaurant advertise that Henry’s make their tartare sauce, mushy peas, batter, fishcakes and fish and chips in-house. They source their potatoes locally, while their cod is Norwegian and comes from the Barents Sea, and their haddock comes from Scotland.
The restaurant menu is varied. There’s your standard cod, haddock, plaice, scampi and fishcakes. There’s a kids’ menu, plus a range of seniors’ deals. There are battered sausages, Pukka Pies and more.
I was excited about the fact that Henry’s fry their chips in beef dripping, rather than oil (a vegetarian option is also available, though). Dishes you order from the main section of the menu may be slightly pricier than other fish and chip restaurants, but Henry’s serve their meals with chips and a lemon wedge, plus a choice of garden peas, mushy peas, curry sauce, gravy or baked beans.
The line-caught haddock across the table (£16, 8-10oz) was outstanding. Just look at that crispy batter! The quality of the fish was clear, nice and meaty and full of flavour. We were both impressed with the chips (the flavour from the beef dripping was INSANELY good) and while the curry sauce was sweeter than others we’ve tried, it was still delicious.
I’d already pinched a bit of my son’s cod and chips from Elliot’s earlier in the day so went for something a little different. My salt & pepper squid (£14) came with aioli on the side, and I chose gravy to dip my chips in. It was a generous portion of squid: each chunk sizeable, juicy and perfectly breaded. No complaints whatsoever from me. A special mention too for the tartare sauce, its chunky texture and tangy flavour incredible.
I’d definitely say Henry’s of Hunstanton deserved its accolade in the National Fish & Chip Awards. The fish and seafood are fresh and full of flavour, those beef dripping-fried chips are incredible and the portions are generous. Service was decent (except when it came to paying) and the restaurant itself is attractive. Without a doubt, the best fish and chips in Hunstanton that we’ve tried so far. We’ll be back…