The Galley

I love this place. When in town, I come here quite a bit. Their chicken, chips, and mushrooms are my favorites. I usually get the kids chicken nugget meal, and there is still plenty left over.

I haven’t been here in months, but that’s only because it’s over 30 miles from my home, and even for me, making a 60 mile round trek to get my beloved fish and chips requires a little advance planning. Especially when there’s the Fishy Mecca that is Doc’s right bang in Downpatrick. But I digress…
I first tried this place last year after reading about it online. It’s been named as a best in Ireland eatery by the Bridgestone guide and has made the list of top fish and chip shops in the UK. Being a fish-​loving fanatic I made the pilgrimage to give it a go. And I am so glad I did! It’s easily found in Annalong, just drive through past the petrol station and it’s on your way out on the right hand side. It looks small but very welcoming from the outside and once you enter it is absolutely spotlessly clean with lots of lovely photos and other fishing paraphernalia on the walls, clear menus displayed and details of specials. And plenty of punters, so be prepared to wait.
I had my order taken by a very polite and helpful (and spotlessly turned out) member of staff, paid my money, took my receipt and waited on the goods. I ordered scampi, a large cod, portion of chips with peas and onions, some mushy peas, and a side salad box. Oh, and two teas, can’t forget those. My booty was promptly and thoroughly packed up in brown paper bags and I teetered out to the car with it. The smells emanating from the bags were so divine that I knew we were in for a treat and we dived in to investigate. Hand on heart, this is the best scampi I’ve ever eaten in my life –and– the most reasonably priced. At least a dozen pieces coated in the loveliest, most beautifully seasoned breadcrumbs and perfectly cooked. No hint of dryness, and gorgeous large and juicy prawns. Absolutely perfect. The fish we ordered was similarly lush — a beautiful light batter, moist and perfectly fried fish and a generous portion of it to boot. The salad box was fantastic too, just about every kind of salad vegetable you can think of with coleslaw and dressings included and some cheese. Really lovely and again a bargain price. The fried onions and peas were lovely and the chips… well, they weren’t bad. Could have done with more cooking as they were soft and stuck together a bit like many chippy chips do, but hey, chips aren’t the main event when you’re a fish fanatic, they’re just the garnish.
All in all, I have to say that this place gives my beloved Doc’s a run for their money. Their scampi is quite simply unbeatable, their fish is gorgeous, their portion sizes are generous, the pricing is the most reasonable I’ve seen for such high quality goods, and the whole place oozes good hygiene practice and has very polite, efficient staff. It was just a takeaway when I went, but I understand now from their updated website that there’s a sit in restaurant too! With a sweet menu! By heck, I am trying that out soon and will report back. For now, though, I can’t recommend The Galley highly enough. Make the trip and see for yourself — it’s well worth it.