I ate at Watford's highest-rated fish and chip shop, according to Google Reviews, to find out if it lived up to the hype.

Fry Days, at 40 Vicarage Road, is rated 4.8/5 stars with glowing comments including "very delicious" and "reasonable prices" praising the shop right next to the home of Watford FC.

Fry Days in Vicarage Road.Fry Days in Vicarage Road. (Image: Newsquest) One user even travelled from the United States to try the takeaway and said it "definitely didn't disappoint".

A 5/5 food hygiene rating also accompanied the excellent reviews leaving me excited to try one of the nation's staple dishes.

The review:

Although busy on a Hornets matchday, I visited on a quiet Tuesday afternoon. The manager told me I came just after the "lunch time rush" - which may explain why it only had haddock in stock on the fish menu.

As a cod fan this left me questioning what to purchase, with the extensive menu including "Watford's one pound burger" and 11 different "special offers" of chicken and chips.

The name, accompanied by the shop's vintage chippy interior, led me to the haddock and chips for £9.99 as it seemed like a safe bet.

The haddock and chips with a side of tartare sauce.The haddock and chips with a side of tartare sauce. (Image: Newsquest)

Five minutes went by, and I was presented with a mountain of chips and a sizeable piece of breaded haddock. My first impression was surprise as I held the haddock beside my head to measure its size - it was just as big if not bigger!

The chips were girthy and crispy on the outside yet had a lovely soft interior. Meanwhile, the haddock was breaded well but not completely covered revealing the tender meat underneath.

The portion of haddock was as big as my head.The portion of haddock was as big as my head. (Image: Newsquest)

In terms of taste, I felt there was a lack of seasoning in the breading and on the chips. Granted the variety of sauce options did help, but overall, I felt it made for a dry meal.

As with any fish and chips, it was quite greasy. The "wild caught" haddock was of decent quality but in my view was nothing to write home about as other reviews suggested. 

In terms of the cleanliness, the hygiene rating was correct, there is evidence of frequent upkeep on the serving counter as well as the small seating and standing areas which were spotless. 

As for the service, the manager was excellent, providing me with conversation, a free drink and tasters of barbeque pork rib and a chicken wing - despite being unaware he was being reviewed.

Conclusion:

Was it worth flying from America for, no. But for a quick meal on a match day or an afternoon treat Fry Days does the job. 

The price was not the cheapest, as a haddock and chips at my local costs £6.50, but it was still much cheaper than going to a gastro pub or restaurant.

A solid interpretation of one of the nation's favourite dishes does make me want to explore more of its extensive menu but for now my lasting memory of Fry Days will be a decent plate of fish and chips.