One of UKs best seaside fish and chip shops with Gordon Ramsay and a royal big fans

A seaside fish and chip shop is one of the best spots for the classic British summertime treat and diners are raving about the ‘excellent experience’.

As the holiday season kicks in with long warm days rolling out before us, many of us will be heading to popular coastal spots and no doubt fancying one of the all-time seaside favourites, fish and chips.

The fish and chip restaurant is ‘friendly and unpretentious’ despite having a sophisticated vibe with Gordon Ramsay and even a royal being big fans. Riddle & Finns The Beach is a seafood restaurant almost hidden awayin the narrow old Lanes in Brighton, an area which is historically linked to the old-time fishing trade.

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Food and Travel Magazine recently named Riddle & Finns as the absolute best in their list of the ‘10 Best Seaside Fish and Chip Shops’ in the UK. The magazine reported that the seafood restaurant stood out ‘as the very best’ and counted Gordon Ramsay as ‘a happy customer’.

But this is not your takeaway paper-wrapped fish and chips, it’s a full-on dining experience to be savoured while enjoying the view. Locally-sourced seafood is cooked up with expertise by chef David Roy.

Fishermen are still working away nearby, providing catch for diners at Riddle & Finns to enjoy - from traditional fish and ships, to oysters, seabass or chowder - fish lovers will find everything they could wish for here.

Queen Camilla's son, food writer Tom Parker Bowles, is also a big fan of the eaterie.

Writing in the Daily Mail, he said: "There’s a levelheaded confidence here, as well as natural, unforced charm, that you only wish could be spread across the entire service industry. Walking in, it feels like you’re a guest at some top-secret feast, rather than mere punter in search of sustenance.

"Every coastal town deserves a Riddle and Finns, small, unpretentious and confident. No fuss or faffing about, just fresh fish, well cooked."

Recent online reviews describe an ‘overall excellent experience’ with diners proclaiming they ‘will be coming back’. One five-star review on TripAdvisor describes ‘a wonderful mid-week dinner here as a walk-in’.

Another reviewer described the place as ‘a sophisticated seaside treat’ after visiting last month (June 2025).

On TripAdvisor Matthew H wrote: “On a blowy Brighton day, after an almost straight walk down from the train station, this pavilion offers a warm welcome and a sophisticated dining experience.

“Food – There is what you want here, whole fish, seafood, snacks. I went for the chowder to start – potato, a milky stock, carrots, smoky bacon, small clams and a basil oil drizzle, £10 EXCELLENT.

“Then a half lobster thermidor – cheesy, small but delicious. And fries – nicely cooked outer crunch and inner fluffiness.”

Another described the ‘great location’ after scoring a balcony table with a sea view. They said they had ‘excellent food, great service’ and the staff were ‘very welcoming’.

As well as delightful seafood, the wines and bubbly are also reviewed as being good quality. Riddle & Finns has over 1800 five-star reviews on TripAdvisor and the restaurant has been serving happy customers since 2006.