Heading to the seafront during Storm Conall does not sound like the best time to try fish and chips.

However, Woody’s Fish and Chip Co. in Leysdown was last month labelled the finest chippy in Kent, so I was prepared to brave the rain to see what the fuss was about.

The last time I had fish and chips, albeit at a pub, I was left disappointed as the fish was soggy and its coating had no crisp.

I was hoping this time would be a better experience, particularly given Woody’s new title, won at England’s Business Awards, of best fish and chip shop in the county.

When I arrived in the village at around 6.30pm it was almost empty with only a few dog walkers braving the weather.

The chippy is one of a handful of shops and eateries in Leysdown Road which is intersected with The Promenade that leads down to the beach.

It’s right on the corner and its big black and white signage makes it hard to miss.

I parked in one of the free-for-an-hour bays in The Promenade and left the warmth of my car to venture across the road to the shop.

Much like the village, it was not busy, with two customers waiting for their food in the bright and clean shop.

It has a black and gold colour scheme inside and has a Christmas tree at the opposite end of the counter to the till.

The menu is not out of the ordinary with traditional chip shop offerings such as sausages, chips, pies, burgers, fried chicken and five types of fish – rock, plaice, cod, scampi and skate.

After having a nosey at the menu I was promptly and politely served by one of the four workers behind the counter.

I asked whether they had been busy to which she replied: “No, we aren’t. No one comes to the beach at this time of year.”

Good point.

I was more than happy to get on with ordering my meal – a large cod, a medium portion of chips and a can of Coke Zero.

This cost me £14 which I didn’t think was too bad in today's market.

While for me fish and chips have always been a bit pricey compared to other fast food outlets, people of an older generation will remember it being a cheap treat and in some sense a staple of their weekly diet.

But remembering my previous fish and chip disappointment, at a pub I won’t name, set me back around £16, this was decidedly better value - even if it was a take-out rather than a sit-down meal.

The server told me my order would take about eight minutes so I sat on the bench in the waiting area.

Just as promised, the food arrived and I headed to the car, grasping not only a Woody’s wooden fork but also a knife - a significant upgrade on the usually two-pronged version.

In the summer months, I would have ventured down to the beach or simply taken up residence on one of the benches opposite the shop.

Back in the familiar surroundings of my Ford Fiesta, I opened the cardboard package and forked out a chip which was exactly how they should be – crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside and not too salty.

Then I ploughed into the fish with the knife and heard the crack of the batter. I was getting a good feeling about this.

I took a bite and it was amazing - the best chip shop cod I have tasted.

The portion was a really good size as well. While I was incredibly hungry to start with, I couldn’t finish all the chips.

I can imagine with such a great product the chippy is going to be very busy in the summer when visitors flock to the Sheppey holiday parks.

With my car now smelling like a chip shop and my belly full, I was happy to take the trip back home, although I’ll be returning in the summer when there is not a storm rumbling away.

Out of five:

Food: The best cod I have had and very tasty chips. If you are at the east end of the Island and looking for quick and easy grub this is the place for you. *****

Drink: There’s no real variety in terms of interesting drinks to try although there is a range of fizzy or soft options but do not expect anything that you have not tasted before. ***

Decor: Modern and clean inside and outs but no tables or chairs where I could sit and eat my food which would have been nicer than the car. In the summer would not be a problem with the beach and benches nearby. **

Staff: Polite and quick for service. No complaints. ****

Price: £14 for a meal is now the norm for fish and chips and was very good value for money for how nice the food was and the portion size. ****

• Nominations are now open for the Kent and Medway Food and Drink Awards 2025. To nominate, click here.

The deadline is 5pm on Thursday, January 9.