Located at 74 Pelham Road South, Gravesend, John’s Traditional Fish & Chips has become a beloved spot for those craving authentic British fish and chips. With its golden, crispy batter, perfectly fried cod and haddock, and fluffy chips cooked to perfection, it’s a place where tradition meets quality. The shop captures everything people love about classic British comfort food — fresh, hot, and served with a smile.
Visitors from across Kent and South East England regularly stop by for a taste of what many call the best fish and chips in Gravesend. Whether dining in, taking away, or ordering for collection, customers know they’ll get generous portions, consistent flavour, and friendly service.
The Experience
From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted by the warm, inviting aroma of freshly fried fish and potatoes. The shop has recently been refurbished, creating a spotless and welcoming space where every detail reflects John’s commitment to quality.
Each dish is prepared fresh to order — the batter is crisp and golden, never greasy, and the fish remains tender and flaky inside. The chips are cut thick, fried twice for that perfect texture: crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside. For those who love a traditional touch, vinegar, salt, and a side of mushy peas make the meal complete.
If you prefer to skip the queue, the shop allows call-ahead orders for easy collection — ideal during busy lunch hours or Friday evenings.
Menu Highlights
At John’s Traditional Fish & Chips, the menu celebrates the best of British takeaway cuisine, balancing tradition with great value:
• Cod & Chips – The star of the menu: light, crisp batter, flaky white fish, and perfectly salted chips.
• Haddock – For those who prefer a meatier texture and stronger flavour.
• Scampi & Chips – Tender breaded scampi served hot and golden.
• Sausage & Chips – A customer favourite, served plain or battered.
• Pies & Pasties – Traditional steak & kidney or chicken & mushroom options.
• Onion Rings – Crispy and flavourful, a perfect side dish.
• Burgers – Simple, satisfying, and cooked fresh.
• Kids’ Meals – Smaller portions with the same quality and care.
Everything is cooked using fresh oil and top-quality ingredients, ensuring consistency with every order.
Why Locals Love It
- Authentic taste of Britain – Crispy batter, fresh fish, and proper hand-cut chips make it one of Gravesend’s best-rated chippies.
- Fair prices and generous portions – Perfect for families, couples, or solo diners looking for great value meals.
- Friendly service – Staff are often praised for their cheerful attitude and quick service.
- Freshly cooked to order – Nothing sits under a heat lamp here; it’s always made fresh.
- Convenient takeaway options – Call ahead or stop by for quick collection.
Pros
• Clean, newly refurbished shop with modern touches.
• Freshly cooked fish and chips every time.
• Excellent customer service from John and his team.
• Competitive prices for top-quality food.
• Ideal stop for commuters and families in Gravesend and nearby towns.
Customer Opinions
1. “Crispy, golden batter that shatters with every bite, tender flaky fish that tastes fresh from the sea, and perfectly cooked chips—fluffy inside, just the right crunch outside. Portion sizes are generous, prices fair, and service is warm and welcoming. If you’re in Gravesend and craving classic British comfort food, this is the place.”
2. “Best fish and chips in the area. Tried several others nearby and always come back here. Even though we live further away, it’s worth the drive. The portions are decent, the food is freshly cooked, and never too greasy.”
3. “The shop looks immaculate since the renovation. The food is brilliant — the scampi and onion rings were fantastic! Service was quick and polite. Highly recommended for anyone who loves traditional fish and chips.”
4. “Really nice fish and chips, staff were all friendly. My partner and I liked it so much we ordered twice in the same week. Great food and great value for money.”
5. “The cod was perfectly battered and flaky, lovely staff, and it’s Halal! So glad to find a proper fish and chips shop that caters to everyone. Will definitely return.”
Not every review is perfect — some visitors mention occasional delays during busy times or slight inconsistencies in portion sizes — but the majority agree that John’s offers top-quality takeaway meals at prices that make it a local favourite.
Suggestions from Visitors
A few guests have suggested adding lemon slices with each portion or offering home delivery through platforms like Uber Eats or Just Eat, but most appreciate that the food remains fresh and cooked on-site rather than pre-packed or delivered cold.
Conclusion
John’s Traditional Fish & Chips stands as a symbol of what makes British cuisine special: simple ingredients, honest cooking, and friendly service. It’s not just another chip shop — it’s a place where locals gather, families treat themselves, and travellers stop for a true taste of England.