3 days ago
UK's best fish and chip shop with stunning beach views and seals as dining pals
Cash-only and chip-free this fish and chip shop is one of a kind but absolutely worth the hassle
The UK's best fish and chip shop may be somewhat of a schlep but with seals as your dining pals and fish caught directly from the sea in the haunt's very own boat - there's nothing else like it.
Cafe Fish on the isle of Mull takes a boat journey and a walk to get to, sitting at the far end of the rainbow coloured Tobermory - the iconic locale of CBeebies' Balamory.
Once you've sailed over to Mull itself, which you can do with one short 45-minute hop on the ferry from Oban, Ardnamurchan or Morvern, and walked to the end of the promenade you will find a white cube-shaped building. The tiny restaurant has an upstairs and plenty of indoor seating for the colder months or you can sit and soak up the stunning views of the sea stretching into the horizon.
Cafe Fish often sources its own shellfish with its boat 'The Highlander' which will be delivered straight to your table - after a quick dip in a deep fat frier. If you go in the off peak months - you may find an empty restaurant - save for a few seals heads bobbing about in the water.
The no-drills cafe is perched atop the old CalMac ferry office on the North Pier - and its menu is a simple blackboard of its self-proclaimed 'fantastically fresh' seafood.
Owners and cousins Jane Gill and chef Liz McGougan have two specialities one is crispy whole sea bream with citrus salsa and another is a classic fish stew in spiced Tuscan broth with bread and gremolata.
There are also locally grown oysters, fish pies or a grand platter of grilled seafood doused with garlic butter. Although for some the lack of chips will be a let down they are also known for their sourdough pizzas including a lobster thermidor version. They also have Glengorm steaks and a range of desserts such as a rich chocolate pot or warm Belgian waffles.
If you fancy something a littler stronger than a Lilt with your fish - Aperol spritz, whisky and fish-friendly white Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Sancerre and Verdejos are on offer.
The Hebridean town is known for its warm approach to tourists and friendly locals - one review from a punter cannot sing enough of the joint's praises.
I had booked Cafe Fish for dinner for the three of us on the day we arrived in Tobermory. The stunning warm weather set the tone, but the location offers a frisson, being at the end of the jetty and so close to the sea and the buzz as we entered was just what we wanted. They gave us a lovely window table. All I can say is that the menu was the most creative and interesting fish menu I have encountered. For all of us it was a truly memorable meal in a fab location.
It is recommended that you book if you're going for dinner although they sometimes take walk-ins for lunch. Note that opening times are seasonal – and remember it's cash only.
