OUR COMMITMENT TO TRANSPARENCY
Fish is a natural product and no two fish are ever exactly the same. While we follow portion weight guidelines, the shape and thickness of a fillet can vary depending on the size and natural structure of the fish. This means some portions may appear thicker or longer than others, even though they meet the same weight standards.
We believe it is important for our customers to understand how fish is prepared and portioned, and we aim to be as transparent as possible about what we serve.
UNDERSTANDING OUR COD PORTIONS
We work with fresh cod delivered daily from our trusted fish supplier. Depending on daily market availability and pricing, we may use 1+, 2+, 3+ or XL cod.
The terms 1+. 2+, 3+ and XL refer to the approximate size of the whole fish we receive before it is filleted.
These size grades help indicate the thickness and yield of the portions rather than the portion weight itself.
1+ Cod
This is a slightly slimmer fish. We use the whole side as one portion, taken from the top end through to the tail end after deboning.
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Regular portions are approximately 280g*
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Small portions are approximately 180g*
The cut is naturally meatier at the top end and thinner toward the tail. While slimmer than larger grades, it still meets our portion weights.
*Please note: Fish portion sizes may be reduced slightly if prices increase significantly. We may need to adjust yields to help offset the rising costs.
2+ Cod
This is a medium-sized cod. Two or three portions are cut from each fish: One from the top end (loin), and one or two from the tail end. The tail-end portion is noticeably thinner. Although it still meets our portion weight requirements, due to a higher yield of thinner cuts, this size is generally not our chef’s preferred choice, and we aim to avoid using 2+ cod where possible.
3+ Cod or XL
This is a larger cod, producing thicker, meatier cuts. Portions are taken from both the top (loin) and tail ends. While it costs us more, it provides a noticeably thicker cut and still meets our portion weights.
This is always our preferred option when market conditions allow.
Our preference is to order 3+ and XL cod, however if market prices rise significantly, we may opt for 1+ cod instead.
Please note: when using 1+ cod, small and regular portions are separated from the boxes on arrival. The number of each portion size varies daily and is ultimately determined by what the sea provides. Some days we may have more small portions, other days more regular.
Please check our inshore board to see which portion size is available on the day.
ABOUT CODLING
Occasionally we may offer codling, which is a younger, smaller cod. Due to its naturally smaller size, codling produces smaller and thinner fillets than the cod grades listed above.
When available, codling will be on our Fish & Chips Deal menu and clearly listed as Codling rather than cod, so customers know exactly what is being served.
Offering codling allows us to provide a lower-priced fish option while still serving fresh, high-quality fish from the same trusted suppliers.
As with all fresh fish, availability depends entirely on what our fishermen land and what the market provides.
OUR FISH BITES
Our Fish Bites were previously known as Cod Bites and were made using cuts from our premium fresh cod. Unfortunately, due to the continued rise in the cost of fresh cod, we can no longer sustainably use it for this menu item while keeping prices affordable for our customers.
Over the past several months, we have tried several ways to continue offering our Cod Bites at the price our customers have come to expect. We first used only the belly and tail sections of our cod to reduce waste and make the most of every fish. We also reduced the size of the bites in an effort to absorb rising costs without increasing prices.
The reality is that the only way we could continue serving chunky cod bites at the previous price point would be to switch to frozen imported cod that may have been stored for many months to over a year. This is NOT something we are prepared to do. We have always believed in serving fresh fish and maintaining the quality standards that our customers expect from us.
As a result, our Cod Bites have now become Fish Bites. They will be prepared using fresh Ling Cod, along with other fresh fish from our daily supply when available. Ling Cod is an excellent alternative to our premium cod, with a mild flavour, firm texture, and great eating quality. Most importantly, it allows us to continue serving generous, chunky fish bites while staying true to our commitment to fresh fish. The portion size has now been adjusted from five pieces to four pieces per serving to help maintain the original size customers are used to, while maintaining value and managing these ongoing cost pressures.
We would like to apologise to any customers who have been disappointed by the changes to our Cod Bites. These are challenging times for many independent businesses, and we are doing our very best to balance quality, value, and sustainability while continuing to serve fresh fish every day from our trusted and reputable supplier.
We sincerely appreciate your understanding, your continued support, and your loyalty. With your support, we hope to navigate these difficult times while remaining committed to the fresh, high quality fish that has always been at the heart of what we do.
HOW TO TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COD AND HADDOCK
Small cod such as codling and the 1+ cod can often look very similar to haddock, making them harder to tell apart at a glance. The key difference lies in the markings on the skin, cod has a distinct white line running along its side, while haddock has a noticeable black line. Although we normally remove the skin during preparation, when we order in the smaller cod, to make identification easier, we leave the tail end skin on the fish, providing a clear and reliable visual cue.