Fish and chip shop operators are always searching for inspiration to help drive footfall within their outlet and increase revenue by making fish and chips relevant all week, every week. Offering options that relate to all dayparts besides dinner, such as more portable snacks and on-the-go options is vital in driving the increased footfall that QSR operators are looking for.
Developed specifically for the UK market, Dinaclass offers an extensive range of curry mixes that include with something to suit every consumer need and flavour preference. As an ideal addon to fish and chips, chicken, pies and loaded chips, Dinaclass curries and gravies enable operators to add extra value to every order and the success of this range is testament to Dinaclass’ excellent quality and popularity within fish and chip shops.
Extremely reliable and easy to use, Dinaclass curry sauce mixes are carefully blended from quality ingredients to create unique mouth-watering tastes, textures and spice blends from a classic mild Curry Sauce Mix featuring juicy sultanas to the hot and spicy aftertaste of Irish Curry Sauce.
Dinaclass’ Irish Curry sauce has seen a surge in popularity among younger consumers looking for a hotter option that offers both the classic flavour of an Irish Curry Sauce alongside a stronger spice level than the milder sauce. The Dinaclass range also includes a gently spiced Vegetarian Curry Sauce Mix,
approved by the Vegetarian Society, and a Gluten-Free Curry Sauce, ensuring there is a curry option that appeals to a broader range of consumer needs.
The range doesn’t stop at curry sauce, with Dinaclass Gravy delivering simplicity and quality to operators, as well as great taste for consumers. Gravy is a particularly popular chip accompaniment in the North of the UK and close to a quarter of Northerners order gravy to pour over their fish and chips.
All of the Dinaclass sauces is available in a powdered format, easily mixed and prepared ahead of a busy service. With simple to follow measurements and ratios, the Dinaclass powders can be stirred with water, brought to the boil and simmered in just a few minutes.
Dinaclass sauces can be transferred to a bain marie and swiftly served up so that no consumer is left waiting – the perfect option to prepare ahead of a busy shop opening or for fast results mid-service.
For outlets without a bain marie or for lower-volume outlets, individual pots of Dinaclass Microwave Curry can be prepared, refrigerated, and microwaved as needed and is perfect to have in reserve in case your standard curry mix runs out.
Dinaclass is committed to helping QSR businesses nationwide maximise their menu potential and boost profits.
This month we bring you even more pictures from our open day. The comments we have received are very kind and makes us even more determined to make it even bigger next year. It was so good to see so many of you at the Isle of Ely Produce/ Chippy Chat Open Day last month. There are problems for us all at the moment, but shops came away with over 50 ideas of how to help. I must send a massive thanks to all speakers on the day, and of course the many
suppliers from across the industry who sponsored the event. We are already looking at open day 2023, and have pencilled in 10/09/23 as the date for your diaries. This month we look at the world of sauces and sausages as part of our monthly features. Thanks to all contributors.
you have some news or would like to be featured please email me austen@chippychat.co.uk
Thanks. Austen
Line of Duty actor Daniel Mays
North Norfolk coastal fish and chip shop
Norfolk fish and chip shop had a brush with celebrity when it received a visit from actor Daniel Mays.
Mays starred in Series 3 of BBC drama
Line of Duty as Sergeant Danny Waldron, an armed response officer whose troubled and abusive childhood comes under investigation as part of wider investigation of police corruption throughout the serial. He was nominated for a BAFTA Television Award for Supporting Actor for his role. He also starred as lead investigator Detective Chief Inspector Peter Jay in the three-part television drama miniseries Des, about the 1983 arrest of Scottish serial killer Dennis Nilsen.
Platten’s Fish and Chip shop in Wells was visited by Mays and his family during a staycation in the county. Jonah Goswell was working at the time and said the actor, who has also starred in the film 1917, ordered scampi and chips. The 16-year-old said: “They just sat there like a normal family eating their fish and chips.
“We didn’t want to bother them too much, but once they had finished, I went and got a photo with him. I just spoke about Line of Duty asked him about his career. He was really nice. They said they really enjoyed their food.”
Mays also revealed on his Instagram that he had been staying at The Harper Hotel in Langham.
He wrote: “Thank you to all the wonderful staff The Harper Hotel for an unforgettable few days.
Have you had anyone famous eating in your shop? Email austen@chippychat.co.uk
6-12 March 2023
1-31 January 2023
Veganuary is an annual challenge run by a UK nonprofit organisation that promotes and educates about veganism by encouraging people to follow a vegan lifestyle for the month of January.
19 January 2023 Innovations 2023
Veganuary is an annual challenge run by a UK nonprofit organisation that promotes and educates about veganism by encouraging people to follow a vegan lifestyle for the month of January.
February 2023
The ceremony for the National Fish and Chip Awards 2023 will take place on the 28th of February 2023, at the Park Plaza in Westminster. Good Luck to all finalists.
5 March 2023
Friars Pride annual show returns to the Peterborough Showground in 2023. With lots of new ideas and fantastic stand holders it will be one of the industry events of the year.
Pie Week falls in the first week of March. Pies have been in existence since about 2000 B.C. and have been loved by the British since the 12th century.
26 March 2023
What’s Cooking 2023 Henry Colbecks annual fish and chips exhibition for fish and chip shops, takeaways, fast food outlets, caterers, hospitality and more. Harrogate.
May 15 – 21 May 2023 National Vegetarian Week
National Vegetarian Week is run by the Vegetarian Society, a UK charity.
June date to be confirmed
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.
3 – 9 July 2023
Yes Peas! is continuing its mission to inspire everyone to cook and eat peas.
Keep up to date with trade events by visiting www.chippychat.co.uk and clicking on events. If you’re organising an event and would like to send us details so that we might mention it here and/or on the Chippy Chat website email your details to - austen@chippychat.co.uk
A fish and chip shop in Salisbury plans to add cheaper alternatives to its menu to help customers through the cost-of-living crisis
Britz Fish and Chips, which has served Salisbury since 2004, has been hit by the crisis but is weighing up options to keep customers.
Helen Houghton, 56, director of both Britz in Salisbury and Swindon, said the cost of cod has increased by “40 per cent”, adding: “We can’t pass that cost onto a customer. “We’ve made cuts here and there on the rota but we’ve noticed that if there’s a queue of people we’ll lose customers that way.”
Mrs Houghton said the current cost of cod and chips is “about £7.50”, and she wants to keep this under £10 because Britz is “part of a community”.
To keep prices reasonable, Mrs Houghton is sampling cheaper fish, such as coley. She added: “Never in all the years I’ve been in this industry did I think I would have to do this.
“We’d add the cheaper option to our menu and carry-on selling cod too.”
Plans are also in place to add a plantbased alternative in a bid to attract more customers to Britz.
Earlier this week suppliers warned that the numerous heatwaves this summer has hit UK potato crops and prices are expected to rise this month.
The cost of some fish products rose by 20p earlier in the year and Mrs Houghton said she’s seen “a small drop in customers”, adding: “Even though our turnover hasn’t dropped massively, because everything has gone up in price, we’re worse off.”
Previously, a 12.5kg block of oil cost £22. Mrs Houghton said it now costs her £28 and she’s still working out how increased gas and electricity bills will impact the business.
Mrs Houghton is “looking after” staff who have bills and rent to pay by prioritising them on shifts at Britz. Teenagers and weekend staff are still scheduled to work busy shifts. “The team work really hard to serve as quickly as possible but they can only do so much.”
cost
living
Enclosed with the NOVEMBER edition of Chippy Chat we are giving you all a FREE 2023 YEAR PLANNER. It is the perfect way of keeping tabs on deliveries, staff rotas and holidays and even writing down the key dates for your business over the coming 12 months, like National Fish & Chip Day, Pie Week and of course the Isle of Ely Produce Open Day.
The Class of ’22 number around 10,500 Fish and Chip shops in the UK. The last few years have proved difficult with increasing competition, Covid restrictions and inflation in energy and food prices. Nevertheless, many in the industry have proved resilient with new initiatives to increase access and distribution. Fish and Chips still remain the Nation’s favourite meal and exceptionally good value.
Frymax remains the brand leading cooking oil in the UK, a title it has now held for over 65 years. Why ? Because we have been producing the same product without additions and modifications for all this time resulting in the same delicious results. Frymax is pure white premium palm which is additive free, contains no hydrogenated oil and less than one percent trans fats. As befits the brand leader, Frymax has recognised the need for economic fairness and is sourced from approved, certified production units and is 100% sustainable and traceable.
fish and chip shop opened this season in one of Westonsuper-Mare’s prime locations. No. 1 Fish and Chips has been launched by the Hayer and Kyriacou family, taking the place of the former Famous Harry’s and Maddisons Pub building at Marine Parade.
Having previously owned two chippys in the town, in Worle and near Priory School, Glen Hayer and his father, Ranj, are now embarking on a new adventure with the new venue, in the bustling hub of one of Weston’s tourism hotspots.
The venue, opposite the Grand Pier, has the option of either eating in or takeaway, with an upstairs area and sky terrace too.
The views from the building stretch from Knightstone harbour to Brean down, and it sits in the shadow of the Grand Pier. Glenn told Somerset Live: “My dad and my uncle have been in retail for over thirty years, having owned the Hayer convenience stores across the town. We have also previously owned a small number of other chip shops, one of which we have sold.
“My mum already owns scoops - which is the ice cream shops next door, so it is a great opportunity for us. The menu is simplistic, it will serve all the basic food that you’d expect to find at a seaside fish and chip shop. We have had a couple of soft openings for family and friends, but the shop will opened to the public in the spring”.
In the Summer No. 1 Fish and Chips
enjoyed a huge surge in hungry tourists, but the incoming SEE Monster attraction estimated to attract over 200,000 to Weston throughout the summer season was delayed to September. The flagship art installation will see a retired North Sea Rigging Platform reborn on the seafront, with thousands expected to visit from across the country.
George Kyriacou, who is helping run the store, said: “We are running the store as a dine-in and takeaway at no extra cost. The views stretch right across the bay, all the way down to Knightstone Harbour. We really are, in terms of position, in a great location.”
The original opening of February 2022 was pushed back slightly, but now the new chippy has opened to offer a wider variety of original fish and chip shops in Weston - joining the likes of Papa’s and Winston’s which have grown to be so successful.
you opening a new coastal shop?
Foods have created a range of products that would excite the customers and help shops to maximise the profits from the consumer. Their range of new sauces are designed to appeal to a wide range of customer ages and tastes and have proved to be extremely well received by the industry.
Chippies Choice Curry - New packaging. This is Middleton’s traditional chip shop style textures sauce, with a combination of classic spices with a subtle tomato flavour with a mild heat. Middleton’s have updated the packaging, switching from a plastic tub to a bag and reducing the packaging weight by 88%, saving on space and recycling.
A powerful blend of Oriental spices, garlic and chilli combined to create an authentic tasting curry sauce which has a deep rich colour. Golden Dragon is ideal as an accompaniment but also as the base for chicken, beef or vegetarian curry. Area Sales Manager Nigel Ramsay said ‘ The Golden Dragon has proven to be very popular with my customers. It’s an easy product to cook and it holds really well in the bain marie. At the moment, shops seem to be looking for alternative products and samples are available if they want to try this one’
Middleton’s already have much loved ‘Chippies Choice’ gravy but the Langton’s is a wonderful alternative. Lighter in colour but with a rich roast flavour, Langton’s Traditional is a great tasting authentic gravy. It is ideal for take-away and restaurant servings. Middleton’s have
also put the profit margin of the customer as a priority with this gravy. The product has an excellent yield and again, samples and product demonstrations are available from our network of Area Sales Managers.
Middleton’s Gluten Free Curry and Gravy - Chippies Choice and Smooth & Spicy
There is a growing demand for quality gluten free curry and gravy products within the Fish & Chip trade. These products are made in Middleton’s stand-alone gluten free factory and are suitable for those looking for a specific gluten free option on the menu.
For the fish fryer, this development not only means additional peace of mind that the products they are buying are 100% gluten free, but it also created a wider range of products to choose from. Ryan Baker Sales Manager, Middleton Foods comments: “As a company we are committed to developing a whole range of gluten free products, with new products being developed all the time”.
Middleton Foods are proud of their products but even more so of their industry leading sales team. With six knowledgeable and experienced Area Sales Managers covering the whole Country, they are always on hand for free product demonstrations, frying training and samples so contact Middleton’s to arrange your visit today.
Wehave over 15 years’ experience in the workwear and uniforms industry, embroidering and printing garments to a diverse range of customers throughout the UK.
Corporate Clothing Services was set up to offer the smaller business the opportunity to portray the same corporate image as his larger competitor. Although initially specialising in clothing for the catering & hospitality industry we have diversified to offer our services to a broad spectrum of businesses.
Corporate Clothing are also proud to offer a new mobile showroom facility fully stocked with over 200 industry specific garments where customers are welcome to discuss their requirements at a place or time convenient to them!
With state-of-the-art facilities and fully qualified staff, we can offer a professional service to your businesses.
We supply a wide range of clothing that can be tailored to customer requirements and can help to keep costs to a minimum. The products we choose feature a choice of colours and sizes, making them suitable for customers to use at work.
We try and get all jobs done within 7 – 10 days but in some cases can offer a 72-hour service. We work with a wide
range of companies and are always resourcing new products to ensure that our customers are always at the forefront when dressed for work.
At Corporate Clothing, we try and take the inconvenience out of ordering repeat staff uniforms and that is why we have introduced an online Customer Portal designed for every client, big or small. Each portal will have a list of your regular ordered garments, prices and any ordering notes.
If you are feeling the squeeze but would like to kit out your business with quality merchandise all you have to do is to pick a product from each section and all you pay is just £99.95. Call us if you need larger quantities.
good value with the amount of sauce they contain. Cod & Chips is our best seller people love to buy sauce to go with it”
sauces, do more than tick off condiment needs on a shopping list. Stokes is a product your customers will love, from a brand they trust, provided by a retailer that delivers their valuable shopping experience, you.
In the kitchen, the restaurant and the takeaway, put a smile on your guests’ faces by offering our products. Stokes is renowned for its ‘real food’ sauces and its belief that its high quality, delicious condiments give chips a ‘wow factor’ that encourages repeat custom. The company also prides itself on only using the best ingredients in its sauces, such as 200g of juicy, sun-ripened Italian tomatoes for every 100g of Tomato Ketchup, or British free-range eggs and luxurious Greek extra virgin olive oil in its mayonnaise.
If good food makes you happy adding Stokes will make you smile!
But don’t just take our word for it. These three fantastic shops all stock our sauces and tell us why!
Nigel Derrett of Newington Fish Bar, Ramsgate said:
“We believe in quality and taste at Newington Fish Bar which is why Stokes sauces work well for our business. The sachets offer good value with the amount of sauce they contain. The Quality accreditation has been held by us since 1997. We use the best quality items in our shop and Stokes Sauces falls into that remit. We believe Stokes Sachets offer
Alan Cooney from Aldeburgh Fish and Chips said:
“Stokes sauces have become our favourite. The fact that they are local is also a big bonus. Their ethos of quality aligns with ours and we are proud to serve them alongside our menu. Stokes offer some great flavour profiles and are all made in the UK. Our customers are often impressed at how big the sachets are. We think by adding your squeezy bottle range we have also added to the quality of our products and service too.” Richard Long at Harlees (Director) said:
“Stokes sauces are a high end, British family run business with values aligning to our own. Their sauces are full of flavour, served in well-designed packaging, which enhances the sauces appeal to our customers. When choosing Stokes the most important things to us are
a. The flavour profiles.
b. Being produced in the UK.
c. The commitment to good environmental manufacturing processes.
d. High-end brand profile, quality packing
A is the most important factor to me, the flavour of the sauces is amazing, putting other top brands to shame.”
For more information on Stokes, visit www.stokessauces.co.uk or contact us on 01394 462150.
Stracey’s Fish & Chips are looking for a manager/ fryer to join and grow our family business.
on the outskirts of the picturesque Dorset town of Weymouth, our shop has been in the current ownership for the last 12 years, although under the previous family ownership, fish and chips have been sold at the premises since the 1970’s.
We have a 5-star food standards agency rating which we have maintained since the beginning together with a good reputation for quality fish and chips.
Being situated in a popular holiday destination, we benefit from a very busy holiday season and look forward to a wellearned quiet period as the winter season approaches. During the summer period, the majority of our customers are holiday makers from all over the country who may visit us three or four times during a week’s stay but unlike many ‘village’ shops who enjoy the same customers on the same day at the same time and often having the same meal, our customer base comes thick and fast which provides a number of challenges. With the vast menu that even a simple fish and chip shop now has to offer, multi-tasking is essential and managing a steady status
quo throughout the shift ensuring both customers and staff are happy as well as maintaining a high standard is a skill in itself and one which cannot be done by social media!
Our aim is simple; to provide great fish and chips that our customers will remember. In order to achieve this, using good quality produce and the right equipment is simply not enough as it always comes down to the passion behind the range.
We are not just looking for a manager who can cook but someone who will join the business and work together to grow and prosper whilst maintaining high standards.
In return, a good package with accommodation and a business share incentive scheme will be available to the right candidate.
If you are interested and would like more information, please contact Glenn Stracey
email.
87% of diners agree sustainable fish is important to them, but only one quarter know what to look for when visiting their local fish & chip shop.
Serve Seafood from Norway cod and haddock to give your customers confidence that they are choosing delicious protein from a country that takes great pride in its fishing methods and rich heritage delivering superior quality and sustainability credentials.
Cold Clear Waters
World’s Largest Cod Stocks
Fresh from Pure Waters
Pioneering Stock Management seafoodfromnorway.co.uk
Origin Matters.
Runningfor 33 years, Save + Select is the industry’s longest established customer loyalty scheme, where points really do add up and every point is a step closer to a huge range of rewards.
With many products earning Save + Select points at the point of purchase, and enhanced point promotions running throughout the year, even just 250 Save + Select points equates to £10.00 worth of rewards, and there are so many rewards to choose from!
Customers can select either Love2Shop, Amazon or Sainsbury’s gift cards or Love2Shop e-Gift codes, where the rewards can be redeemed at over 20,000 locations.
The gift cards are accepted in restaurants, across the travel and hospitality sectors and at many attractions. They can be used to buy experiences or spent on practical purchases at Sainsbury’s supermarkets and at Sainsbury’s fuel stations.
Love2Shop is the UK’s leading multi-retailer gift provider, bringing the high street to the doorstep with access to 1,000’s of the UK’s
Check them out here:
E-Gift Cards: love2shop.co.uk/COMMON/ pdfs/love2shop-e-gift-cards-where-tospend.pdf
Gift Cards: appreciate.co.uk/where-tospend-love2shop-gift-cards/
In recognition of customers’ business needs, the scheme also offers the option to redeem their points to spend with the Q partnership partners, where these can be used to buy all manner of goods, from everyday staples to new equipment.
The scheme offers further flexibility by allowing customers to split the rewards they have earned, meaning these can be given to staff to reward them too!
Henry Colbeck’s Marketing Manager Louise Bebbington commented; “Save + Select is designed to reward our customers for their business and their loyalty. Typically, many of our customers collect points throughout the year and redeem them to help towards things like Christmas shopping. It gives them some great rewards to choose from, helping them to make Christmas as special as possible for themselves and their staff, particularly pertinent after the tough year we have all had in 2022. On behalf of the Q Partnership, I’d like to wish all our customers a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2023 – from our families to yours!”
New seaside chippy opens despite ‘price of everything’ going up
power costs surging, fish pricier than ever and hospitality staff shortages - now does not seem like the best time to open a new chippy.
But despite the challenges two north Norfolk brothers have done just that by launching Pia Fish and Chips in Sheringham’s High Street.
Alex Gokmen, 53, works with his brother Imam, 45, who also runs Nelson chippy in Holt’s High Street. Alex, who has been working in chip shops since 1991 but has not done so since his last business, in Colchester, closed in 2017, said he was ready for the challenge.
He said: “The price of everything is going up. “It’s hard work, but in the end I hope it’s going to be rewarded.”
Alex said he also plans to offer gourmet burgers, but he had not yet been able to recruit enough staff members for this.
“If anybody knows how to make a burger and wants to join the team they will be more than welcome,” he said.
Alex said they wanted to open before everything was fully in place in order to catch the end of the summer tourist season.
The shop where Pia is located used to be Sheringham Fish Bar and Kebab Delight. This takeaway was forced to shut in February after North Norfolk District Council issued it with a hygiene emergency prohibition notice.
The unit has since been refitted and has new seating, lighting and decor.
Alex said the name Pia meant ‘togetherness’ in a Kurdish dialect called Zazaki. The Gokmans are originally from Turkey, and Alex moved to the UK in 1988.
He said: “We haven’t done any advertising, but we’ve had a positive reaction so far.”
Pia is open everyday midday to 9pm. Its hours will be reduced during the colder months, but it will stay open.
Alex said: “We don’t want to leave the locals without fish and chips over winter, and I want to get involved with the community.”
Are you about to open another shop? Email austen@chippychat.co.uk
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. 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 in-built 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 chose 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 first-hand and try a Fryline range in our showroom to see the quality and performance for themselves.
On the eve of their 70th birthday, Blakemans reflect on their heritage and map out their future.
James. T. Blakemans will be celebrating their 70th birthday next year and they have been reflecting on their history, developments and planning the future of their family business.
Starting up in Staffordshire in 1953, the Blakeman family have been producing sausages and meat products that are renowned for their consistently high quality ever since. Despite the scale of the operation growing year on year and the technological advancements they’ve installed, it is their ethos of using the finest ingredients; a robust production process perfected through the generations and a heavy focus on giving great customer service that keeps their loyal customers coming back.
The company have gone from strength to strength since their humble beginnings in a converted barn to the multimillion pound, purpose built facility employing over 290 people that they have today. The size of the operation has not altered their core values however and the family are still very involved in the day to day running of the business.
As well as looking to the past and evaluating their strength in the market at present, the big birthday has offered up an opportunity to set goals for the future as well. James T Blakemans have not been strangers to investing in their company over the years and this is set to continue going forward. Having already stared work on an online ordering system and app for the convenience of their customers they are committed to concentrating their future efforts and resources on further reducing the
company’s environmental impact.
One recent completed project was the instillation of two new inline ovens in their purpose-built cooking plant. One replaced an older model with the other being an additional unit. These instillations have seen an increase in production volumes by 50% whilst simultaneously reducing energy consumption per kg produced.
It seems that Blakemans is still in full stride at 70 years young. Reflecting on the milestone anniversary Managing Director, Phillip Blakeman said: ‘Here we are, on the verge of 70 years in business and what an adventure it has been so far. It is a testament to the importance of family values that we continue to run the Blakeman business. This milestone is not something that we have achieved on our own though, a huge part of our success has been down to the people that have worked with us along the way. Thank you also to our customers and supporters for their patronage and loyalty, none of this would be possible without you. We look forward to supplying our quality products to you all for many, many more years to come.’
If you’d like to find out more about Blakemans products and services then please visit Blakemans.co.uk or speak to your local supplier.
James T. Blakeman & Co. Ltd.
Millennium Way, High Carr Business Park Newcastle - U - Lyme, Staffs ST5 7UF
Tel:
569610
Forthose of you who have not heard of us, McWhinney’s Sausages have been sizzling sausages since 1898 and during this time we have learned a thing or two about our craft. One of the core principles that we will always believe in is “Quality Matters”, we also firmly believe that quality is remembered long after price is forgotten.
Our Premium pork sausages are made using 70% prime pork and are extremely popular with takeaways, café’s & restaurants who prefer to offer consistency and quality to their customers. In the words of John Molnar, owner of The Cods Scallops (Winner of the National Fish & Chip Shop of the Year) “I would not use any other sausage in any of my takeaways”.
Kevin McWhinney, the MD of McWhinney’s Sausages is so passionate about the quality of our range that he refuses to sell any product to the public that he would not be happy serve to his own family. This gives you confidence that you are selling only the best sausages to your customers!
As the saying goes, self-praise is no praise at all, so to add some weight to our message we would also like to inform you that we have recently been awarded the title of “Pork Sausage Manufacturers of the year 2022 - Europe” at the Lux Life Food & Drink Awards. LUXlife’s awards have a merit driven approach to ensure that only the most deserving businesses and products are recognised. Their aim is to identify those most dedicated to demonstrating expertise and an unwavering commitment to excellence within their field!
Why not try McWhinney’s Sausages for yourself?
At Friar’s Pride, Henry Colbeck and VA Whitley, collectively known as the Q Partnership, we pride ourselves on choosing only the finest ingredients for our 42ND STREET food range, guaranteeing quality and consistency with every bite, ensuring your customers return time after time.
Our ORIGINAL 42ND STREET Classic Sausage is chosen by shops across the country for a reason. Produced from only quality prime cuts of pork, the Classic Sausage has been specifically developed with a meat content of 50%, to ensure fantastic flavour coupled with a succulent yet firm bite. With its unique seasoning blend this sausage is truly special and the obvious
choice, for many fish and chip shops. Available in a range of sizes, including 8s (2oz), 6s (3oz) and 4s (4oz) in 4.45kg packs.
The 42ND STREET Classic Sausage has a fantastic taste either fried or grilled and is also perfect when battered. Due to popular demand, the same unmistakeable taste of The ORIGINAL 42ND STREET Classic Sausage is also available in Gluten Free in 4s (4oz)!
Why not boost sales even further for your business by promoting 42ND STREET Classic Sausages. The Q Partnership offers free instore POS and social assets– request yours today by contacting your sales representative!
TheChippy Chat/Isle of Ely Produce open day held at the farm recently has been heralded as one of the best yet. Held in one of the companies giant state of the art potato storage sheds the day helped to tackle many of the issues effecting fish and chip shops right now. With over 50 ideas from speakers from shops from across the UK many shop owners left the day reinvigorated. Plans for our 2023 event are already well underway. Visitors got to try the latest range of Pukka Pies, taste Babylon chips (Agrico variety) and also Norwegian cod from Ramoen supplied by Smales.
The potato crop for 2022/23 looks like a very challenging one. Isle of Ely Produce can source the best available via our buyer group of farmers and merchants, so please ask your local supplier for stock delivered via Isle of Ely.
Set to be held on September 10th 2023 we are already looking for speakers and sponsors to make the event even better. If you are a supplier and would like to sponsor and attend the event please email austen@chippychat.co.uk.
Here are a few more pictures taken on the day.
Isle of Ely Produce have been promoting a new Chip Ambassador role to promote the great British Chip in association with Agrico. The aim will be to carry on the good work promoting chipping potatoes at their hugely successful open days, and through the ‘Field to Frier’ award.
The Chip Ambassadors will 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, and Legge Farms as IOE looks to nurture the relationships they have grown across the whole supply chain during the last twenty years.
Agrico have partnered with Isle of Ely Produce to bring new varieties into the trade initially via our Chip Ambassadors. Babylon has been sampled at some of these ambassadors to back up the results of their trial successes.
We have travelled to many great shops in the last couple of years trialling Babylon
including Shap Chippy, The Chip Shed in Bourton, and French’s in Wells Next to Sea. We have also been to the east coast to Henry’s to see how ‘Ed Sheeran’ fries them, plus at the Colbeck show speaking to hundreds of chip shops from their distribution area many from North of the Border! Isle of Ely have also fried them at their farm’s sample room to similar aplomb.
The overwhelming result of all of this testing is Babylon as a variety is looking like a star of the future.
Comments have ranged from good size, rumbled well, not too much waste. In the range they fry well and come out with a good colour lovely and crisp and soft on the inside.
Oliver Boutwood Isle of Ely Director says. “It’s good to hear so many shops like the all-round good characteristics of Babylon. We are pleased with this partnership between Agrico IOE and chip shop owners.”
Alex Moore, Agrico UK Sales Manager said: “We are thrilled to be working closely with Isle of Ely Produce & the Chip
Ambassadors to launch two exciting new varieties. As a business we are always trying to breed better tasting and more sustainable potato varieties.”
Chip shop owners already signed as Chip Ambassadors for Isle of Ely Produce include Colin Cromer – The Fish Hoose, Kerry Brennan – Golden Union, David Henley – Henley’s, Richard Ord Jr – Colmans, Eric Snaith – Eric’s, Kelly & Tim Barnes – Krispies, Lauren Kellaway –Kellaways, Charlie Collins – Frydales, Fred Capel- Chez Fred,– Shap Chippy, Malachy Mallon The Dolphin Takeaway, Fish and Chips at Weston Grove, Emir Hikary –Hiks,David and Nick Millers - Millers of Haxby, Gregg Howard The Chip Shed, Ian Wallis Henry’s Hunstanton, John Hudgell Pimp my Fish, The Petrou Brothers, Marcus French, and Sarah Heward – The Real Food Café & more.
We will be featuring Babylon reviews in the coming months, and at the Isle of Ely Open Day, where you can try them for yourselves. Email austen@chippychat. co.uk if you would like to try them and/ or become one of our ambassadors
This summer, Nortech Foods Ltd was showing support for fish and chip shops across the UK by giving three lucky businesses the chance to win a holiday as part of a giveaway aptly titled “A Plaice in the Sun”.
hid three separate tickets – bronze, silver, and gold – in boxes of Superior Frying Fat, their popular refined and deodorised beef dripping product. Congratulations to Forum Plaice Fish Shop in Billingham who won the silver prize, a £1,000 Tui voucher. To win the prize Forum Plaice Fish Shop simply purchased Nortech Superior and found the voucher located safely inside the box.
The golden ticket of a £2000 TUI holiday voucher and the bronze ticket a weekend break for two remain unclaimed, so make sure you check your Superior boxes for the missing tickets!
Nortech launched the giveaway to reward fish and chip shops, following the many challenges facing the industry over the last few years.
The coronavirus pandemic combined with inflation and supply chain issues have forced business owners to find new ways of working, with many taking significant financial hits as a result. Having recognised the hardships that food retailers have faced – Nortech wanted to give back and show their support
through a fun giveaway that recognises and celebrates the unwavering efforts of everyone working within the industry.
Commenting on the initiative, Leanne Green, Sales and Commerical Manager at Nortech Foods said: “ We’ve seen firsthand just how difficult the challenges of the last few years have made things for the frying industry. Despite this, we’ve been amazed by the commitment that our customers have shown in the face of adversity and their dedication to doing the best they can. From business owners through to the serving staff working at the frontline of the fish and chip industry – our Plaice in the Sun giveaway is our way of giving back and saying a huge thank you to the people who make what we do possible.”
A Plaice in the Sun was open to owners of fish and chip shops nationwide. Superior customers should check inside the box to see whether they have been successful. Each ticket will contain information about the prize, including details on how to claim it.
Full terms and conditions can be found at https://www.nortechfoods.co.uk/.
By Austen Dack
Hundreds of portions of fish and chips were sold in the Tuscan town of Barga once again this summer
Close your eyes and inhale deeply and the smells could transport you to almost any Scottish town centre.
Open them, though, and you will find that your nose has been deceiving you.
The distinctive aroma of fish and chips has been wafting through the Italian town of Barga every summer since the early 1980s.
Now in its 40th edition, the Sagra del Pesce e Patate was back in full swing this year as Covid restrictions eased.
Many Scottish-Italians can trace their roots back to Barga and the surrounding area
Organised by local football team, AS Barga, it takes place at their home ground - the Johnny Moscardini stadium, named after the only Scottish-born male footballer to play for Italy.
The event raises funds for the club and also a number of charities.
At its heart, is a celebration of the longstanding link between this Tuscan town and Scotland which goes back many years.
Many emigrants at the start of the 20th Century and between the two world wars left Barga and the hills around it to start a new life further north.
Benches at the festival are filled over the course of about a fortnight with Italians, Scottish-Italians and other visitors sampling
the delights of one of the UK’s most popular takeaways.
“The festival - dedicated to the Scottish dish of the fish supper - is a tribute to the history and tradition of emigration from Barga to Scotland,” explained one of the organisers, Leonardo Mori.
“This is our 40th edition and thanks to the return of a more normal summer we’re hoping for the return of a lot of visitors from Italy and overseas.
“It is undoubtedly one of the events that best represents the link between Barga and Scotland.”
Many Italians who emigrated to Scotland ended up selling either ice cream or fish and chips.
And, while one of those dishes was already well-known around the peninsula, there was more mystery about its deep-fried counterpart.
Mr Mori said the festival began as a way of allowing those who had never left Italy to sample the dish that many of their countrymen and women produced.
It also benefited from the influx of fish fryers from right across Scotland to Barga every summer.
“The idea really started in the early 1980s when, during historic mule races, the organisers thought about finding a way to pay tribute to the Scottish-Italians coming back to Barga for their summer holidays,” he said.
“In those early years it was the emigrants who passed on their skills in fish frying to the festival’s volunteers.”
They have taken those lessons on board and honed them over the years and were once again in action until 16 August.
