Ark Fish Restaurant

Time Out says

Tue Oct 16 2012

The Ark is something of a local institution – much appreciated by everyone from local office workers at lunch to families on a night out. It’s bright and airy, with lots of pale wood and big windows, and there’s a bar that acts as a holding area when it’s busy.

The fish is quality stuff and everything is freshly prepared, including the caper-packed tartare sauce. Portion sizes are generous: two appetising starters (a plate of breaded scampi, and fresh anchovy and parmesan salad with croûtons) were ample for a table of four, especially as we knew how big the mains were.

Many diners opt for the well-battered cod, haddock or plaice with chips, but there are plenty of alternatives, from seared scallops with garlic butter to a laden seafood platter, plus a handful of chicken and steak dishes for refuseniks. From the blackboard specials, we enjoyed a nicely grilled haddock with spinach and beurre blanc. Make it to pudding, and you’ll find the likes of black forest trifle or sticky toffee pudding with custard. Service is solicitous and obliging: requests for shared plates and doggy bags are met with a smile.