Nearly a century after opening its first restaurant in the UK, Harry Ramsden’s is taking its traditional fish and chips to India, with plans for at least 60 restaurants over the next decade

The article examines the challenges facing fish and chip shops in the UK, highlighting rising costs and changing consumer habits. Darren Sudlow, owner of the Plaice Station in Cheshire, closed his 19-year-old business after determining that the financial pressures were insurmountable. Soaring fish prices, reduced fishing quotas, political issues affecting supply chains, and increasing VAT rates have all contributed to the decline of the industry. According to research by the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), 47% of chippies are 'extremely worried' about their future, with 20% planning to quit within a year. The average price of takeaway fish and chips has risen over 60% in five years, from £7 to £11.43, making it less affordable for many customers. Business rates, minimum wage increases, and mandatory sick pay have further squeezed profit margins. Kieran Sudlow, Darren's son, closed his family business for three weeks to avoid higher VAT costs, discovering they made more money during the closure than when open. He later reopened as a high-end sandwich shop, Between Bread, which has seen greater success. Meanwhile, innovative chippies like the Scrap Box in York are focusing on quality ingredients and traditional methods, winning awards and attracting younger customers. The Scrap Box uses MSC-certified fish and beef dripping for frying, emphasizing simplicity and purity in their dishes. Despite challenges, the article suggests that while the industry is under pressure, quality-focused establishments may survive and even thrive by adapting to modern tastes without losing the essence of the dish. The article also notes that fish and chips, though considered a British institution, has diverse origins, with influences from Jewish immigrants and international trade. The future of the industry depends on balancing tradition with innovation, as younger generations show less interest in traditional fish and chips but are open to high-quality versions of the dish.

While Ponte Nuovo, one of Croydon’s top-end Italian restaurants, undergoes an expensive refurb, Castellas Fish and Chips, a fixture on Selsdon Road for 60 years, urgently needs replacement pa…

While Ponte Nuovo, one of Croydon’s top-end Italian restaurants, undergoes an expensive refurb, Castellas Fish and Chips, a fixture on Selsdon Road for 60 years, urgently needs replacement pa…

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