The Mermaid Fish Bar in Gwynedd

Having read the reviews on the mermaid chip shop and having seen there website which includes a video on you tube, I was really looking forward to visiting, however unfortunately it didn’t live up to my expectations. I was sceptical on arriving after there website says “follow the queues” there was no queue, in fact there was only my wife and I in there, still let’s taste the food nothing was cooked to order, we had fish and chips, I don’t know how long the fish had been waiting to be bought but it was nowhere near as good as I expected, and I’m afraid the chips were not upto the standard I have become accustomed to. To emphasise my point just prior to us leaving the fryer put 3 freshly cooked fish out but there was still nobody in the shop. To claim to be Wales No 1 chippy is way off the mark.

Chaotic service. No-one in queue but loads waiting for back orders. Serve queue, serve new customers panic . No fish left, loads of chips, then one fish left and no chips . Serving food with stiletto fingernails is so unhygienic! I don't want them on my food. Just shocking! .waited so long for second lot of the order that first lot was cold. Mayhem!

Fish and chips are fine but every time we come, even at strange hours sometimes, it's sloooooow. Only come if you're happy to queue for about an hour.

Quite over rated as being in top ten fish and chip shops in uk….I do not like being addressed as “ babes “ continually. Stop chatting to your mates and serve customers in a lengthy queue. Fish was ok. Scampi was very good, but the lady cooking the fish …..lighten up if people say hello to you and smile. Sooooo rude. Babes !!! yuk.

Good food but the waiting was unbelievable must have been waiting for half an hour to two chip baps there was one person taking money one person passing the food and around 3 preparing food

We came from Arizona USA based upon previous Family visits, the owner was incredibly accommodating and gracious and took great care of us . The staff were incredibly friendly and the food was Awesome, highly recommend The Mermaid Fish Bar .

Ordered chips from here today and really enjoyed them. Fish and chips all freshly cooked, nice crunch on the batter and a good size portion. They don't do small kids size portions but we got one to split between our kids and was more than enough. Curry sauce also very nice. Would definitely recommend if you are in the area.

Visited Saturday 6th. Numerous visits in the past. Today I was served by a female who was extremely rude, short blonde hair, facial piercing and probably early 20’s (description for managers). No manners and when asked how much the food was as I was quite shocked at the price increase. She repeated herself and promptly grunted “I don’t make the prices”. She was very rude, no customer service, I would at least expect a thank you. I understand the prices have gone up but surely you can employ someone who has manners and wants to represent you. Glad I didn’t have to queue for the experience.

For fish & chips in Barmouth, you're not short of options, but The Mermaid is by far the best of the bunch. Situated close to the beach front, you'll know it by the long queue of customers outside. During sunny bank holidays it's not uncommon to be waiting up to an hour, but its popularity is well deserved; the chips are always fresh and the batter coating is always crunchy. Their menu has no surprises but I've never been disappointed with anything they've served and the staff always have a smile for you even when it's busy. Portion sizes are generous, and the "mini meals" are a bargain. Bonus points for eco packaging, and lollipops for the little ones.

The highlight of a day trip to Barmouth in the past has been fish and chips at the Mermaid. So was it still as good as ever this visit ? YES it was. Creamy white cod and delicious "proper" chips with a cup of tea - perfection! And the added bonus of a chat with the owner made for a superb lunch. We shall return!

Fish not has nice has it use to be.

Fast service. No singing or live entertainment though, just a chippy. A good one though.

The lady who served us was disappointingly poor at customer service. Made me feel like I was an irritant by being there. The chips were soggy and the portions were small. Plenty of better fish and chip shops offering a higher quality of customer service and higher quality food.

I questioned after hearing from one of the top men behind the counter telling the other guy that the chicken goujons weren't hot and was told... yes they're hot.. everything behind here is piping hot.. well guess what... they weren't! So to the lady who served me, when you get asked if somethings hot.. dont dismiss it as if its my fault for asking.. try checking for yourself next time!! Disgusting customer service! 😡😡😡

Always a nice place to eat the fish is usually really good chips not to bad and nice pie's.

best fish and chips lovely staff came from angelsey will come back best scampie

We visited yesterday 26/2/24 as we in Barmouth again from Solihull..we both had cod & chips mushy peas & curry sauce .. lovely staff.. food cooked fresh and the best chip shop experience we’ve ever had… amazing people skills from lovely owner will.. he brought customers different things out to try.. while having their meals and took time to talk and make you feel welcome..we will definitely be back soon x

Really friendly lovely staff, delicious fish and chips that are probably some of the best I've had ever!

Nice food and cheap fish, chips more pricey but overall good quality

Best fish and chips I’ve tasted for a long time the mushy peas are great too.

The Best Fish n Chips I have ever had. I would happily drive for 2 hours especially to have this. Knockout.

One of our highlights of coming to Barmouth and it doesn’t disappoint. Friendly service and excellent fish and chips! See you again next Feb!

Piping hot mini fish and chips. Fish delicious. All for £3.75.

We have been going to this fish and chip shop for a number of years when visiting Barmouth. The food during the summer was ok (we put it down to how busy they were) but this time it was terrible. The fish was very dry, there were patches of batter missing and it was cold in places, really disappointed

Just not good. Chips were hard and sharp (actually dangerous). I read so much about this place but it's just plain average, we have far better back home in the West Midlands.

Chips were really ,really nice, however the sausages are the smallest I've ever seen, and poor value for money at nearly £2 for a tiny battered sausage. If I could,I'd leave 3.5 stars, 5 for the chips, 2 for the sausages. Decent chippy, but not a compulsory pit dtop

Quite a long qué but the best fish and chips in Wales value for money

Really helpful with my veggie selection. Best chips in the country 😄

Possibly the best chippy in Barmouth, proper authentic seaside tasty chippy

Hopefully we just went on an off night. Never been before or previously seen the reviews. Our fish and chips were both absolutely dripping in grease to the point a pool had solidified around the fish tray once cooled. Distinctly average and wouldn't return unfortunately. Contradictory to reviews the staff were friendly and polite, and prices were reasonable.

Wow wow wow what a burger chicken and hulumi with chilli sauce and salad amazing you have to try

Absolutely lovely place to eat fish and chips or whatever you fancy or you can takeout takeout plus dogs are welcome which is a bonus for all the dog owners

Woman serving us tried to scam us out £6 by adding extra items to our bill, please be wary.

Excellent fish and chips great service friendly staff 👍👍👍

Staff were friendly and kind. Owner allowed us to sit in the shop with our dog while we eat as it was freezing outside. Definitely the best fish and chips I’ve ever had

Absolutely amazing, some of the best cod & chips I’ve ever eaten 😌

Absolutely gorgeous!! Hands down the best fish and chips we have ever had - and we’ve sampled a lot! The food was all so fresh, tasty and not greasy at all! It was cooked to perfection and portions were huge! Staff were also lovely, thank you!

Great place to get fish and chips. The member of staff who served me was amazing and great to talk to!

Best fish and chips I've had in years! So good I got the commemorative mug too. Incredibly friendly proprietor who was more than happy to have a chat as well. Would certainly recommend 10/10

Absolutely delicious fish and chips. Very generous portions. We've been coming here for years and they never disappoint.

very expensive fish and chips 9pound and thats small . wasn't the best food defo wasn't fresh as they say there foot is . chips are warm not hot fish had been standing for a while staff lovely but sorry wouldn't ever go back

This wonderful little fish restaurant near the sea in Barmouth, North Wales was a must visit. The fish was particularly tasty. The staff were friendly and efficient.

Great place for some take away food. Get by the sea, eat and enjoy the moment

Lovely food. (No better than rivals) Claim to be open until 9. But We're never open after 8. Moving forward I would try other local options as there all just as good. And the opening times were much more reliable.

Really big menu here. Prices, alright. I recommend definitely visiting it. I enjoyed it. Great chicken nuggets for kids.

Food was great and although the queue was long the wait wasn’t that bad. Staff know what they’re doing and are polite, also easy parking over the road.

After queueing for 45 minutes we were greeted with appalling customer service from the 'girl' serving us with short hair and piercings. Her attitude was rude and unnecessary blunt. It was so blatant that the other member of staff actually apologised for her behaviour. She made us feel really uncomfortable and it was not what I would expect from such a well known chip shop. We had heard really good things about this chip shop, the food was great, but we were really let down by the service. We will be looking elsewhere next time we're in Barmouth as this encounter has discouraged us from ever wanting to return.

wow what a place the queue was long a very busy place clean and a good selection of food staff very polite can't wait to go back again

Great fish and chips and good service.

Lovely fish and chips. There's quite often a queue, so you may have to wait a bit, but I suppose that's testament to the quality of the food. Our go to chippy when in Barmouth.

Delicious fish and chips Friendly staff even though it was really busy

Top notch fish & chips, first sampled here in 2004 and it was spot on then, even better in 2023. 5⭐ from Staffordshire Paranormal

You can dine in here or take away. Great food, thoroughly enjoyed our meal Great staff.

The food is amazing, I had some chicken. The spice and flavouring was perfect. The quene is usually quite long but I can see why with the chicken being that good. The atmosphere isn't the greatest as the area around the shop isn't very sceneric, but at the same time it's right in the middle of town.

One of the best fish and chips shop I have ever been to. Very well cooked fish and very yummy potatoes. Beautiful crispy butter and very good service.

Delicious fish and chips but a very small portion size for the price. Very busy when we called in for a takeaway but staff were friendly and service was efficient.

Always busy. Must be the best Chippy in Wales We've never been disappointed. Sure to go back again and again.

Probably the best fish and chips I have had in years. Well cooked food that was perfect, good size portions and very friendly service. 2 adult fish and chips, 1 kids fish and chips and 3 soft drinks for £25. A few tables to eat in which we used I will definitely come back next time I'm in Barmouth

Great food, good prices. Food rating accurate to shop. Thank you

Stunning Cod and Chips, visited 3 times on a recent holiday. Fresh, hot and tasty. Decent portions and good value at 9.00 (compared to countless other Shops] Service is very slow and they need to have two Servers - not one stood there just taking the money.

We visited barmouth today, weather was lovely so decided to have fish and chips by the sea, as last time we had chips etc from the mermaid they were lovely, but not this time The chips were very greasy, mushy peas were very unpleasant Won't be returning, or recommending!!!

As we all know. The BEST fish and chips. Reviews speak for themselves.

Consider myself a bit of a coniseure when it comes to fish and chips it's all I have when eating out. Simply served on a tray but everything was cooked perfectly and fresh

Come down to Barmouth for a wander around whilst staying locally for a week. Seen this place on a YouTube channel a while ago so thought I’d pop in. Very possibly THE very best fish and chips I’ve ever had from a takeaway. Can definitely recommend 100%!!

Quite simply one of the best portion of chips ever eaten - and we like to share a portion of chips we do :-) Well worth the queue and very worthy of the Times Top 18 placement.

Great fish and chips and well worth the wait we went twice this week There was a huge queue on Saturday but we just walked straight in on Wednesday 🙂 the staff are fast efficient and very friendly.

Love having food here when we visit Barmouth have done for 26 years:) really is the best fish and chips in the uk:)

Visited here whilst passing through Barmouth. We checked trip advisor prior and this and place was dated far above the others. I ordered the fish and chips and it was up there with some of the best I’ve had. The fish was perfectly cooked, the batter was crispy and the fish flaky. At £9 it was fairly priced especially considering the huge portion I was given.

The Mermaid had the best reviews for fish and chips in Barmouth and rightly so. The fish and chips were excellent. Cooked perfectly and not oily at all. Will definitely return when we’re in Barmouth.

Good food but not the best tasting fish I've had, busy shop so must be popular.

A trip down memory lane for me. We used to get our dinners there when holidaying 40 years ago, and the food was always good. It's nice to see that things haven't changed. The chips were crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, as a good chip should be. The cod was great and the batter crisp and golden. Top marks...

Really is one of the best fish and chips you will ever find, magic!

Excellent place to eat you must wait a while to get in but you will not be disappointed good is lovely and hot

A proper old fashioned chip shop with limited seating, the food was excellent, portions generous, prices sensible.

Best chips, curry sauce, battered sausage and onions rungs I've had in ages.

Ordered fish, chips, mushy peas and a corned beef fritter. Honestly the best meal from a chippy we've ever had. Staff we're lovely, we ate in and were very well looked after, definitely be back the next time we come to Barmouth

Although busy Being busy is a sign of popularity) my wife was served very quickly, and our food was plentiful and very nice. I really enjoyed my meal, as did my wife, and our Dog, who was given a small tub of free chips. I waited outside, sat on the chippy's bench with our dog, where I was talking to a lovely Gentleman, who turned out to be the owner. I can't recommend The Mermaid highly enough 😊👍

I ate here two days in a row as the food was so good and reasonably priced. The chips are probably the best I’ve ever had from a chippy! The cod on the first night was well cooked with crispy light batter and the chicken goujons deal of chips, goujons and a side for £7 was brilliant value on the second night. The southern fried gravy was peppery and delicious and the curry sauce was classic and tasty. The service was quick and friendly and I can only give the highest praise to the overall quality of the food!

Arrived just as they were closing so not ideal, however the fish was outstanding so will deffinitly be going again.

Massive queues but totally warranted by the food.

Always the best chippy in Barmouth :)

The best fish n chip's in the town.

Absolutely awful ,so sorry to say. Never thought I'd say it. Cod was dripping with grease, chips were same. Best thing was curry sauce. Been looking forward to this for over a year,yes really.Sat on seafront eating and offered the 2 thirds left of cod to lady for her dog,who was sniffing keenly! She said she knew Will the owner and would say about it next day. Well guess we were the unlucky 2 tonight!

Very good quality fish and chips in a town that has many F&C cafes. I would say this is the best. Highly recommended

Lovely day out in Barmouth with the family, finished off with some freshly cooked fish and chips. Food was gorgeous and piping hot and value for money. If your ever in Barmouth then visit The Mermaid. Just near the railway station you wont be dissapointed.

Really good chish and fips. Ordered for 15 people and it was sorted really well.

A popular fish and chip shop in Barmouth. It's always freshly fried and the prices are reasonable.

I don’t know what everyone else on here is talking about as this is by far the worst takeaway experience I ever had. Waited 1 hr 40 for my food, the service was rude and the food was mediocre. Staff on their mobile phones and eating food as they went along, cutting people off as they’re ordering, getting orders wrong. I don’t know if anyone’s seen Come Fly With Me but the lady who ran the coffee kiosk would’ve done a better job than the staff there. The food was no better than an average chippy but not worth longer than a 20 minute wait, let alone 100 minutes. I wouldn’t have recommended the experience to a kiddy fiddler as that would be too harsh to them.

Friendly staff, massive chunky fish which tasted super fresh! Really lovely, very impressed. Will be back next time we are in Barmouth.

The woman serving was rude. Didn't listen. Got our order wrong twice, moved on to serve next customer before finishing ours and got the next customers wrong too. Food was amazing as usual... Service is rushed and rude. Don't feel valued

Fish and chips were really nice, but I had to queue for 70 minutes. Staff were friendly but didn't seem to be able to cope with the shop and telephone orders.

Soggy flavourless batter on the fish which was dry. Small portion for price.

Best fish & chips we've had in Wales. Will return.

Some of the best fish and chips we’ve ever had. Well worth queuing up for. I don’t write many reviews but, on this occasion I felt credit where credit is definitely due. Thanks to the staff at the Mermaid.

Lovely chips. Terrible staff. Waited for 1hour. Staff were rude. Staff smoke too much weed to remember orders . Nice chips. Staff need to learn some manners. Stop toking. I'll smoke it for you. If you don't like your job enough to be nice to customers, get another job.

Fab food, very busy but speedy service with friendly staff. Cheese & onion fruit, chios & curry sauce, 😋 Will be back 👌

Absolutely fantastic.... very very tasty, very fresh, lovely staff.. we had to queue but very well worth it. Reasonabley priced to Definitely going back

Nice food and friendly staff. Good experience

Lovely staff and great chips and pies, yum!!!

I have been coming here for years as I have a caravan in Talsarnue and often visit Barmouth for water sports. However, the last few visits have been incredibly disappointing. Food is always cooked to perfection, I love their fish and chips and that’s why I have kept going but the staff really let it down. They’re rude, impatient and unfriendly. It makes me feel so uncomfortable when they take my order. I find two of the ladies are quite snappy. I suffer with social anxiety and can get overwhelmed at busy places and it just makes me feel worse every time I go there. I guess they can get away with this behaviour because they can afford to lose customers. I won’t be going back.