After checking out the competition at Promenade Fish Bar, as well as being enticed by the deep fried Cadburys Cream Egg of the Codfather in Ryde I decided to put my money where my mouth was and give it a try.
Click to read about Esplanade Fish Bar.
What the Ryde?
Ryde on the Isle of Wight is one of those places that flies under the radar but packs a punch once you get there. It’s got that perfect mix of quirky seaside charm and enough history to make you feel like you’re stepping back in time.
The town’s all about easy beach days, old-school piers, and some surprisingly decent local eats. You’ll find some solid seafood spots if you’re into that, and the views across the Solent are stunning. Yes it is a bit grim in the winter, but hey what ya gonna do?


What the Codfather?
The Codfather is located in the heart of Ryde, Isle of Wight, and has been serving up fresh fish and chips since 2008. This family-run takeaway offers a classic menu with options like cod, haddock, plaice, and scampi, along with the usual suspects like fishcakes, sausage, and pies. They also offer a selection of burgers, salads, and a few sides like mushy peas and curry sauce, not to mention a whole heap of deep fried stuff!
Known for its quality and consistency, The Codfather is well known as a very solid family style chippy in the British style of old!
The Chip Butty Test
Maybe it is just not a Kent thing, but on the Isle of Wight most everywhere offered a chip butty and for pretty cheap. Foe the uninitiated a chip butty is basically a chip sandwich that comes in a bun rather than two slices of bread.
Said bun should be lightly toasted though and indeed have some butter on it. This was how the Codfather Served and at just only 3 quid, or $4. For this I received a healthy serving that overflowed from the bread. Due to the fact they were closing though I was forced out onto the street like a dog. The Isle of Wight is cold and this took away massively from my pleasure. Decent though although not quite as good as next door at Esplanade Fish Bar.


The Deep Fried Cream Egg
Due to the fact I am not Scottish I do not feel the need to deep fry absolutely everything, but every now and again I am pro giving it a try. And it is this affect that I was drawn to even visit the place having seen a “deep fried Cadburys Cream Egg” being advertised under the slogan “we’ll deep fry anything”. After this the idea of having it ate at my brain until I finally decided to go and just get one.
And how was the deep fried cream egg at the Codfather in Ryde? It was frankly amazing, so much so that it felt quite literally like it had taken days off of my life, although still worth it as I assume these are days at the pant shitting end of my life.


To summarize…..
Overall The Codfather in Ryde is a really solid chippy of the style that is somewhat lacking these days in the UK, with that being said though you probably get a better chip next door. Still second best in such a foodie street is not all that bad…
The Codfather Ryde Address


Address: The Codfather
17 Union Street,
Ryde,
Isle of Wight, PO33 2LZ,
United Kingdom
Contact Details:
- Phone: +44 1983 611441
- Website: www.thecodfatherryde.co.uk