A British expatriate residing in Benidorm has shared his candid assessment of the iconic fish and chips available in the Spanish coastal resort, highlighting both the culinary quality and the unexpected expense involved. Harry Poulton, who relocated from the United Kingdom to the Alicante area, embarked on a mission to determine whether the Duke of Wellington pub and its attached Ray's Chippy truly serve the finest fish and chips in the entire city.
Exploring Benidorm's Culinary Scene
In a recent TikTok video, Harry Poulton documented his visit to the popular establishment, stating his objective clearly: "I'm here to find out if this really is the best fish and chips in the whole of Benidorm." He opted for a classic meal of cod and chips, accompanied by a side of curry sauce and a can of Coca-Cola to complete the traditional British experience.
First Impressions and Taste Test
Upon receiving his order, Harry immediately complimented the presentation, describing it as "absolutely amazing" before diving in. He sprinkled salt over the chips and sampled one dipped in curry sauce, enthusiastically noting, "Oh, proper chip shop fries. It's really nice. You can't beat a chip shop fry, can you?"
Turning his attention to the fish, which he selected as the smaller portion from the menu, Harry remarked on its appearance, calling it "gorgeous" prior to taking a bite. After tasting, he proclaimed, "That is amazing. Super crunchy - the batter is really nice and it's proper fresh. Really, really tasty - it's absolutely gorgeous."
The Price Revelation
Following his meal, Harry proceeded to the till to settle the bill, which totaled €13.50, equivalent to approximately £11.69. Despite the cost, he hailed it as an "absolute bargain," suggesting that the quality justified the price in his view.
Public Reception and Online Ratings
The Duke of Wellington and Ray's Chippy currently holds a rating of 3.8 out of five on TripAdvisor, based on 289 reviews from patrons. Harry's social media post sparked reactions from fellow TikTok users, with one commenting, "Great place, we go every time we are in Benidorm." Another visitor praised, "Very good when we both went. 10/10 Good prices too," while a third recommended, "You should try Gwen's Bar in La Cala on a Friday tea time. Their fish and chips are unbelievable."
Travel Advice for British Visitors
Harry also took the opportunity to offer practical guidance to British tourists planning trips to Benidorm, particularly during the Cheltenham Festival, which runs from March 10 to March 14. He cautioned, "It's a little bit cloudy here at the moment. It's quite cold as well - currently just 13 degrees and it looks there is more rain and wind on the way."
He concluded by advising travelers to pack a mix of summer clothing along with jumpers and jackets, remarking, "You know what Benidorm is like. Cloudy one minute, but blue skies the next. It's good to be prepared." This insight underscores the variable weather conditions in the Costa Blanca region, ensuring visitors can enjoy their stay comfortably regardless of the forecast.
