Food Review: John Long's, Belfast • Foodie Explorers

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.

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.

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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!

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.