Hayden’s Chip Shop, Ryde

Did you know there are two High Streets in Ryde? And neither of them are the one you think it is. The smaller and more exclusive of these roads is in the suburb of Oakfield. Once a collection of local shops, pubs and hotels, it’s now got just two shops. One of these is Hayden’s Chip Shop.

The venue has housed fish and chip vendors for many years, under various tenants, and with various levels of success. In fact, one of our very first reviews was ‘Mr Chips‘ in 2006, which we described as “Basic fish and chip shop fare at cheap prices”. Nearly two decades later here we are again, with 2022 seeing Hayden’s opening in Oakfield with an all-new team and menu.

Amazingly, Hayden’s is open seven days a week, until late at night, a real challenge in the seasonal Isle of Wight market. Perhaps this reflects the fact that this is not a seaside fish and chip emporium. No starfish or comedy singing fish adorn the walls, and views are not of the sea, but the nearby Premier Stores. When we squeezed into the tiny shop we were greeted by the garrulous proprietor who somehow kept track of the diverse assemblage of customers waiting for collections, orders, or just friendly banter. Like the conductor of an orchestra she worked, and we marvelled as this lady directed her staff, took payment and answered the ringing phone. One thing was obvious – Hayden’s is now a very popular shop indeed.

As the price of fish continues to rise, it’s perhaps no coincidence that Hayden’s doesn’t even mention fish in its name. It is a chip shop, and it sells chips. Fish is now a big-ticket item and most of Hayden’s menu is not about fish at all. We declined the offer of a half cod for only £6.50, which would please the smaller appetite – and the smaller purse. Our full-size cod and chips was a generous pair of delicious, flaky cod pieces with thick, crispy batter and no soggy bits. Classic fish and chips as it should be eaten.

What sets Hayden’s apart from other chip shops is the rest of their menu. With a huge range of family-sized sharing boxes and chip trays, you can get a substantial meal here without breaking the bank. Our choice was the Big Beautiful Beast speciality chip tray. This outstanding construction featured a burger, freshly-cooked battered sausage and bacon – all from local Ryde butcher DW Jarvis – piled onto huge swathes of cheese, crispy onions, and flavoursome sauces so extensive that it would be pointless to describe them. This is the ‘dirty fries’ concept taken to the extreme. It was magnificent. The meat was chopped up, allowing the sauce to penetrate throughout. The chips were proper, freshly-cut chip shop chips that actually tasted of potato, not those skinny dry fries. Other options would have been home-cooked pulled pork; chicken tenders; doner meat and even lamb breast. A well-conceived and executed bit of tasty takeaway delight.

So it turns out not all High Street shops are struggling. Hayden’s has transformed the little chip shop in Oakfield into a bustling community resource. The food is good, the service is brisk, and the value is outstanding. We recommend it.

https://haydenschipshop.co.uk/

01983 305888