Tasty Plaice, Oldbury

For the last two months or so my partner and I had managed to successfully stick to our New Year's resolution of eating healthily and avoiding takeaways.

We had ditched the junk food in favour of healthy salads and had even invested in an exercise DVD.

But after a busy time at work one day my resolve had eventually wavered.

Luckily, my partner was feeling the same so we both headed to The Tasty Plaice on Causeway Green Road in Oldbury in search of some comfort food.

A small queue had already formed in the chip shop when we arrived in the early evening, giving me plenty of time to survey the menu for what was on offer.

Obviously there was all the traditional chippy fare, as well as a range of burgers, chicken and pies.

I opted for a portion of cod and chips (£4.40) and hoping that they would count as one of my five-a-day, I plumped a small portion of mushy peas (50p) too.

My partner went for battered sausage (85p), a portion of chips (£1.10) and to top it off a portion of curry sauce (50p).

So much for our diet, I thought, as I reeled off our order to the friendly staff member.

Service in the clean-looking takeaway venue was efficient and pleasant, and most of the staff managed a smile, too.

Our food was still piping hot by the time we got home and we eagerly tucked in.

We both agreed that our generous portions of chunky chips were fluffy inside while remaining deliciously crispy on the outside.

The colour was also pleasant and natural looking.

My partner was also pleased with his choice of accompaniment and particularly enjoyed the crisp, tasty batter.

But as far as the cod was concerned I must admit I was left a little disappointed.

The batter was crispy and light enough but the inner layer of cod tasted mushy and a little bit bland.

The fish may not have impressed my taste buds but, in terms of value for money, the portions at The Tasty Plaice get tops marks.

Claire Morrall

Causeway Green Road, Oldbury

Tel: 0121 552 6815