5 days ago
Ayrshire chip shop given 'faultless' review by critic after 'perfect' meal
"This is spectacular."
A popular Ayrshire chippy has been given a rare perfect 10 by one of the UK's top fast food reviewers.
The Fish Works in Largs was given 10 out of 10 and described as "completely and utterly faultless" in a recent review by the Food Review Club.
Run by Matthew Davies-Binge, the Food Review Club has been reviewing fast food outlets across the UK since 2018 and has become popular on social media.
The Fish Works is a family run business spearheaded by husband and wife team Ross and Tiffany Irvin.
Matt spent two days in Scotland over the summer and took in The Fish Works after receiving recommendations which included the venue's scampi.
Ordering, a fish supper with curry sauce, a portion of scampi and two cans of Irn Bru, the critic received the "perfect" meal for £28.90.
Although his Ayrshire geography left a little to be desired - claiming Largs was on the east coast on the shores of Loch Shira - Matt was still left with "such a big smile on my face".
Even before trying one of Ayrshire's finest fish suppers, Matt said his "spidey senses are tingling", adding: "I think I know what I'm looking at right now and I'm almost aroused."
Trying the scampi first, Matt said: "I have never had scampi like that before. Oh my god. That is my first indication of the batter and I am even more excited [for the fish]."
Of the fish supper, Matt said: "First up, the chip. Nice colour, crispy, the perfect chip. Maybe the best chip I've ever had. Fluffy as you like on the inside, crispy on the outside."
Trying the curry sauce next, Matt said: "That is the consistency I want from my curry sauce. Nice viscosity and a little bit of a drip to it."
Finally, sampling the fish - freshly caught Scottish haddock - Matt said: "The batter is almost see-through. Scottish haddock at its finest. That is so good.
"It is like fish butter. Oh my god. It is so light. The fish is almost fluffy. The batter melts on your tongue. This is spectacular."
Overall, Matt said: "What a great fish and chip shop. One of my favourite all time portions of fish and chips. This is going to join a very exclusive club.
"Completely and utterly faultless. 10 out of 10. I've got no constructive criticism and, beyond that, this has a piece of magic about it.
"Everything is scintillating. I absolutely bloody love it. Largs, The Fish Works, this is the dream of Food Review Club."
