A reliable Great Notley chippy with plenty of choice beyond the counter classics, from properly battered fish and chips to burgers, wraps, fried chicken and veggie-friendly options, with straightforward collection ordering and handy nearby parking at Tesco.

The Cod Father in Great Notley is the kind of local takeaway you end up recommending to people because it covers both the traditional fish-and-chips craving and the “everyone wants something different” problem. It’s based on Notley Green and sits firmly in that familiar Essex takeaway sweet spot: classic chippy staples done hot and fresh, plus enough extra menu variety to suit families, picky eaters, and anyone who fancies something other than cod and chips for a change. According to the venue listing, it’s known for freshly prepared fish and chips, but it also keeps burgers, sausages and vegetarian options in the mix, so it works well as an all-rounder rather than a one-trick stop.

What you can expect is a takeaway-first set-up, with online ordering available for collection. Their official ordering page is designed to keep things quick and clear: choose your category, pick portion sizes, and build your meal with sides and sauces. Card payments are accepted, and the ordering system notes a small restaurant service charge, so it’s worth being aware of that when you check out. If you’re collecting in person, it’s also useful to know parking is described as limited onsite, with Tesco Great Notley mentioned as the closest parking option, which can save you a bit of stress at busy times.

On the food side, the fish selection is broader than many people expect from a local chippy. Cod is available in different sizes, and there’s also a skinless cod option if you prefer a smoother bite without the skin. Beyond that, you’ve got rock, plaice, haddock and skate listed too, which is great if you like switching it up or you’re ordering for someone who has a favourite fish that isn’t always available everywhere. A nice touch is that fish is described as being served with salad on the menu listings, which gives the meal a slightly fresher feel, especially if you’re taking it home and want something light alongside the chips.

If you’re ordering for the first time and want the safest “can’t go wrong” choice, a cod and chips is the obvious starting point. If you like something a bit different, haddock is listed as having a slightly sweeter flavour, and plaice is there if you want something more delicate. For anyone who prefers bite-sized pieces, cod bites are available, and there’s also a cod bites meal upgrade option that includes chips and a drink. That’s a handy format if you’re feeding kids or you want something simple you can eat without dealing with a full fillet.

There are also the classic chippy extras that people quietly love. Cod roe is on the menu, fish cakes are available on their own or as a fish cake and chips option, and you can build your meal with the usual sauces. One standout menu item is their “Legend Box”, which combines a medium cod and chips with mushy peas, curry sauce, tartar sauce and a slice of lemon. It’s basically the “fully loaded chippy tea” in one order, and it’s a smart pick if you like trying a bit of everything without adding lots of separate extras.

Starters are more seafood-leaning than you might expect for a fish-and-chips place. Scampi is offered as a starter portion, and there’s also scampi and chips. Salt and pepper squid is listed too, which is a great shout if you want something crunchy and snackable to share at home while the main meal is being plated up.

If fish isn’t the mood, the rest of the menu makes The Cod Father feel like a proper mixed takeaway. Sausages cover the standards: jumbo sausage, sausage in batter, and saveloy, with chips combinations available too. For pastry lovers, there are pies listed under a pasties section, including chicken and mushroom pie, steak and kidney pie, and minced beef and onion pie. Those are excellent “comfort food” picks, especially on colder evenings when you want something filling that still feels traditional.

For anyone ordering with kids or for a group with varied tastes, the fried chicken and snack-style options help a lot. Chicken nuggets and chicken strips are available, with chips versions too, plus popcorn chicken and fried chicken pieces. Hot wings appear as well, which is a good option if you want something with a bit more punch. There are also a few quick bites like spring rolls and vegetarian pancake roll style options, including curry pancake roll and vegetarian pancake roll. That’s useful if you want a couple of extras for sharing, or you’re trying to create a slightly bigger spread without going all-in on mains.

Burgers are a big part of the menu here, and there’s a decent range. You can go classic with beef burger or cheeseburger in different weights, or choose something more “takeaway loaded” like their named burger options. There are also chicken burgers, including peri peri chicken, plus a vegetarian burger and a halloumi burger. If you’re ordering for more than one person, the burger meals make life easier because they bundle chips and a drink. There’s even a senior-style meal listed as an O.A.P meal, described as a small cod and chips, which is a practical option for lighter appetites or anyone who wants a smaller portion without sacrificing the classic fish-and-chips feel.

Wraps are another strong option if you want something a bit lighter than a burger, or easier to eat without plates. There’s a halloumi wrap, falafel and hummus wrap, and a falafel, hummus and halloumi wrap, which gives you a few meat-free routes that still feel filling. There’s also a chicken strips wrap meal that comes with lettuce and mayo, plus chips and a drink, which is a simple “one-click” choice when you don’t want to build an order from scratch.

Sides and add-ons are exactly what you want from a place like this. Chips are available in different sizes, there’s peri peri chips if you like a bit of seasoning, onion rings, mozzarella sticks, jalapeno cheese bites, and salad. Mushy peas, curry sauce and gravy are all listed, which covers the main chippy sauce loyalties, and there are also pickled extras like pickled onion, egg and gherkin. If you’re feeding a few people, it’s worth adding one or two cheesy or crispy sides, because it makes the meal feel like more of a treat when you’re sharing at home.

For families, kids’ meals are clearly laid out, and they come with chips and a fruit shoot. Options include nuggets, sausage in batter, sausage, saveloy, and cod bites. It’s the kind of children’s selection that keeps ordering simple, and it means you can still get the “proper” fish order for adults while the kids stick to something familiar.

Dietary options are available in parts, but it’s best to be cautious if you need strict suitability. Vegetarian-friendly items are clearly present, including a vegetarian burger, halloumi options, and falafel and hummus wraps. Vegan options are not stated. Gluten-free options are not stated. Allergen information is not stated. If allergies matter for your order, it’s safest to contact the shop before ordering, especially because a chippy and mixed takeaway kitchen will handle common allergens across multiple sections.

Location-wise, The Cod Father is at Notley Green, Great Notley, Braintree, Essex CM77 7US. It’s a handy spot for locals in Great Notley and the wider Braintree area, and the closest parking is noted as Tesco Great Notley, which makes collection easy even if the small onsite parking is full. Opening times are also clear: Monday to Thursday 11:30am to 9:00pm, Friday and Saturday 11:30am to 10:00pm, and Sunday closed. Payment methods listed include cash, credit or debit card, Apple Pay and Google Pay. Customer toilets are not stated. Booking is not stated. Delivery is not stated. Collection ordering is available via their official ordering site.

Overall, The Cod Father is a strong local choice when you want a dependable chippy tea but also like having options. You can keep it classic with cod, chips and mushy peas, go seafood-snacky with scampi or squid, switch to pies and sausages for old-school comfort, or keep the household happy with burgers, wraps, chicken and kids’ meals. If you’re in Great Notley or nearby Braintree and you want one takeaway that can cover multiple cravings in one order, this is a sensible one to have in rotation.

Food Types: Takeaway/Delivery; Seafood Restaurant; Burger Bar

Dining Type: Takeaway

Area: Braintree, Great Notley