Coastguard Cafe

Discover Coastguard Cafe on Hayling Island, serving the best fish and chips in a casual seaside atmosphere. Enjoy vegan options, outdoor seating, and a great selection of drinks. Perfect for lunch or dinner, plus take away or delivery. Visit us today for a delightful dining experience!

4.2 - EWN Awards
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Welcome to Coastguard Cafe

Coastguard Cafe sits at 14-16 Sea Front, Hayling Island. Known for its fish and chips, this casual spot offers a comprehensive take on British seaside dining. The ambiance is laid-back, making it suitable for solo diners as well as families. Its menu caters to various tastes, featuring classic fish and chips, vegetarian options, and filling desserts.

With outdoor seating and takeaway services, it invites patrons to enjoy their meals by the beach. Prices range from £10 to £20, reflecting quality in a charming location. Overall, it balances convenience and a satisfying menu without pretension.

Welcome to Coastguard Cafe, your go-to destination for delicious fish and chips on Hayling Island! Situated right on the scenic sea front, our cafe offers a casual atmosphere perfect for everyone—whether you're grabbing a quick bite or enjoying a leisurely meal with friends. Indulge in our renowned fish and chips, featuring options for vegans and vegetarians, alongside a delightful selection of desserts and beverages. With outdoor seating, takeaway, and delivery options, we cater to every preference. Our welcoming vibe and attentive service ensure a memorable dining experience, making Coastguard Cafe a must-visit for locals and tourists alike!

Services, Amenities and More

Service options
Outdoor seating
On-site services
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Fireplace
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Coffee
Free water refills
Halal food
Late-night food
Quick bite
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Photo Gallery

View Menu Photos

Reviews Overview

Most Liked

Quality fish and chips garners the top spot. Diners appreciate the freshness of the cod and the satisfying crunch of the batter. Beyond the classics, the vegan options, such as veggie battered sausages, attract a dedicated following, reflecting the cafe's broader appeal.

The down-to-earth prices add to its likability; meals are not exorbitant and offer fair value. Many patrons express contentment with portion sizes, especially the kids' menu that keeps younger diners satisfied. The chocolate nut sundae made from homemade recipes garners rave reviews and makes for a truly enjoyable dessert.

Most Disliked

Service can be hit-or-miss. While some experience efficient service, others report a lack of attentiveness or warmth, which can detract from the overall visit. Occasionally, long waits for particular items, such as the pea fritters, may disappoint those seeking quick meals, especially during peak times.

Some dishes, like the pea fritter, have been critiqued for lacking crunch and flavor. There are mentions that underwhelming items could benefit from better execution. Although the setting is casual, a few feel there is room for a more welcoming atmosphere during busy periods.

User Reviews

DL
Deb L.
1 months ago

We bought takeaway fish and chips and chips, curry sauce and a pea fritter to eat on the beach. There was a ten minute wait for the pea fritter but it wasn’t busy so it didn’t matter. Service was just the basic, how can I help? Salt and vinegar. Nothing to rave about but acceptable. The pea fritter was a bit of a let down after waiting for it. Not much in the way of batter and the batter that was there was soggy.

JF
Jessica F.
2 months ago

The best fish and chips in Hayling Island and the prices do reflect this. There is often a queue outside during peak times however we are always served quickly. Extra sauces are 50p, drinks average around £2 so for 2 fish and chips meals plus a saveloy, the cost was £30. I don't often eat fish and chips unless by the sea and therefore cannot be certain this is the going rate. That aside, the food quality is great and given that most people by the sea are eating here (the bins are also always full with Coastguards bags) it does reflect well. We visit Hayling Island regularly during peak season and will always come here before heading home, despite not always being hungry.

MM
Mandy M.
5 months ago

While on holiday here I had kids size cod and chips and a pea fritter from here .... Absolutely loved it. Kids portion size was plenty for me and the food tasted really fresh. We are on the beach ... Just watch out for those seagulls!!

Le
LewisD
3 months ago

So good we ate here twice in the same day! We always come here whenever we come to Hayling for an impromptu day out. We arrived just after opening on Sunday, and was in and out nice and quickly. Chips were beautiful, battered sausages lovely and crunchy and a great amount of salt and vinegar! A rarity for a chippy! We were very happy eating it while watching the sea. After our day exploring the beaches we decided to get the same meal again to complete the day. Again brilliantly cooked and no complaints from our picky kids. Thank you very much :)

K
K
1 months ago

Absolutely incredible chip shop with so many vegan options! We happily make the hour and a half drive there because it's the only place around that does veggie battered sausages. The chips are perfect too if you don't care for plant based options. Plus it's right on the beach front and the prices are super reasonable. Please never change!

Si
Simon
9 months ago

Hands down the best Fish and Chips on the South Coast of England and if not the world! Run by a wonderful family…And I’ve eaten all over the world. The fish is freshly battered right in front of your eyes. The chips are cut to perfect size for frying, being crisp and fluffy on the inside. I strongly recommend the Large Haddock and chips with mushy peas. Either sit down in the restaurant or ask for them to be wrapped open and sit on the beach and watch the ocean waves

FB
Frances B.
5 months ago

So lovely to see vegan food on the menu. I had the vegan fishless fish, chips, mushy peas & salad, really tasty, hot & filling. The manageress was really friendly & helpful with the food options. Thank you for catering for vegetarian/vegans.

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Location & Hours

Opening Hours

MondayOpen
TuesdayOpen
WednesdayOpen
ThursdayOpen
FridayOpen
SaturdayOpen
SundayOpen

Location

Frequently Asked Questions

Coastguard Cafe operates every day of the week, ensuring you can enjoy their offerings whenever hunger strikes.

Yes, Coastguard Cafe features outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying a meal while taking in the sea front views.

The menu includes a variety of options: from classic fish and chips to a selection of burgers, desserts, and vegan choices.

Absolutely. Coastguard Cafe offers a kids' menu and is equipped with gender-neutral toilets and accessible seating.

Why visit Coastguard Cafe

Visiting Coastguard Cafe isn’t just about food; it’s an experience that marries local flavor with seaside charm. Tucked by the shore, indulging in fish and chips while watching the waves is a simple pleasure that few places can offer.

Timing is vital; for a less hectic experience, aim for mid-morning or late evenings on weekdays. The weekday crowd tends to thin out, making it easier to enjoy your meal without rushing.

If you're traveling with kids, the café adapts well with its kids' menu and friendly atmosphere. Plus, the diverse menu ensures that there’s something for everyone, from fish lovers to vegans. Overall, Coastguard Cafe promises a casual, enjoyable experience amidst the natural beauty of Hayling Island.