Big Papa and Chips

Papa’s Fish and Chips has opened two Mcdonald style drive-thrus

Papa’s Fish and Chips have opened not one but two drive-thru restaurants during the pandemic.

The first opened in Kingswood in December, offering chippie lovers a chance to pick up all their favourites without leaving their car. Additional goodies were also available that are not on offer in other outlets - Tango Ice Blast and chocolate milkshake. There were long queues for the opening day as people were eager to try the new outlet following it’s transformation from a Harvester pub.

Owners Dino and George Papas said how excited they were for the opening of the new drive-thru, which is also a restaurant ready to open when Tier 3 restrictions lift.

“It has taken us a long time, but we finally opened our first drive thru and are so excited about it,” they said.

“We are providing the first fish and chips drive-thru in the area and the restaurant will also open in Kingswood as soon as the Government allows it and there is also click and collect available through the website.

“The drive-thru is exactly like McDonalds with the intercom and we have wanted to do it for ages.

“It is a more convenient way for people to get their fish and chips and we have been spurred on by everything happening this year [with the coronavirus pandemic], as it is a completely contact

free service and customers won’t have to wear masks coming in as a takeaway.

The restaurant’s latest venture at Bilton opened for business in January with customers picking up a free doughnut with every meal.

Papa’s posted on Twitter: “Bilton! You never have to leave your car again for fish and chips. “Our drive-thru is now open.”

Dino, said about the opening of their second drive-thru: “We are delighted to announce the opening of our second Drive thru at Bilton. “Providing people with a more convenient way to collect their fish and chips without having to leave their car.

“This is part of an investment we are making to our Bilton location refurbishing the entire building including our restaurant which will be ready to open when the government allows.”

Hull Live visited the Kingswood site (unfortunately I was not allowed to drive that far) and said they thought that the whole drive-thru process was a great way of ordering fish and chips and it was just the same process as any other drivethru like McDonalds, Burger King or KFC.

The menu was clear to read next to the intercom where drivers need to pull up and they went for fish and chips and a drink and then moved on around to the collection and pay station.

The food was ready in no time and tasted delicious. The batter was nice and crispy, the portion was huge and the chips were chunky and well-seasoned.

It was a great alternative to the normal drive-thru fast-food options, and they enjoyed being able to stay warm in the car rather than queuing up. It also meant that they did not have to wear a mask or sanitise in line with coronavirus rules.

So, if you fancy a chippie dinner without the hassle, they’d definitely recommend the new drive-thru service that Papas are providing.

People can still use the walk-in takeaway service or click and collect if they prefer a more traditional method of ordering their meals.

What did you do during the pandemic to invest in your business? Email austen@chippychat.co.uk

Weston Super Glare!

As fish and chip shops go, this one in Weston-super-Mare has to be among the brightest in the UK.

Because not only can customers tuck into tasty portions of cod and chips at Winstons Fish Bar, they can also enjoy their meal with the feeling they themselves are under the sea.

Owner Sophia Michael commissioned local artist Martin Darcy to create an underwater wonderland at the seafront restaurant, which she has owned since 2005.

“I just wanted something colourful and fun in the restaurant, said Sophia. “Something which was a bit different which everyone can enjoy. “It’s something a bit different and I love it.”

Martin and Sophia worked on the design together which took five days to complete.

“The design was based around the fish tanks which are already set into the wall,” said Martin.

“I wanted to make it feel like a fish tank within a fish tank.

“I think young customers will really love it although the design includes something for everyone.”

The design features crabs, fish, colourful corals, a giant shark and even a mermaid - a special request from Sophia.

The restaurant, which can seat up to 200 people, is a favourite eaterie in the town, not only with locals but the many tourists who visit Weston each year.

Often people are seen queuing around the front of the award-winning restaurant to sample the traditional seaside supper.

During the coronavirus pandemic, the restaurant is open only for collections.

Have you got some striking designs in your chip shop? Email austen@ chippychat.co.uk

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