We were blown away by our recent visit to Pete’s Fish & Chips, the latest and greatest food vendor at Surrey’s premier food hall, Epsom Social.
Pete’s Fish & Chips opened to fanfare on Good Friday on the Easter Bank Holiday Weekend and has been ‘talk of the town’ since. It has the most impressive menu; the finest and freshest fish, amazing hand cut chips, homemade sauces, chicken and halloumi dishes and sensational sides.
Plus, the expertise behind its launch includes hospitality magnate, Peter Farrell and executive chef Javier Duarte from top Mayfair restaurants. The duo have excelled themselves here!
STARTING OFF SUPERBLY
We opted for the ‘Southern Fried Chicken Goujons’, which came with the most delicious dip; a smoky chipotle mayo which really tingled the tastebuds. The chicken was so succulent too, and the seasoned batter was light and crisp – overall a superb dish.
Next up we went for the ‘Loaded Halloumi Fries with Yoghurt Dressing, Pomegranate, Za’atar and Coriander’. The Halloumi was so delicious, and the flavours of the Coriander and Za’atar suited it perfectly. The Pomegranate was an excellent touch too and we loved the Yoghurt Dressing which was plentiful so no need to ask for extra. It was a beautifully presented Starter with so much colour, almost too good to eat. Although of course we did, devouring it all! It was seriously tasty.
MASTERFUL MAINS
And now onto Mains, and we were spoilt for choice. There is Fish Bites, Beer Battered Fish and Chips (Haddock or Cod) and Fish, Halloumi or Chicken Burgers, all served with their signature hand cut, double cooked chips.
We decided, on the advice of Javier & Pete, to go for the ‘Fish Burger’ which was the most succulent cod fillet, fresh that morning from their local suppliers – which flaked away perfectly on the touch of our fork, beautifully beer battered and served in a toasted brioche bun with shredded iceberg lettuce, chipotle mayo and the tastiest homemade tartar sauce…EVER!
We quizzed Javier on this and found out the list of ingredients for this tasty tartar recipe. Mayonnaise, capers, dill, chives, tarragon, lemon, salt and pepper (oh and a dash of water!) it really was sublime and set off the whole dish.
Then we tried the traditional ‘Fish & Chips’ – the portion of cod was large but not too overbearing and the fish was cooked perfectly; moist, and fell away in chunks as we cut into it.
It was good to hear that Pete’s Fish & Chips use only the best local fish suppliers too. They deliver their fish daily to ensure quality and freshness.
And the light, crispy beer battered coating was cooked to perfection. Golden Brown just how it should be and not greasy at all.
Another huge plus was the chips. Handcut from potatoes fresh everyday and cooked twice with their skin on – they were crispy on the outside and soft in the middle. They had much more flavour than any normal chip shop chip, and again there was hardly any, if any, grease.
As a fan of Fish & Chips on a monthly basis I don’t think I could revert back to the local Fish & Chip shop anymore. I would simply ask, “Where’s my tartar sauce, chipotle mayo, delicious fish, brioche bun and freshly cut chips?!”
Pete’s Fish & Chips, you have excelled yourself! We can’t wait to come back for more. This is the tastiest Fish & Chips we have had so far.
DELICIOUS DESSERT
Keeping it simple, Chocolate Brownies are the dessert “catch of the day” at Pete’s Fish & Chips! If you have room, that is! Homemade, served warm with your choice of vanilla ice-cream or cream – they are simply divine!
VISIONIONARY FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT CONCEPT
If you haven’t been to Epsom Social, Surrey’s first ever food hall and the place to ‘Eat. Drink. Chill.’ then what are you waiting for?!
This fun and vibrant 200-seater food hall in the heart of Epsom brings 7 fabulous food vendors with a central 12-metre-long bar serving local coffee from Redber, delicious ales and beers and a range of delectable cocktails and wines.
Peter Farrell, founder & CEO of Epsom Social, has a genuine passion for food and hosting, and is the brains and the name (!) behind the latest launch, Pete’s Fish & Chips. Peter knew he wanted to be in hospitality from an early age and has worked his way to the top, bringing a wealth of experience with him.
“I knew from the age of 7 I wanted to be in hospitality. I have a genuine passion for food and hosting! I went to study culinary arts, did an MA in Business and Hospitality and after that I spent 10 years in Ireland, Australia, London and the South of France. I have worked for restaurants including the Fat Duck, Wild Honey and Arbetus, so more high-end fine dining. I have had restaurants in London too and street food businesses, so I have worked in every area possible. I definitely bring 25 years of hard work and expertise to this business.”
And it shows as the award wins keep rolling in! So far Epsom Social has won a Surrey Award for Best Newcomer, a Time & Leisure Award and a Go Epsom Award too and are nominated again in the Surrey Awards this year, this time for Best Restaurant.
Peter added, “It’s great to get recognition from local people and businesses as we are genuinely community focused! A lot of businesses say that but we really do care! I genuinely believe we have created a cool creative space for guests – a balance of food, drink, fun and that chill side of things!”
TIME TO GET SOCIAL
Epsom Social showcase incredible live music, comedy nights, quiz nights, big screen sports, fashion and shopping events, plus demonstrations using local artists and creatives including open mic nights, business networking, student nights and family fun days. There is literally, something for everyone at Epsom Social!
Located in the heart of the town centre, at No 1 Epsom Square, you can experience the best food, drinks and events from local and independent vendors and performers, tempting kitchens from around the globe, offering up a range of cuisines, innovative menus and great customer service. Epsom Social are proud to partner with local entertainers to bring Epsom and the wider Surrey communities together under one roof. Live music, DJ’s and Performance Artists are bringing in the crowds, so do get in early and book if you are coming with a large group!
CONTACT
Pete’s Fish & Chips, Epsom Social, Epsom Square, Epsom, Surrey KT19 8AG
info@epsomsocial.com
FB/Instagram: @epsomsocial @petes_fishandchips
OPENING HOURS:
Monday Closed
Tuesday 11am – 10pm
Wednesday 11am – 10pm
Thursday 11am – 11pm
Friday 11am – midnight
Saturday 11am – midnight
Sunday & Bank Holidays 11am – 8pm
