Fabulously Fantastic Fishes (Harry Ramsdens in general)

Member Name: sue26

Product:	Harry Ramsdens in general
Date:	09/08/01 (410 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Lovely fish

Disadvantages: Quite busy at times

Harry Ramsdens is the world`s most famous branch of fish and chip shops. Now, I must admit I`d never heard of them until my husband took me to the one in Guisley in Leeds. God, what a sheltered life I`d led eh!

SOME FACTS

Harry Ramsden`s first opened in 1928 as a small green and white hut measuring only 10 feet by 6 feet. This was in Guisley(Leeds) and is now the most famous and most impressive fish and chip restaurant. The hut was modified over the years until it now seats over 250 people as well as a take away building, but the little hut can still be seen on site.

The restaurant had it`s major overhaul in 1931 and included the fitting of oak panelling, wall to wall carpets, crystal chandeliers and leaded stained glass windows. This led to it being entered into the Guiness Book of Records as the world`s largest fish and chip shop.

Harry`s also have theme nights, most unusual for a fish and chip shop but have proven to be a roaring success. Two such nights were named Opera and Chips and Haddock Brass Band evening.

Shops have now spread rapidly all over the world, and Gateshead opened the first Harry`s Drive-thru.

Sadly, Harry didn`t get to see the full extent of his success, as he died on the 7th January 1963 at the age of 74.

The Menu

Harry Ramsdens has a vast menu which would just take too long to list fully. There are all manner of different fish in various sizes. Starters include such dishes as soups, traditional Yorkshire pudding, served with onion gravy and lobster tails. Also on offer from the main menu is sausage and mash, scampi and Steak and Ale pudding.
Harry`s also cater for vegetarians. If you`re not too full after that, you can also sample such sweets as apple pie, chocolate sponge, mousse or ice cream. All hot puddings are served with a choice of custard, cream or ice cream.
And, for those of you out there who are mad enough to go to a restaurant with the kids,
there are two sizes of children`s menu.

Harry`s Challenge

Most blokes think they are slob enough to pass this, but many rarely do. This involves eating a whole giant prime cod or haddock fillet, with a choice of mushy or garden peas or beans as well as a large portion of chips. All this is served on the biggest china plate you will ever see in your life.

If you are greedy enough to eat every last scrap, you will be presented with a signed certificate and a free sweet of your choice.

My experience

I had a fantastic meal, that wasn`t that expensive and we were offered a highchair for the baby immediately on arrival. The staff were very friendly and the atmosphere was very family orientated. The restaurant was very spacious with lots of room for the kids to play, considering the amount of customers it is able to seat. The food was yummy and served very quickly, and most importantly it was hot.

Harry Ramsden`s has now been around for over 70 years and I would highly recommend it. They are open Monday to Sunday from 11.30am to 10.30pm.

Summary: