Rapid Review: Johnny’s Plaice – the place to go

Picture this: you’ve been on campus since 9am. It is now 6pm, and you are on the 20-minute delayed U1 bus. It’s a Tuesday, so any weekend euphoria or Friday excitement has dissipated. That last seminar, filled with awkward silences, has deflated you so powerfully that you now feel as if you’re three inches tall. The last thing you can picture yourself doing is making dinner. You’re starving. The 4pm brunch bar is no longer tiding you over, and your planned meal prep is still in the freezer. It’s depressing, I know. Now, you could go to McDonalds or Red Hot Mammas. Yet, McDonalds doesn’t always satisfy, and as divine as Red Hot Mammas is, a whole pizza may not be affordable for a random weeknight dinner. However, don’t fret, as I have the perfect solution. Let me introduce to you a small business hiding away south of Leamington Spa: Johnny’s Plaice. It is a bit of a walk, but hear me out, as there are daily specials. On Tuesdays, their special large cod and chips are priced at just £9.10.

The cod itself tastes fresh and flakes away tenderly at the fork

By the very title of the takeaway, you probably know that Johnny’s Plaice’s speciality is fish. I’m from a seaside town in Kent where the fish cannot get fresher. Walking my dog down to the Harbour in the mornings, I can see the fishing boats catching fish. The local fish and chip shop will sell it in a few hours. I know a thing or two about good fish and chips. I am a self-professed connoisseur. So, when I tell you Johnny’s Plaice has got it perfected, trust me. The medium cod and chips, accompanied by your choice of mushy peas, gravy, or beans, are at a bargain price. The batter is delectably crispy, not soggy, and the chips have never failed me during the many trips after stagecoach disasters and tiring seminars. My only issue is needing extra salt and vinegar, but I often add more vinegar since I drench my chips in it.

The cod itself tastes fresh and flakes away tenderly at the fork. It is pure bliss to experience such a classic dish done so well. The last time I visited, I branched out with a steak and kidney pukka pie instead of fish. I was brought back to the Fridays after school when my dad would be especially exhausted from work. We visited the local fish and chip shop, and my go-to was a comforting, warm and indulgent pie with chips. What better way to spend a dreary weekday than to reward your exploits to-and-fro campus with a familiar fish and chips? Johnny’s Plaice is my top recommendation if you like affordable, fresh food and an extremely friendly staff with little waiting time. My housemates and I cannot stress enough how worthwhile the visit is!