There’s nothing quite like indulging in a generous helping of fish and chips when hunger strikes or while strolling along the coast. Punters have been flocking to this village chippy to sample what’s been hailed as Britain’s most expensive fish and chips, though many have balked at the steep price tag.
This colossal culinary creation has even drawn visitors from across the Atlantic eager to give it a go. The mammoth 2.2kg battered fillet – an astounding 1.9kg heftier than your average battered fish – served up at Archie’s Fish and Chips in Thanet, Kent, has taken social media by storm.
But diners must shell out an eye-watering £65 for the privilege – and most struggle to polish it off on their own.
Dubbed ‘the Big Fish Meal’, this banquet is ideal for sharing and comprises the enormous fish alongside four helpings of chips, four accompaniments, four beverages plus bread and butter.
Owners Alex and Natalie Bovalyaev, who’ve been operating the establishment for 11 years alongside their children, initially devised this gargantuan feast for their mates.
What began as a one-time novelty became a customer trial – and business has been booming ever since as patrons adore the giant meal.
Speaking to KentOnline, Alex revealed: “It’s bringing more customers in, as I think people enjoy something unusual. Because it’s such a big piece and so chunky, I wasn’t sure if it would come out OK. But after it’s fried, it comes out very nice.”
Countless viewers have been captivated by online footage of diners attempting to conquer the colossal catch.
“Our customers are loving their Big Fish Meal,” Archies Fish Shop declared on Instagram whilst showcasing a family relishing the enormous treat. The sheer scale of the dish meant they required a bread knife to slice through the mammoth portion.
“That batter looks amazing, the crunch is everything,” remarked one viewer. Another enthused: “Wow. That’s amazing. My dream meal.”
“Wow that looks incredible,” gushed a third commenter. A fourth declared: “That looks so delicious. I love good fish and chips.”
“Now that’s what I call fish and chips,” proclaimed another admirer. One observer quipped: “This would feed a whole football team.”
A devoted fish and chip enthusiast confessed: “I could and would eat that whole plate myself… I still think about the fish and chips I had when I first arrived in England many years ago.”
“If I ever visit the UK – so getting lunch here,” vowed another potential customer.
On TikTok, one determined individual proclaimed: “Over 4000 miles away! I’m going!”. A Trip Advisor reviewer hailed it as “the best chippy dinner” they have ever experienced.
Addressing the cost on social media, one person observed: “£65 that’s actually pretty decent considering the prices of everything nowadays in London.”
Whilst groups have successfully polished off the mammoth meal, Alex and Natalie revealed that nobody has conquered the entire portion solo. Securing such enormous specimens proves challenging too.
“Sometimes we’re lucky, but sometimes we don’t get any big sizes,” Alex confessed.