Review: Mother Hubbard’s, Fish and Chips at Ocean Terminal

Mother Hubbard’s is a relatively new arrival to Leith’s Ocean Terminal, and we wish any company setting up in the centre the very best of luck. We’re big fans of the shopping venue and truly hope it can be reborn and become something wonderful for the city.

However, it’s clear that this popular fish and chip chain, located in the corner of the upper food court, has not quite sussed out what’s required. The unit is clean and spacious, which is a significant plus. But it lacks charisma and, more dangerously for a fast-food outlet, it lacks speed.

The Food

You can order in person, but the kiosks are the preferred method. This is a welcome touch, as it reduces the chance of mistakes, and you can see the food options clearly before you buy.

The menu features the expected burgers and, of course, fish and chips. The standard fare is acceptable, but the highlights are the variants: the “Spicy Fish” and the “Fiery Fish”. These options offer a batter with more of a kick than the traditional chip shop style, and they are the main reason we’ve returned.

There is a suitable range of bottled drinks, nothing to celebrate, but enough to wash down your meal.

The Experience

The main problem here is the waiting time. We’ve been caught out when trying to see a film at the nearby Vue Cinema, fooled into thinking we could grab a quick fish supper to go.

I’ve waited 10, 15 minutes, and sometimes a little bit more for a fish supper.”

This is simply too long for a ‘fast food’ chippy, especially when you might miss the start of your film.

Where Mother Hubbard’s does succeed is in its practicality. It is fantastic if you have children. The restaurant is clean, the tables are big, and there is ample room for prams and wheelchairs.

It feels like a venue holding its breath, waiting for the rest of Ocean Terminal to catch up. If it were busier, the service might paradoxically be quicker, as more fish could be cooked in advance. We hope it’s still there when the bowling alley and other entertainments finally open, as it could be a perfect match for that “fish and chips night out” mindset.

Things to do in Leith

Leith is a vibrant area, anchored by Ocean Terminal, which is the permanent home of the Royal Yacht Britannia. The shopping centre is now directly connected to the city and the airport via the Edinburgh Trams network.

If you are travelling from further afield, you can book trains to Edinburgh Waverley via TheTrainLine and then hop on the tram. For accommodation, Leith offers many great options, from aparthotels like Native Places to a wide selection of holiday lets on Booking.com.

If you are planning a longer trip, you can arrange car hire at Rentalcars.com or book a taxi from the airport with Airport Taxis UK. And for peace of mind on your travels, you can find policies at AllClear Travel Insurance.

Overall

Mother Hubbard’s is an okay destination if you are already in Ocean Terminal, have plenty of time, and need a clean, spacious spot to eat.

However, the frustratingly slow service makes it a poor choice for a quick bite before the cinema. If you’re not in a rush, the Spicy Fish is worth a try, but if you’re looking for a truly great fish supper, you’ll find much better, and faster, venues a 20-minute walk away on Bernard Street or 5 to North Junction Street.