AS you open the door to this much-loved seafood restaurant, you immediately notice the relaxing and welcoming family vibe.

The smell of wonderful fresh food hits you, and your stomach already begins to rumble.

There is so much on offer at the Seafood Shack – from their award winning haddock and chips, to garlic or sweet chilli prawns, garlic mussels, surf and turf and so much more.

Echo: Yummy - Hot crab dip topped with cheeseYummy - Hot crab dip topped with cheese (Image: Newsquest)

The owners said a couple of the customer favourites were the famous hot crab dip, and fresh haddock and chips – so we went down and gave them a try – and it certainly lived up to the hype.

Both dishes were presented beautifully.

Echo: Yummy - Fish and ChipsYummy - Fish and Chips (Image: Newsquest)

The famous hot crab dip was something I had never had before – but it was simply incredible.

The rich cheese on top with the creamy crab was just lovely. It was paired perfectly with crispy tortilla chips. I can really see why it is a favourite as it was delicious.

Then came the award winning haddock and chips which had the best, light but crispy batter. You could almost feel the love it was cooked with.

The chips were light, crispy and fluffy too.

The family feel, along with the perfect food, really showed why the Seafood Shack is one of the highest rated restaurants in Southend according to TripAdvisor.