ANYONE who knows me will tell you I love fish and chips, so given the chance to try out the seaside favourite at a new business I was first in line!

And of course the walk along Southend Pier certainly burnt off a few calories too.

The world-famous attraction is now home to the Offshore restaurant and Lazy Jacks Cafe.

Both offer extensive menus with margarita pizza, katsu curry and wholetail scampi and chips on offer for customers hungry after the 1.3mile walk.

I opted for the cod goujons and chips, with salad and tartar sauce.

It was excellent, the freshly battered fish and chips were the perfect combination and lunch time mid-week treat.

Echo: The fish and chips at the new Southend Pier cafeThe fish and chips at the new Southend Pier cafe (Image: Newsquest)

The batter was light and crispy and the chips were also well cooked. The classic seaside staple was presented very well too, with the colourful salad on the side. 

It was washed down with an ice cold glass of Pepsi, which was also needed after the walk in the sunshine. 

I am not often short of words but it is honestly hard to find the words to fully describe just how tasty this dish really was.

Echo: Inside the Offshore restaurant and Lazy Jacks CafeInside the Offshore restaurant and Lazy Jacks Cafe (Image: Newsquest)

I was of course distracted by the gorgeous, uninterupted views of the Thames Estuary, with the sun dancing and glisening on the sea.

The large windows on all sides of the Royal Pavilion mean diners are surrounded by the stunning views, which you cannot get else where.

I am sure visitors and customers will be flocking to the business and enjoying it too.