Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine April 2023

Henry the First!

The Original and the Best

Henry Jones famously invented his Bristol-born self-raising flour in 1845. Receiving an American patent for his unique process only a few years later instigated the Age of Dry Mixes, the birth of packaged, premixed, just-add-water breads, cakes, pancakes and more.

Renowned for being the original batter mix, over 70 years ago Henry Jones fine-tuned and patented his flour formula to become synonymous with the finest batter solutions to serve the British Fish & Chip community. The Henry Jones portfolio combines his traditional craftmanship with quality mixtures that operators know and love.

Henry Jones batter mix special recipe delivers the unique rippled, spike texture and colour depth your customers’ eyes will be drawn to, without any compromise. Suitable for use with fish, sausages, onion rings chicken, burgers and other fresh foods.

Unrivalled excellence…

Steeped in heritage, Henry Jones relies on a tried and tested special recipe, a closely guarded secret for over 70 years. With its unique texture, quality

and colour, Henry Jones’ batter hugs the product more, holding a tighter level of coating. Unrivalled, you can rely on Henry Jones products no matter the application or challenge… meaning your dishes will consistently deliver and delight.

Trusted in Fish & Chip shops, Henry Jones offers a portfolio of high-quality, authentic products that guarantee total reliability.

Henry Jones solutions…

Henry Jones believe that quality should never be compromised no matter what the circumstance. With no soy or artificial colourings, the range provides a less puffy, more textured batter with a softer bite, perfect for any Fish & Chip shop.

Henry Jones offers a variety of colour choices to meet all Fish & Chip owners and consumers preferences. With a proud tradition of excellence, the Henry Jones portfolio consists of.

Henry Jones Gold Batter Mix

Henry Jones Normal Batter Mix

Henry Jones Light Batter Mix

Henry Jones Thistle Batter Mix

Henry Jones Irish Batter Mix

Karen Heavey, Brand Manager at Kerry Foodservice comments; “The Henry Jones Batter Mix range has been a staple product for fish and chip shop owners for over 70 years. With traditional values at its core, this batter provides taste, quality and authenticity that customers crave. Henry Jones gives operators a chance to offer the nation’s favourite takeaway in the most traditional way.”

For more information visit eu.kerryfoodservice.com/pages/ henry-jones

Austen Dack

Publishing Editor

Range Rover!

The Year March-es On!

Well,it’s been a busy few weeks for team fish and chips and Chippy Chat. First off, we visited Bolton for the Innovations Show from VA Whitley, then Peterborough for the Fry It show from Friars Pride. Over 1,000 shops turned out for both events. Then we had two events from Seafood from Norway, which sandwiched the incredible NFFF National Fish & Chip Awards 2023.

Well already approaching the end of the first quarter of 2018! Hopefully it will be a busy one for shops and suppliers as we approach Mother’s day and Easter too. Congratulations to all at Friars Pride. Once again, they have delivered a fantastic trade show with even more visitors it seemed than ever.

A busy offering this month for your delights. First off we review many of our oil and fat suppliers giving you the chance to see what many top shops are using and why. Also,

Recently I was asked to judge at the British Pie Awards again (alongside dear friend and NFFF President, Andrew Crook). Over 900 pies were baked for judging including many from fish and chips shops across the UK. In late March

Chippy Chat Ltd Oak Lane

Littleport Ely

Cambridgeshire CB6 1RS

Chippy Chat Ltd Oak Lane Littleport Ely

www.chippy-chat.co.uk info@chippychat.co.uk

Cambridgeshire CB6 1RS

Twitter @Chippychat

Facebook Chippy-Chat

TEL 01353 865 966

www.chippy-chat.co.uk info@chippychat.co.uk

FAX 01353 863 444

Managing Director

Twitter @Chippychat Facebook Chippy-Chat

John Boutwood

TEL 01353 658216

Publisher

FAX 01353 863 444

Oliver Boutwood oliver@chippychat.co.uk

Publishing Editor

Austen Dack austen@chippychat.co.uk

Managing Director John Boutwood

07863123929

Publisher

Subscriptions and Marketing Executive

Oliver Boutwood oliver@chippychat.co.uk

Amanda Waterfield amanda@chippychat.co.uk 01353 865 966

Publishing Editor

Austen Dack

Design/Editorial

austen@chippychat.co.uk

Stuart Catterson stuart@cc-ff.com

07863123929

Design/Editorial

Accounts

Claire Boutwood-Potter accounts@chippychat.co.uk

Accounts

Claire Boutwood-Potter accounts@chippychat.co.uk

Printed in the UK by The Magazine Printing Company

Advertising Sales and Promotions austen@chippychat.co.uk

Advertising Sales and Promotions austen@chippychat.co.uk

For PR and Editorial

For PR and Editorial editorial@chippychat.co.uk

editorial@chippychat.co.uk

we have our great sausage feature too!

we took Babylon on the road to the Colbeck Show in Harrogate. Again, shops from the north turned out in their hundreds.

This month we have the first of our range features of 2023. If you are looking at buying a new range, we can help you decide which one to go for. A new range can actually help you reduce your energy costs dramatically.

Our front-page partner for March is Pukka Pies. They supply millions of pies to fish and chip shops across the UK and they are helping us celebrate National Pie Week. If you would like to advertise, get involved or tell us some news please email me austen@ chippychat.co.uk – thanks for your support enjoy the issue.

Austen

If you would like to advertise, get involved or tell us some news please email me austen@ chippychat.co.uk – thanks for your support enjoy the issue.

Austen

Austen Dack Publishing Editor

Georgie Fame!

Famed fish and chip business, George’s, opens latest takeaway in Sutton in Ashfield

One of the region’s best-known fish and chip brands has opened its latest takeaway premises in the Nottinghamshire town of Sutton In Ashfield.

George’s Tradition Group Limited, which owns and operates two restaurants and seven takeaways in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, is now serving up its famed food at Lakeside Point Retail Park.

Group CEO Nick Hogan said: “We are both pleased and proud to open our first new takeaway since the Covid 19 pandemic,

which impacted on so many businesses.

“We see the opening of Sutton In Ashfield as a significant step forward for the group. We have been looking for the right location in which to expand, and Lakeside Point Retail Park is it.

“Whilst this might be a new George’s, we can guarantee our customers that the only thing that has changed is elements of our marketing material! Everything about the fish and chips that our customers have come to know and love for more than 50 years remains the same.

“We only serve the finest fish from sustainable sources. Our cod is caught in ice-cold Arctic waters and frozen within 20 minutes of it being landed. Our ‘proper’ chips are made using specially selected potatoes grown exclusively for us by a family-run farm in Shropshire, prepared using a unique cooking process that produces the perfect chip every time and our recipes throughout the brand are unique to George’s.”

WE HAVE SUPPLIED INBUILT SUPERPAD SYSTEMS (TRIPLE FILTRATION) FOR FACTORY FITTING TO:

MARTYN EDWARDS

FRANK FORD

KIREMKO (KFE)

HENRY NUTTALL SCOTRANGE

EDEN RANGE

WE HAVE ALSO RETRO-FITTED BASKET FILTRATION AND SUPER PAD UNITS TO SHOP INSTALLED RANGES. PLEASE CALL FOR ADVICE ON YOUR RANGE

Each George’s restaurant and takeaway changes its cooking oil twice daily, and it is continually filtered throughout service. For more than 20 years, it has been using specialised equipment to take readings of oil quality throughout the day and was one of the first independent companies in the country to adopt this technology.

All surplus oil or oil that degrades outside our strict parameters is removed from site by a specialist waste company where it is recycled for other uses.

Nick added: “All of these factors combine to enable us to produce what we believe to be the finest fish and chips available.”

Are you opening a new shop? Email austen@chippychat.co.uk

Diary Dates

Business or pleasure, dates not to be missed...

April 21st

April National Tea Day

Behind every great country, there is an even greater beverage helping its people through the day. On April 21st, the United Kingdom celebrates National Tea day

Sunday May 14th

KFE Ball

Join KFE for their magnificent event. This years theme is the Circus! Call them on for ticket details on 01778 380448. www.kfeltd.co.uk

15th- 21st

May National Vegetarian Week

National Vegetarian Week 2022 was about choosing more vegetarian food to help tackle the climate crisis.

May 22nd-28th

May British Sandwich Week

Every year British Sandwich Week celebrates the humble sandwich.

2nd June 2023

National Fish & Chip Day

Neoda’s National Fish & Chip Day is about giving fish and chips the recognition it deserves and helping to secure its position as the nation’s favourite dish.

September 10th

Isle of Ely/Chippy Chat Open Day

Join us on the farm for a day of networking and discovering all things potato! Free tickets contact austen@chippychat.co.uk

December 10th

The Chippy Chat Ball

The Chippy Chat Ball is booked in, fingers crossed, pandemics allowing we will be back this year.

In Cod we Trust!

Gordon Ramsay pays visit to new fish & chips eatery in heart of Times Square

Gordon Ramsay paid a visit to New York City following the opening of his latest fish & chips eatery. Gordon Ramsay’s Fish & Chips Times Square officially opened to the public in December 2022, offering a taste of British culture right in the heart of the city. This new restaurant marks the fourth Gordon Ramsay’s Fish & Chips to open stateside.

“To be given this chance to bring a little bit of quintessential Britishness to Times Square is a dream come true. It’s a blessing and an absolute joy,” said Ramsay.

The new eatery seats 35 and is decked out in Union Jack flag elements, giving the space an undeniably British flair. The restaurant is surrounded by floor-toceiling windows, allowing diners to enjoy the view of Times Square while they eat. The kitchen area of Gordon Ramsay’s Fish & Chips is visible to customers, allowing them to see orders made in real time.

Ramsay told reporters that he’s hoping that the opening of this new Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips can be the first of many opportunities for the restaurant industry to bounce back after the last three years.

The new fast-casual restaurant brings a new twist to the classic fish and chips that diners know and love. The main menu item is made with sustainable cod and coated with batter for the perfect golden crisp, with two sauces it comes out at $17.99. Other menu items that customers have sunk their teeth into since the restaurant opened include fried shrimp, lobster, chicken, and the “Fishwich,” a crispy, golden cod wrapped in warm naan bread,

as well as the “chickenwich,” featuring a crispy chicken tender, cabbage slaw, Roma tomatoes, house-made pickles, and drizzled with old bay dressing, also served on warm naan bread.

The meals come with signature sauces to accompany the dishes, including Gordon’s Tartar, Curry & Mango, Sriracha Aioli, Southwest Ranch, Dijon Mayonnaise, and Cocktail sauce. For fry lovers, the Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips menu features a “Just Chips” section with the option of “dirty” fries, which are served with a combination of toppings like jalapeño, chorizo, cotija cheese, red onion, chives, and parsley or truffle, parmesan cheese, chives, and parsley. You can also enjoy a Sticky Toffee Pudding or a Biscoff-flavored milkshake for dessert.

“Don’t forget to pick up that Sticky Toffee Pudding Shake, it is to die for,” said Ramsay. “And I promise you, you’ll need a good sleep or a ten-mile walk after.”

Gordon Ramsay’s Fish & Chips Times Square is located at 1500 Broadway (the corner of 44th Street and 7th Avenue) and is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday-Saturday.

Hew gives you more?

Different times produce different challenges

Hewigo ranges have always responded to the business environment. We have been through a time when looks were important to help operators better market their outlets against increased competition. Hewigo led the way in aesthetic design. Now the costs of energy and raw materials represent different challenges rising to unprecedented levels. The necessity for operators to save money yet maintain their usual levels of service is paramount.

Hewigo High Efficiency ranges have been around for almost 20 years but now their time has really come. With a 93% certified efficient Hewigo range customers can expect savings of 30% in fuel consumption, 40% in oil usage and 20% in raw materials. Cooking times are at higher average temperatures and up to 40% quicker. Less oil is absorbed into the food leading to a tastier and healthier product. Win! Win!

Click & Collect grew during the pandemic and has now become an essential for many fish and chip shops. In response Hewigo has developed a 3-pan range which incorporates new features with an emphasis on the practicalities of

collection and delivery. Space can be used to store bagged-ready orders underneath a rail bar of heat lamps with no worries about headroom. Space is also given over to frying baskets likely to contain parcooked chips making the whole operation more streamlined and complementary to your order system.

Many extras as standard provide the ultimate value from a Hewigo range. These include: Frylite – illuminated frying pans, Triple Filtration, Fish Drainers in Cabinet and Pan, Tongs and Chip Scoop Holders, Multi coloured LED front panel lighting, Choice of front panel design including new ART DECO style or powder coated, SMART thermostatically controlled chip box and your cash register integrated free.

For more details contact Hewigo (UK) Ltd on 0121 544 9120 or visit www.hewigo.com

Kare For the Environment!

KFE wins FSB Sustainability Award

Frying range supplier KFE has been crowned the winner of the Sustainability Award at the Federation of Small Business (FSB) Celebrating Small Business Awards for the East of England.

The Sustainability Award was one of nine presented on the day and is designed to recognise the most ethical, socially responsible, or green business. KFE was recognised for having the most energy efficient pans on the market, certificated to 94%, which emit up to 50% less CO2 than standard ranges. It was also praised for its market-leading approach to operating more sustainably. In 2021, it partnered with ClimatePartner to calculate its company’s carbon footprint and has since made significant attempts to reduce this, including replacing its fleet of sales team diesel vehicles with electric Teslas, reducing flights, paper printing double-sided, staff sharing lifts and more energy-efficient kitchen equipment.

With further investment in carbon offset projects, KFE expects to be carbon neutral this year - something no other range manufacturer has committed to.

KFE was up against six other businesses from a wide range of sectors including coffee house chain Toast, doorstep refill service Green Blue You, and water treatment company Anti-Chem. Federation of Small Business Development Manager in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire, Suzanna Austin said: “KFE stood out amongst the other entrants as it was very clear to see how they have successfully moved a traditional food business into a new era with a focus on social responsibility and ethics. Their hard work and tenacity have led to the launch of industry-leading products, and it was very clear to see the

progress the company has made and the great community connections they have developed.”

Paul Williams, Managing Director at KFE, added: “Making the final of the Sustainability Award was reward enough as it proves we are heading in the right direction. To win was the icing on the cake. We are committed to sustainability and achieving carbon neutrality, but creating a lower emissions business is just the start for us. Winning this award and having the opportunity to learn from the other finalists, who came from all sectors, has encouraged us to put every aspect of our business under a microscope and identity further ways in which we can work towards a more sustainable future. We also want to work closely with our suppliers and contractors, for example, our waste disposal company to ensure our waste is processed and managed as sustainably as possible.”

KFE now goes on to compete in the national finals held in May. They will celebrate this award at their annual magnificent ball. Held at the Belfry the theme this year is the Circus. Join them for the ultimate party night in the 2023 social calendar. Enjoy incredible food and entertainment in the company of your favourite industry friends and family. Please email Tanya Henderson at sales@kfeltd.co.uk or call 01778 380 448 to check availability

REDUCE GAS, INCREASE PROFITS!

With gas and electricity prices continuing to rise for businesses, investing in an energy-saving Kiremko frying range is the first step to keeping costs down. Our high efficiency frying ranges are saving customers OVER 50% on their gas bills compared to traditional frying ranges.

Oil savings

The consistent heat retention of our pans reduces oil consumption while the option of built-in triple filtration extends oil life further

A healthier product

Reduced temperature drop means less oil is absorbed into the cooked product

Faster cooking times

With the temperature of the pans remaining consistent, more volume can be cooked more quickly, ultimately, increasing turnover

Reduced carbon footprint

High efficiency means less CO2 emissions, delivering a number of environmental benefits

I’ve gone from three pans to four pans but my gas bill has stayed the same –and that’s taking into account the fact gas has gone up in price.

Rob Cowell, Bourne Plaice, Ramsey, Isle of Man

The Prize Package with a 7-year warranty!

Fryline are a frying range manufacturer born from a wealth of experience in the industry from both a frying range engineering and also experience of owning and operating fish and chip shops, giving us a unique industry hands on perspective. They were recently at the Fry it show in Peterborough and were inundated with chip shop owners who wanted to find out why they are so good.

High Efficiency – Much Needed with today’s energy prices!

We have developed a unique burner and heat exchange system which offers some of the most highly efficient Frying Ranges available. CE certified at over 90% efficiency, our ranges are able to save you significant amounts on your gas bill. We have just completed another range install this time in Crawley

Prizefighter Fish & Chips, Crawley

Fryline have recently installed a new Fryline 4 pan Alpha high efficiency range with triple stage oil filtration and inbuilt burger griddle extraction for Dal at Prizefighters fish and chips, Crawley. Dal Singh has recently purchased the shop and wasted no time in increasing the sales and quality, he soon realised the existing range was not keeping up and choose to replace with a new Fryline range, which was quickly manufactured and installed for him within 6 weeks.

He chose to add a burger griddle extraction and went with triple stage oil filtration to ensure his oil is in top quality condition at all times, he is also keen to have a go with basket frying.

With the Fryline pans they are all universal and customers have the choice

to traditional free frying or basket frying and can rotate pans between chips and fish. All Fryline ranges come with a 7 year warranty which gave Dal total peace of mind. This 4-pan range has set the business up for future expansion and we are sure it will be a ‘Knock Out’

Dal is very happy with his new range. Having had many other ranges over the years we asked what made him choose a Fryline?

“I loved that it was British made. KLS have also been good with their servicing, (especially Rob), so when he told me about Fryline Ranges I was immediately interested. I have rebranded the shop and the range not only looks fantastic it is very easy to use. They also answer my calls, & the range is very efficient including its recovery time important with rising energy bills. Now I’ve had this from Fryline I wonder why I didn’t have one installed before.”

If a shop owner would like to see Dal’s range in action, please contact Fryline and he will only be too happy to show it to anyone around his shop. Dal added: “The list of reasons to buy a Fryline is endless plus price wise it was cheaper than many other options open to me too.”

We would also welcome any customers to come and see firsthand and try a Fryline range in our showroom to see the quality and performance for themselves.

Call us on 01553 772935 www. fryline.co.uk

We

The Wether Forecast

Recently we visited the newly refurbished Wetherby Whaler (Wetherby branch). We were enroute to Harrogate for the Colbeck show, but we couldn’t resist the lure of a newly refitted shop and the famous Wetherby Whaler fish and chips!

The refit looks incredible. What was the timescale and how do you choose what time of year to do it to minimalise down time?

We closed at the beginning of the school holiday in February, not the best week to close but we were keen to make sure we reopened in time for Mother’s Day, also leaving a couple of weeks to iron out any unexpected last-minute issues before we headed into the busy Easter period.

What changes did you make to the building and fixtures and fittings?

Our aim was to improve our storage areas, the staff facilities, and make a proper kitchen area downstairs so that we could produce all of our homemade products on site. We have managed to achieve this with the limited space we have, including increasing the pan size of the frying range from 5 pans to a much needed 7 pan range. The restaurant has had a full refit, nothing structural but just fixture and fittings, we are really pleased with the results and the feedback has been great thus far. The takeaway has also had a facelift.

Whilst we were there the restaurant filled very quickly to its 75-seat capacity. How do staff cope with that?

There is always the expected uplift following refurbishment. We prepared

the teams before reopening with some off-site training.

Whilst their main place of work was closed we also took them to work at some of our different restaurants, we do tend to have a quick turnover of seats in all of our restaurants, that’s the beauty of Fish and Chips. They can be cooked and served quickly, most of our tables have their food on the table a maximum of ten minutes after ordering.

Did you make any changes to the menu?

We are very traditional in our food, so we have only slightly changed the menu. We have a dedicated non gluten pan that we use vegetable oil as the frying medium in, so can now offer chips cooked this way if that is the customers preference. We now have the space to get a grill too to offer healthier grilled options to our customers. The biggest decision we made was to remove the slice of bread of butter that our restaurant customers received as part of their meal. As a company we couldn’t justify the wastage we saw from the bread coming back uneaten on plates, and then we have to put it in our bins and pay for it to get taken away. In this world of limited resources it just seemed crazy to continue in this way, we are really pleased that 99% of our customers have agreed with our policy, and are happy to pay for what any bread they want. We are rolling out this new policy at all of our other restaurants at the next menu review.

Having seven outlets is there a rolling calendar for updates and refits?

We budget yearly for planned refit expenditure. However, we did restrict spending through Covid, the uncertainty

By Austen

Dack talking to Wetherby Whaler Director Caroline Murphy

is Good!

of the restaurant side of our business caused us to question investing heavily through this time. I am already planning our next few projects, keen to get them booked in the diary for early next year.

You have some great staff in Wetherby, how do you manage to keep them so well and recruit too?

We have recently employed Charlotte as our Recruitment & Retention Manager. She has been with us six months and although she initially concentrated on the recruitment side of her role, we are now also focusing on team retention. It is important that we recognise how employment in our industry has changed, and as a company we are working hard to keep up with these changes.

We have an employee aged 77 in the restaurant at Wetherby. She is great and thoroughly embraces any changes we throw at her! The restaurant team are loving their new working environment, I love it when a refit invigorates your team to strive to achieve new heights. We also have Boyz (pictured) at Wetherby, originally from Botswana he moved here from South Africa with his wife sixteen years ago. Boyz preps our chips 5 days a week, and also makes the best mushy peas. Boyz will take great joy in telling me the peas have changed with how they are performing and need more bicarbonate when soaking, or more cooking time. He is heading towards retirement at 65, though I’m hoping to keep him for a few more years yet, even if on a part time basis.

Jimmy Doherty from Jimmy’s Farm was a recent visitor why did he come to see you?

The Monday we reopened the takeaway I agreed to take part in some filming for Food Unwrapped with Jimmy Doherty. They were filming a segment on “chippy chips” and the regional accompaniments that people prefer when buying their chips. Had a fun afternoon, luckily Jimmy and the hired food expert did most of the talking, I think most people know I’m always reluctant to get in front of the camera and talk!

As Vice President of the NFFF did you enjoy your role in helping to deliver the National Fish & Chip Awards?

Taking on the National Fish & Chip Awards last year was a huge task for the NFFF but we recognised how important it was for the industry that they returned. They are so important to our Industry as the biggest driver of raising standards and highlighting the great work the fish and chip industry does. It has been an honour to be part of the team that brought them back, and despite the sleepless nights we were all so proud to deliver a great event in London in February. I really must say thank you to everyone who made it possible, from sponsors, entrants, judges and all those who came along and supported on the day. We are already planning next year and hope the industry can be as supportive ever.

App4 Launches New Self-Service Kiosk Ordering System

App4, one of the UK’s leading providers of end-to-end mobile app, online and instore ordering solutions, is pleased to launch the latest addition to its product range, the self-service kiosk.

Kiosks offer a practical, costeffective, and efficient way for hospitality businesses to reduce customer waiting times, increase staffefficiency, and grow average orders.

Suitable for businesses of all sizes, they are available in a variety of formats, including tablet, table-top, free-standing, and wall mounted.

All App4 systems use quality components, including the entry-level desk-top kiosk, which combines marketleading Epson Mobile Point of Sale (mPOS) hardware with App4’s innovative industryleading central order management software providing a seamlessly integrated ordering solution and user interface across all app, online and kiosk based systems.

CEO and founder Ian Chambers commented “We are delighted to launch the kiosks as the latest addition to our integrated online ordering systems range. As with all our products, the kiosks have been developed with the end user in mind and offer an intuitive, easy-to-use way for our customers to increase their

efficiencies, reduce costs and grow their businesses.”

Says Ian, “The benefits of self-service kiosk systems are well documented with order values proven to increase by around 20-30%, customer waiting times reducing by around 5-minutes per order, and staff saving around 20% of time by not having to manually take orders.”

“Additionally I am thrilled that we are able to offer our kiosks on a monthly payment basis to help our customers during these tough economic times.”

The launch marks the beginning of an exciting year for App4 who have seen phenomenal business growth over the last 3 years.

Ian Moore, Director of Operations at George’s Fish & Chips said:

‘We are delighted with our new wall mounted self-service ordering kiosks from App4 which have been installed at our new branch in Sutton-in-Ashfield. Working with their team was easy and we are already seeing the benefits of a more efficient and personalised ordering process. We are really pleased with the results and will be rolling out the system across our other branches over the coming months’.

For further information please contact sales@app4.co.uk www.app4.co.uk

Suffolk Punch!

wooden shed is chic in its own way.

The Golden Galleon in Aldeburgh was ranked as the fourth-best place in Britain to visit if you are out on the coast by Master Chef judge and writer Grace Dent and chef Ainsley Harriet in an article in The Times.

Dent described The Golden Galleon as “the best fish and chip shop” in the Suffolk coastal town. “Which is probably a bad thing because it means as soon as its doors open there is a flood of people dying for the fish and the chips and the mushy peas. Get there early.”

The Company Shed in West Mersea was also ranked as one of the best places to eat while out visiting the coast. Dent said: “People don’t think of West Mersea as a glamorous place to go out, but this little

“Run by a family that really, really care about seafood, the fish here is fresh.They’ll be able to tell you where it came from and who caught it that morning. I had lots and lots of oysters and a brilliant seafood platter. You can eat in with a bring your own bottle or do what we did and get a takeaway to eat in the car.”

Also, just over the border in Norfolk Docwra’s Chip Stall in Great Yarmouth was also ranked as one of the best places to get some food.

Harriet said: “After an afternoon spent in the penny arcades, cross the road and go into the market, where you’ll find Dawn, who runs Docwra’s chippy. She serves up Great Yarmouth’s best chips.”

“The secret? They’re fried in beef dripping.”

Where are the best chip shops in your area? Email austen@chippychat.co.uk

A Suffolk fish and chip shop was last year ranked as one of the best places to eat on the coast.

FishFabulous Roe Fritters

MAKE A DIFFERENCE. CHOOSE GUARANTEED SUSTAINABLE FISH.

Please contact your local distributor/ supplier for further information.

The Green Party!

Kismet Kebabs Launch New Vegan Kebab!

Over the past decade, there has become an undeniable shift towards Vegan and Plant-based foods. Traditional food lifestyles are being challenged and consumers are now on the search for new and healthy meat free alternatives.

History Meets Innovation

UK-based kebab supplier Kismet Kebabs Ltd and thousands of other food outlets have chosen to embrace the change in lifestyle. By combining their high quality and successful product development, now everyone can enjoy delicious kebabs no matter your lifestyle choice.

Not only are Kismet developing meat free alternatives, but through innovative developments, they are making positive contributions towards sustainability and aiding towards building a more environmentally friendly world.

As the UK’s best Kebab Supplier, Kismet continually strives for excellence and focuses their efforts in ensuring that their products cater for all. In addition

to their extensive range of kebabs, they are offering a wide variety of meat free options including their NEW Vegan PreCooked Kebabs.

Kismet Kebabs are also proud to announce that our Kismet Vegan Precooked & Sliced Kebab is now officially registered and certified with the Vegan Society.

Join The Kismet Plant-based Revolution. Kismet Kebabs NEW Vegan & Plant Based Range includes:

• Kismet Vegan Pre-cooked & Sliced Kebab

• Kismet Plant-Based Kebab

• Kismet Plant-Based Anatolian Chick*n Gyros strips

• Kismet Plant-Based Plain Chick*n Gyros strips

Optimise your Vegan or Plant-Based menu with Kismet by visiting: www.kismetkebabs.co.uk or alternatively contact your local distributor for further information

Fryday I’m in Love!

National Fish & Chip Day is Back – with 2 NEW Joint Headline Sponsors!

As founders of National Fish & Chip Day, the National Edible Oil Distributors Association (NEODA) is delighted to announce two new joint headline sponsors for the campaign which happens this year on Friday June 2nd.

The Q Partnership, made up of 3 family wholesalers, comprising of Friars Pride, Henry Colbeck and V A Whitley who are major national suppliers to the trade, and Middleton Foods, a leading producer and supplier of loved and trusted batter mixes, sauces and breadings.

The Q Partnership and Middleton Foods have always been keen supporters of the event because they have seen first-hand how valuable the day is for this well-loved and incredible sector. Indeed, in the past, some shops have reported that National Fish & Chip Day is their most successful trading day of the year, even superseding that traditional fish-eating day Good Friday! The shops who take part really do go all-out and put on some excellent events, using their social media streams very effectively and generally enjoying and celebrating the day!

Shops have seen that it doesn’t have to cost them anything and that with just a little imagination they can generate enormous results, not just on the day, but in the weeks and months afterwards.

Ryan Baker, Sales Manager for The Middleton Group said they are extremely proud to be joint headline sponsor for this years’ National Fish & Chip Day. “We have always seen the day as a fabulous way

to showcase the amazing product the Fish & Chip industry has and the special people that work so hard to produce it. Now, more than ever, we want to do all we can to help everyone get as much out of the day as possible and to attract new customers to the Nation’s best takeaway.”

Georgina Colbeck (on behalf of The Q Partnership) said “Our 3 family businesses have jointly been supplying Fish & Chip shops across the UK for a combined total of almost 300 years and supporting the industry is in our blood and it’s our passion – to us it’s personal. We know how challenging the past few years have been for everyone, so we are putting extra support in to be joint headline sponsors for National Fish & Chip Day. We also want to champion Team Fish & Chips throughout the year to drive footfall and raise awareness of the fantastic food that our industry is producing, especially amongst the younger generation. We’re family businesses supporting family businesses feeding the nations’ families.”

In 2022, more than half the population would have seen, heard or read about National Fish & Chip Day and it was featured on or in national and regional TV, radio, newspapers, magazines and across the internet from dawn until late in the day -as well as trending on Twitter from 8am. Fish & Chip roadshows were held in London, Cambridge, Wales and Scotland where members of the public enjoyed free Fish & Chips throughout the day.

Visit www.nationalfishandchipday.org. uk to find out more.

In our next edition we will give you over 50 ideas for National Fish & Chip Day! Let us know what you are doing email austen@chippychat.co.uk

By Austen Dack 2023

What’s Cooking? The chippy show returned to Harrogate for 2023 and was better than ever! Over 70 exhibitors turned up to the Yorkshire Event Centre recently to showcase their products and services to Henry Colbeck customers and the Fish & Chip Industry as a whole.

Customers attending What’s Cooking? 2023 where treated to a range of food samples, entertainment and advice from industry leaders during the daylong event as well as it being a great opportunity for networking and support. My favourite had to be the gigantic stilt walkers, Big Foot from McWhinneys and a FREE ice cream for all visitors from the van outside!

Suppliers for packaging, oils & fats, frozen at sea fish, equipment, frying ranges and frozen foods flocked in from across the UK and Europe to attend this trade show. The event was well attended by customers from across the Colbeck trading area as well as attracting interest from potential new customers and suppliers. The Sunday Kitchen was a brilliant addition to the show, it featured

top friers giving tips and frying from across the UK including David Miller, Dan Harding and new UK champion Geoff Whitehead.

Here at Chippy Chat & Isle of Ely Produce, we were once again out in force this time sampling the Agrico chipping variety Babylon to the thousands who turned out on the day. We were ably assisted by PG Chips who can supply fresh pre-cut chips to shops across the middle and upper areas of England. Duncrue were frying Babylon pre cut samples all day and the reaction from the event was very good indeed!

Isle of Ely Produce have been promoting a Chip Ambassador role to promote the great British Chip in association with Agrico. The aim will be to carry on and extend the good work promoting chipping potatoes at their hugely successful open days, and through the ‘Field to Frier’ award.

The Chip Ambassadors have become part of an UK wide group of shop owners and fryers who will promote best practice for potato buying, storing, and of course

frying. The chain will also include key growers too like PJ Lee & Sons, and A. L. Lee Farming Company, as IOE looks to nurture the relationships they have grown across the whole supply chain over the last forty years.

Oliver Boutwood Isle of Ely Produce Director said. “It was great for us to be at What’s Cooking in Harrogate trialling Babylon via PG Chips. It is important for shops all over the UK to try for us to get the results we need for the trial.”

Alex Moore National Sales Manager for Agrico says: “It is nice to see Babylon going on tour and be tried by so many shops. We were very happy to see the variety tried across the UK and get the same positive results.”

Here at Chippy Chat we would like to send a massive thanks to all H Colbecks staff and management for putting on a great show in their 130th year!

If you would like to try Babylon and become a chip ambassador, please email austen@chippychat.co.uk www.precutchips.co.uk

Indescrikebably Good!

British Kebab Awards – 2023 All Winners

Best Value Restaurant

Winner: Alacati Grill

68 High St, Daventry NN11 4HU

Customer Satisfaction

Winner: La’De Kitchen Pangbourne

3-5 Reading Rd, Pangbourne, Reading RG8 7LR

Fine Dining Restaurant

Winner: Paparazzi

69 High St, Maldon CM9 5EP

Winner: Dem Shish Restaurant and Cocktail Bar

85-87 South St, Eastbourne BN21 4LR

Best Kebab House in Northern Ireland

Winner: The Sphinx

74 Stranmillis Rd, Belfast BT9 5AD

Best Kebab House in Scotland

Winner: Shawarma King

113 King St, Glasgow, G1 5RB

Best Kebab House in Wales

Winner: Wales Kebab

17 Thomas St, Caerphilly, CF83 4AU

Best Kebab Restaurant in North and West

London

Winner: Divan Restaurant Ocakbasi

163 Ballards Lane Finchley, N3 1LJ

Best Kebab Restaurant in South and East London

Winner: Cyrpus Mangal

45 Warwick Way, London, SW1V 1QS

Best Kebab Restaurant Regional

Winner: Pasha Turkish Restaurant

3 Bedford Hill, London SW12 9ET

Best Newcomer Restaurant in London/ Outside London

Winner: Cappadocia Restaurant Epsom 96-98

High St, Epsom KT19 8BJ

Winner: Kaya Meze Bar

106 High St, Rochester ME1 1JT

Winner: Anar Turkish BBQ Restaurant

130 Prescot Rd, Fairfield, Liverpool L7 0JB

Best Takeaway in London

Winner: Kervan Saray

66 Masefield Cres, Romford RM3 7PB

Best Takeaway Regional

Winner: Zem Kebab

185 Amersham Rd, High Wycombe HP13 5AE

Winner: Irmak BBQ Dunstable

220 High St N, Dunstable LU6 1AU

Kebab Van of the Year

Winner: Gourmet Kebab

105 Cambridge Rd, Papworth Everard CB23 3PD Caxton

Just Eat Best Delivery

Winner: Millennium Pizzas & Grill

39-41 Midland Rd, Wellingborough NN8 1HF

Best Greek Restaurant

Winner: Fig Tree Grill

34, The Broadway, Potters Bar EN6 2HW

Best Lebanese Restaurant

Winner: Beit El Zaytoun

15-17 Barretts Green Rd, London NW10 7AE

Chef of the Year

Winner: Kemal Coskuncay

Private delicacies ltd

Special Award: Fatma Gungor

Fatma’s Kitchen

60 The Broadway, Haywards Heath, RH16 3AL

Supplier and Manufacturer Award

Winner: AVANT Natural Mineral Water (Navson Limited)

Monarch House Surrey, TW20 8RY

Jewish News Best Kosher Shawarma restaurant and/or takeaway

Winner: Reubens Restaurant

79 Baker Street, London W1U 6RG

Best Vegan Kebab Restaurant or Takeaway

Winner: Beelzebab

The Hope & Ruin, 11-12 Queens Rd, Brighton BN1 3WA

Director’s Award

Winner: Cafe Istanbul

79-81 Bridge St, Manchester M3 2RH

Winner: EG Charcoal Grill

6 Railway Approach, East Grinstead RH19 1BP

Our Quality Team

product range to ensure it meets the needs of professional fast-food establishments. You can count on T. Quality to supply all your needs, whether you offer fish and chips, pizza, kebabs, chicken, or more.

Why choose T.Quality

Quality service, quality customer care, and quality products.

Our Regional Sales Managers and Business Development Managers are here to help you! Gain advice from our team of experts who can guide you on all the products we sell together with what the latest trends are within the trade and what may work for you and your business.

Request a visit

T.Quality is your total foodservice solution

All aspects of foodservice are our passion, and we are committed to providing our customers with the highest level of service. We have carefully developed our extensive fish and chip and fast-food

Did you know: You can scan your rep’s VCard with your camera or QR code reader and their details will automatically be added to your phone

Our team are happy to meet with you to discuss menu options, product queries and lots more.

We will be happy to set up a meeting with you to provide you with industry knowledge and advice to. Please contact your designated team member using the contact information to the right.

NATIONWIDE COVERAGE

Come to us or we will come to you, we have 12 T.Quality branches nationwide!

Avonmouth - Birmingham - Bovey Tracey - Bridlington

Darlington - Glasgow - Leeds - Peterborough - Portsmouth

Staplehurst - Swansea - Swindon

Meet Our Team

Derek Dews Senior Regional Sales Manager for Scotland and the North of England

T: 07769 933002

E: Derek.Dews@tquality.co.uk

Scan my VCard

Mladen Vlaisvaljevic Senior Regional Sales Manager for the South of England

T: 07774 468599

E: Mladen.Vlaisavljevic@tquality.co.uk

Scan my VCard

Martin Clarke New Key Business Development Manager for the UK T: 07706350222

E: martin.clarke@tquality.co.uk

Scan my VCard

Andy Charlesworth Regional Sales Manager for the South of England

T: 07825 101068

E: andy.charlesworth@tquality.co.uk

Scan my VCard

Neil Shipley

Regional Sales Manager for the North East of England and Humberside

T: 07774 623849

E: NeilS@tquality.co.uk

Scan my VCard

Beverley Maden Regional Sales Manager for the Midlands

T: 07900 226500

E: Beverley.Maden@tquality.co.uk

Scan my VCard

Phill Chapman Regional Sales Manager for the South West of England

T: 07909 997705

E: Phillip.Chapman@tquality.co.uk

Scan my VCard

Colin Baff Business Development Manager for Edinburgh and the East of Scotland

T: 07785 272707

E: Colin.Baff@tquality.co.uk

Scan my VCard

Jimmy Ferguson Business Development Manager for Glasgow and the West of Scotland T: 07522 539954

E: jimmy.ferguson@tquality.co.uk

Scan my VCard

Stephen Monks BusinessDevelopmentManagerforthe North West, Cumbria & the Lake District T: 07706 356848

E: stephen.monks@tquality.co.uk

Scan my VCard

Andy Wilson Customer Development Manager for the North of England (Fast Food)

T: 07748 622458

E: Andy.Wilson@tquality.co.uk

Scan my VCard

Best in Show!

crop grown to keep everybody happy next season!

By Terry Jones

Meijer Potato UK recently made their second appearance at one of the biggest annual shows for the fish and chip shop trade – FRY IT 2023 held at the Peterborough Showground. It was again a prime opportunity for us to engage with the vital link in the food industry chain, the end producers. For all the time spent on variety development, and our dedicated growers producing seed and ware potatoes, if the crop we produce doesn’t work in the fryer – it’s just not worth it!

After our first time showing at FRY IT in 2022 we were very pleased with the feedback from shops who took away a number of our samples to test in their own shops. So we had to repeat the process and go large! Courtesy of Shropshire based fresh veg processors BEA FRESH, we came armed with a car boot full of fantastic fresh cut chips, almost a quarter of a tonne! We gave many of those away to shops on the days, and we hope they were enjoyed. If you can, please get in touch to let us know what you thought of them as your information is vital to our process as we strive to bring the best varieties to the market.

It was amazing to hear once again of the love for our established storage potato Lady Anna. Even in such a difficult storage season they are keeping and frying well, we’re pleased to report that even more growers are on board this year so there will hopefully be enough

The samples we used on the day (we cooked over 250 samples for you to taste) were our exciting new variety Lady Jane. Bred as a cross with established premium variety Agria, it provides all the same qualities in taste texture and fry appearance, but also offers growers advantages in terms of disease resistance, storability and reduced use of fertilisers and spray chemicals.

Feedback on the chips was so good that we ended the day with 5 other stands at the show taking samples and also cooking Lady Jane to complement their own products – high praise from other experts in the trade!

We hope everyone enjoyed the taste of the Meijer Potato range. Many thanks to Friars Pride for having us at the event, and to everyone who took the time to stop and chat, taste our chips and offer vital feedback.

We look forward to seeing you all again at FRY IT 2024!

Meijer attends FRY IT 2023

We are passionate about potatoes and their potential

Great taste, less waste, premium fries

A whiter fry with dry matter to extend that new season feeling

The NFFF Fish & Chip Awards were a fantastic success. Held in February 2023 they were a culmination of many moths of hard work by the awards committee. Here are more pictures taken in and around those magical few days in London. The 2024 NFFF National Fish & Chip Awards will open soon.

Lomas Potatoes

FREE Chippy Industry

Isle of Ely Produce and Chippy Chat are once again opening their doors to chip shop owners and managers on Sunday September 10th 2023! It is one of the FREE industry events of the year. The event starts at 9.30 am at our farm in Ely, Cambridgeshire with a coffee and a chance to talk to industry colleagues. It is invaluable, not only do chip shop owners and staff find out first-hand how the potato crop is faring for 2023/24, but they also get an idea about predicted cost and quality of the crop for the year ahead.

Add to that lots of key suppliers will be sponsoring/ attending on the day. In 2022 they included Pukka Pies, Middleton Foods, Premier 1 Filtration, TQuality, Drywite, Friars Pride, Preoday (Qikserve), Agrico, McWhinney, Seafood from Norway, BD Signs, Meijer Potato UK, Panaepos, Smales, PJ Lee & Sons, HZPC, JFK, Farm Electronics, Blakemans, Frymax & more.

You will watch presentations

on our giant AV, with full staging, from award winning fish and chip shop owners, giving you valuable advice for your shop. Guest speakers for our 2022 event included NFFF President Andrew Crook, Sarah Heward from the Real Food Café, Kaylee Frost from Harlees Fish & Chips, Nick and David MIller from Millers, Josette Foster from Fish and Chips at Weston Grove plus more.

Please email austen@ chippychat.co.uk if you would like to be a sponsor and/or exhibit on the day.

We will also have Oliver Boutwood back with his Q&A sessions, plus the chance for you to try Babylon, a new chipping variety from Agrico, and lots of samples and freebies too. It’s the FREE industry event not to miss! The event is suitable for all levels of management and also young friers too. Maximum of 3 tickets per shop. FREE refreshments will also be served. Order your tickets at www.eventbrite.co.uk, and search for Isle of Ely Produce

Open Day - Come and join us!

In 2022 over 50 people stayed in Ely too for an evening meal and drinks. A chance for you all to sit and relax with industry peers. Please let us know if you intend to stay email austen@chippychat.co.uk, and we will add you to the list for the restaurant and send you hotel choices (if staying).

Enjoy the Day

Austen Dack - Chippy Chat Publishing Editor

Our Sponsors

Producing Quality Cambridgeshire Potatoes

Maris Piper - Markies - Divaa - Agria

Producing Quality Cambridgeshire Potatoes

Our strength is continuity of supply

Maris Piper- Markies – Agria – Challenger – Sagitta

Call your local wholesaler today

Our strength is continuity of supply

‘Potatoes grown with passion for the more discerning customer’

Contact Isle of Ely Produce, and ask for 00!

Frier’s Pride!

By Hasan Uzunsakal

As the owner of Micky’s Chippy in Hackney, I’m proud to serve my community with fresh, sensibly priced fish and chips. I have a special connection to the area, having grown up in Highbury New Park and worked as a paperboy in Hackney from a young age. The sounds, smells, and diverse community of Hackney have always held a special place in my heart, and I knew that I wanted to own a business there someday.

After working for my family’s coffee shop for 13 years, I longed for independence and

the opportunity to put my own skills into action. I looked for my first opportunity in the roads I knew as a child, in other words straight to Micky’s Chippy because watching their early morning deliveries of fish and potatoes always stayed with me on my paper run, as did the after-school chips smothered in salt and vinegar… need I say more! Sadly, I was disappointed when I initially couldn’t purchase the shop but I continued my journey, working in a reputable restaurant for another five years.

Opportunity presented itself once again

when I was taking my son to a football session near Micky’s Chippy. He asked for a portion of chips, and I couldn’t resist the delicious smell from the shop, so I was pleasantly surprised to find the original owners still there. They informed me that the sale fell through with the other buyers, and they were now willing to sell to me.

Taking over Micky’s Chippy in 2017 was a privilege, and it’s been an honour to continue its legacy as an awardwinning shop. It had been awarded Best Fish and Chip shop in Hackney in 2006, 2007, 2009 by the Good Eating Guide and while under my management I was awarded the same achievement in 2021 and have doubled the takings within 18 months of running it. So here is my theory of running a good fish and chip shop business, and this is no means definitive, nor conclusive, it’s just my experience that has brought me here.

For starters, I put my heart and soul into every freshly sliced cod and haddock and am passionate about the potatoes that I source. I use the best batter and vinegar known to our industry. But beyond the

quality of our food, I’m committed to sustainability. I source sustainable fish from accredited suppliers, ensuring that I’m not contributing to overfishing or harming the environment. Additionally, I filter my oil to ensure it’s clean and healthy so it can be recycled for other usage. I recycle all our paper bags and cardboard boxes too. All of our disposables are wooden cutlery, which aligns with our zero-plastic policy. Doing all the above and ensuring we uphold our community reputation for good customer service and our 5-star hygiene rating too.

Running a fish and chip shop is hard work. It’s long hours, hot oil, and a neverending stream of customers. But it’s also one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. To be a part of this community, to serve them the food they love, that’s what makes it all worthwhile.

So, if you’re ever in Hackney, come visit us here at Micky’s Chippy. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Would you like to feature your shop in Chippy Chat? Email austen@chippychat. co.uk