St Johns Fish Bar

Very disappointing, as a regular customer before the recent closure and re build, I was very excited when a re opening date was announced. We have specific dietary requirements requiring gluten and dairy free and this was always catered for with the burgers, or fish being tailored to suit. Alas.. this is not the case any more, gone is the large airy shop, it's now a cramped wait in a rather odd shaped waiting/seating area, and if you glance up at the new look menus hanging over the counter you will see a lot of classic items missing, no OAP specials anymore despite there popularity, no small sausages.. no small medium large options at all! Just small and "standard" whatever that is? It's no standard to a fish and chip establishment that's for sure. Saddest of all..no gluten free burgers at all anymore, and the burgers they do sell are just plain typical fish shop style, 1 or 2 items in a bun.. no stacks, no onion rings in the burger, no bacon.. all there well known and very popular options gone, and a new beaming manager that's full of his own self importance to happily tell you that the classic St Johns menu you loved is now completely different. They do serve gluten free chips as standard, and the gluten free fish is still an option, although the serving staff do not understand the importance of keeping gluten free items segregated from wheat and gluten containing products in the same bag! And the fish is taken from a cabinet directly above the chips, allowing all bits of gluten containing batter to fall into the chips....they may as well say they don't cater for gluten free at all now, as there nothing certain about the serving and handling practises at all. I am struggling to find any good points about my visit, and sadly the only part of the old much loved st Johns fish bar that remains is the name.. the rest is a fraction of its former glory. I sincerely hope that if anyone in higher places see the new set up that they have the sense to re instate the old manager quickly, as he was a joy to deal with, ever efficient and extremely happy to cater for loyal customers needs, understanding his local customer base very well indeed. Until such a day, my visits here are now over, and my recommendation to others will be nil. One very upset and disgruntled long time customer.

Great gluten free fish & chips. Definitely recommend