We were told that the Duke of Duckworth had the best fish and chips in St. John’s, Newfoundland. So we climbed up the long stairway from Water Street to Duckworth and entered Duke’s. A waiter came over right away and said,

“Owshegettinonb’y, can I get ya a table?†(translation: How are you, can I seat you?)

“Yes please, We heard you have good fish and chips here,†I replied.

“Oi, we’ve the best fish and chips this side of Hutches, Hamilton,†he proudly announced.

“Well, you’ll have a challenge here, son, as I’m from Hamilton,†I also proudly proclaimed.

I’m a fish and chips expert and I know that the fish part is easy. You just basically batter it up and throw it in the oil and there you have it. It’s the chips part that makes the real difference. In this world of Macdonalds, Burger King and others, it’s really hard to find really good fries. I learned my lessons in Belgium earlier this year, where they make the best fries in the world.

“You’re some saucy!†he said. (translation: You have an attitude!)

“Not really, I just have high expectations for the city of St. John’s.â€

“Oi, an ya won’t be disappointed b’y. And I’ll bring ya the malt vinegar for the chips.â€

“Oi, and bring mee a couple pints o’ Black Horse, will ye b’y?†I declared (Oh No! I was starting to talk like them!)

“And about the malt vinegar, it’s a lot like the expensive chocolate coating on soft ice cream. Trying to cover up mediocre chips with fancy malt vinegar. I’ll be watching and tasting,†I preached, as I pointed my 2 fingers in the “I’m watching you” gesture.

Anyway, the fish, being fresh cod right out of the Atlantic, was outstanding, and the fries were good but not to the Hutches standard. And of course, the beer and the atmosphere in this fabulous pub were perfect. The waiters and the bar-tender, like all Newfoundlanders I’ve met, were a joy to be with.

We spent a couple of days in St. John’s and an afternoon in the town of Brigus, which is a beautiful small town not far from St. John’s.

[Click on any photo for the slideshow. Please leave comments at the bottom of the page]

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Route map

The fish and chips

The Duke of Duckworth

St. John’s – George Street

St. John’s – George Street

St. John’s – Jelly Bean Row

St. John’s

St. John’s – street art

St. John’s – Jelly Bean Row

St. John’s

St. John’s – Water Street

St. John’s harbour

St. John’s – The Narrows

Brigus

Brigus

Brigus

Brigus

Brigus

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