Secret Diner Review: The John Dory, Barkestone

Published on July 22, 2014

By Ruby A Godfrey (a Great Food Club Secret Diner)

Fancy some brilliant fish and chips? Try the John Dory at Barkestone-le-Vale.

With a vibe reminiscent of the Oysterage at Orford, it has a cool, white-painted interior with a bar in front of you as you walk in where you can order take-away fish and chips, or a separate dining area with several tables and benches around the room that looks fresh and appealing.

Having been there several times now, I can thoroughly recommend the “standard” fish and chip shop fare of haddock/cod and chips but also the fish sharing platter from the ever changing specials board; the cod cheeks with chilli dipping sauce; the very impressive fish curry, which was lightly spiced and fragrant, with perfectly cooked, sweet fleshed fish…

The chips deserve a separate mention as they are golden brown and crispy on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside – just as they should be but so very rarely are!

There is a small but good selection of wines available, along with hand-pulled draft beers and cider from the old fashioned pub bar. The staff are young and enthusiastic, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.