Food Review: John Long’s, Belfast

John longs fish and chip shop Belfast

Belfast’s oldest fish & chip shop

You can’t visit Belfast without visiting its oldest chippy – John Long’s.  Operating since 1914, John Long converted part of his grocery shop on Mill Street to sell fish & chips. Demand became so great that he moved to Athol Street, taking over an old warehouse and now over 100 years later, John Long’s is still going strong. With such history and obviously a good fish supper, we ventured in for some lunch.

John longs fish and chip shop Belfast

You’ll get a glimpse of old Belfast here.  Formica tables and booths surrounded with images from history and of the famous (Sean Bean, Take That and more) who have visited, or tried to (Take That were once turned away!).  So pick a booth and peruse the menu.

John longs fish and chip shop Belfast

Menu

John longs fish and chip shop Belfast
Sit in menu, John Long’s, Belfast

 

Kids, vegetarian and those who like a big meal friendly menu.

John longs fish and chip shop Belfast
Take away menu, John Long’s, Belfast

Food

We had to order fish & chips of course, it would’ve been rude not to! Two fish suppers, peas, curry sauce, bread & butter, tea and a soft drink. What a feast!

John longs fish and chip shop Belfast

The batter was crisp and the fish collapsed into fluffy chunks begging to be eaten.  Fluffy chips, doused in vinegar and placed on soft Irish bread – heavenly! 😍  Washed down with a cuppa and our bellies were happy.

John, the owner (not thee John Long!) came to check on us as he did his rounds of the booths, making sure that everything was OK. It was. Service was quick and cheerful with lots of banter between customers and staff, who all seem to be regulars.

Sit in or takeaway. John Long’s is a short walk from Great Victoria train station and the bus station. Note that they close at 6:30pm and 6pm on Saturday.

Total cost £24.50 to sit in for 2 people.

TL;DR

+ Deliciously fluffy fish
+ Timewarp cafe ambiance
+ Central location
+ Friendly staff

– Closes early

John longs fish and chip shop Belfast

Location:

John Long’s Fish & Chip Restaurant
39 Athol Street
Belfast
BT12 4GX

Website:

www.johnlongs.com

Opening Hours:

Monday to Friday: 11.45am – 6.30pm
Saturday: 11.45am – 6.00pm
Sunday: Closed

Social Media:

Facebook

 

 

 

 

 

emma

Emma

Hello!

I am Emma and with my husband Mark write Foodie Explorers, which is a food and travel website.

I am a member of the Guild of Food Writers and British Guild of Travel Writers.

We have a wide range of judging experience covering products, hotels and have judged, for example, for Great Taste Awards and Scottish Baker of the Year.

Along the way Mark gained WSET Level 2 in Wine and I have WSET Level 2 in Spirits as well as picking up an award with The Scotsman Food and Drink Awards.    

Usually I can be found sleeping beside a cat.

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