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Merchant Fish and Chips Shop Broughshane

+44 28 2586 2706
82 Main St, Broughshane, Ballymena BT42 4JW United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Open Today: 02:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Quick Facts About Merchant Fish and Chips Shop Broughshane

Merchant Fish and Chips Shop in Broughshane has received mixed reviews from customers, with both positive and negative comments regarding the food and service. In order to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the establishment, it is important to analyze the feedback provided.
Starting with the strengths, many customers have praised the quality of the food at Merchant. One individual commends the scampi, stating that it is the best in the town and surrounding areas. The freshness of the scampi is highlighted, as well as the perfect batter that is thin and crispy both on the inside and outside. The chips are also highly rated, with a score of 10/10. Another customer expresses their enjoyment of the fish and onion rings, considering it the best they have ever had. The portions are also mentioned positively, with one customer specifying that they got a single fish instead of a larger portion and found it to be suitable for their preferences.
Apart from the food, the service at Merchant is also praised by some customers. One individual describes the staff as attentive and friendly, which contributes to a positive dining experience. Another customer mentions that the restaurant is spotlessly clean, further adding to the positive atmosphere.
However, there are also weaknesses that have been identified by some customers. One complaint revolves around the service, with one customer expressing their dissatisfaction with the waiting time. They had made a phone order and were told it would be 15-20 minutes, but upon arrival at the shop, they had to wait an additional half an hour before being served. During this time, they noticed other people known to the staff being served immediately with the same meal they were waiting for. This inconsistency in service is disappointing to the customer and raises concerns about fairness and efficiency.
Another criticism is directed towards the portion sizes and value for money. One customer complains about the small fish portions and pale chips. They mention that the smoked fish, although enjoyable, is also not served in generous quantities. The customer considers the food to be overpriced for the amount received. Furthermore, the use of small containers for portioning is also mentioned as contributing to the perception that the portions are small.
Hygiene is another area of concern based on a customer's review. They describe an incident where they found a long black hair across their sausage and chips, which greatly affected their dining experience. Additionally, they observe that two of the staff members did not maintain proper hygiene practices, with one scratching her head without washing her hands and another wrapping the food with long black hair visible. This lack of hygiene is a serious issue that undermines the overall reputation of the establishment.
Lastly, a customer mentions that the service can be very slow when the shop is busy, even if they call ahead to place an order. This implies a potential issue with managing customer flow and ensuring timely service during peak hours.
In conclusion, the strengths of Merchant Fish and Chips Shop in Broughshane include excellent food quality, particularly the scampi and onion rings, as well as friendly and attentive staff. However, there are weaknesses such as inconsistency in service and wait times, small portion sizes, high prices compared to portion size, concerns about hygiene practices, and slow service during busy periods. These weaknesses should be addressed by the establishment in order to provide a consistently positive experience for their customers.


Best TL Reviews

I got the single fish instead as I can't handle big portion. Both the food and service were excellent. The staff was very attentive and friendly.
By far the best scampi in the town or surrounding areas. As fresh as it gets and the batter is perfect, thin and crispy on the inside and out. Chips are also10/10
The food was good, though the service was not acceptable. I called in a phone order at 6pm and was told it'd be 15-20 minutes. Arrived at 6.20pm and was made to wait another half an hour before I was served. During this time several people known to the staff called in and made walk-in orders to be served immediately with exactly the same meal my two year old and I were waiting for. I used to travel 20 minutes just to come to this place, but will be looking at other options in Broughshane in future.
I have been here a few times, and don`t see what all the fuss is about.
They may well have won awards, but the food isn`t that great, chips tend to be very pale and fish portions are small. I like the smoked fish they have sometimes, but again you don`t very much. Bit expensive for what you get.
They use small containers as well, so portions are fairly small to be honest.
Just because there is a queue outside does not make it anything special.
Hi everyone, yesterday 04th June 2022 I was at this chippy as we where in Broughshane for the Jubalee celebrations, got 2 burgers, a cod and 1 sausage, while we where eating them I noticed a long black hair across the sausage and the few chips that where with it, it turned the stomach out of me, whilst in the chippy waiting, 3 young girls working there, the girl doing all the frying was neat and tidy wearing a white top with there logo on it, the other 2 WELL, one was scratching her head and did not wash her hands, and the one who wrapped up my food had long black hair, a white peak over her eyes, was not sunny in there, think the staff all need to wear hair nets, and be hygiene trained, we have been going to this chippy for years and have noticed it has been going down hill over the last couple of months, WILL NOT BE BACK.
Love this place great staff and food is brilliant.
I have enjoyed my fish and onions rings from The Merchant for a few years now. Its the best I've ever had. The staff are friendly and the restaurant is spotless clean. I don't eat takeaway often, but I'll always chose The Merchant.
You get a lot for your money. Very slow if it's busy even if you ring up.

Merchant Fish and Chips Shop Broughshane Info

Amenities

Service options
  • Takeaway
Health and safety
  • Staff required to disinfect surfaces between visits
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Atmosphere
  • Casual
Payments
  • NFC mobile payments

Today

Opening Hours

Monday 02:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Tuesday 02:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Wednesday 02:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Thursday 02:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday 02:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday 02:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Sunday 04:30 AM - 09:00 PM

How to go there

Location