Chippy Chat - Oct - 2020 by Chippy Chat Magazine

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Sachets! Sarson’s Now your customers can enjoy the

UK’s no.1 Malt Vinegar in a safe, convenient and hygienic sachet. Perfect for your Covid safe service.

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www.switchtosarsons.co.uk www.chippychat.co.uk

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@SarsonsforChippies

austen@chippychat.co.uk

MIZ18785 - Sarson's - Trade Media Updates - Sachet Launch - Chippy Chat Front Cover v2.indd 1

TEL 01353 865 966

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24/09/2020 15:54

Issue 10 Volume 10 Octoberr 2020

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

Go WEST on a...

MagicAL...

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

Mystery...

Tour

Batter that does

better

Henry Jones batter mixtures are made using traditional recipes developed over 50 years ago. Our decades of experience mean we know using finest quality ingredients and intricate processes gives the best taste, every time.

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ October 2020

Foodservice

The Year March-es Variety is the spice ofOn! life!

Well already the e haveapproaching some big news in end of this the month’s first quarter of Chat. 2018! Chippy

Austen Dack Publishing Austen Editor Dack Publishing Editor

Hopefully it will be busy one for We have teamed up awith Agrico to shops and suppliers as two we approach help launch not one but potato Mother’s both day and Easter too.fish varieties, perfect for the Congratulations all out at Friars and chip industry.to Find more on Pride. Once again, they have page 38-39. delivered a fantastic trade show I really cannot believe we are with even more visitors it seemed starting to talk about Christmas in than ever. this edition of Chippy Chat. Save & A busy offering this month for your Select is the Q partnerships way of delights. First off we review many saying thank you for choosing them of our oil and fat suppliers giving as a supplier. you the chance to see what many Toshops start collecting Select top are usingSave and & why. Also, points, all you have to is purchase

we have which our great feature products havesausage Save & Select too! assigned to them – there are Points Our 600! front-page partner for over Traditionally lots ofMarch shops is PukkatoPies. supply millions begin cashThey in their points to buy of pies to fish and chip shops across Christmas vouchers! the UK and they helping us Thanks again to are Sarsons for being celebrate National Pie Week. this edition’s cover star. They have If you would like to advertise, relanched, their best selling vinegar get involved or tell us some in covid safe sachets. news please email me austen@ To contact me for advertising chippychat.co.uk – thanks for your and or editorial, email austen@ support enjoy the issue. chippychat.co.uk Austen

Austen Our website is www.chippychat.co.uk

Chippy Chat Ltd

Oak Lane Littleport Ely Cambridgeshire Chippy Chat Ltd CB6 1RS Oak Lane Littleport Elywww.chippy-chat.co.uk Cambridgeshire info@chippychat.co.uk CB6 1RS

Twitter @Chippychat

www.chippy-chat.co.uk Facebook Chippy-Chat info@chippychat.co.uk TEL 01353 865 966 Twitter @Chippychat FAX 01353 863 444 Facebook Chippy-Chat Managing Director John TEL Boutwood 01353 865 966 FAX 01353 863 444 Publisher Oliver Boutwood Managing Director oliver@chippychat.co.uk John Boutwood

Publishing Publisher Editor Austen Oliver Dack Boutwood austen@chippychat.co.uk oliver@chippychat.co.uk 07863123929 Publishing Editor Subscriptions and Marketing Executive Austen Dack Amanda Waterfield austen@chippychat.co.uk amanda@chippychat.co.uk 07863123929 01353 865 966 Design/Editorial Design/Editorial Stuart Catterson Stuart Catterson stuart@cc-ff.com stuart@cc-ff.com Accounts Accounts Claire Boutwood-Potter Claire Boutwood-Potter accounts@chippychat.co.uk accounts@chippychat.co.uk Printed in the UK by Printed in the UK by The Magazine Printing Company The Magazine Printing Company Advertising Sales and Promotions Advertising Sales and Promotions austen@chippychat.co.uk austen@chippychat.co.uk For PR and Editorial For PR and Editorial editorial@chippychat.co.uk editorial@chippychat.co.uk

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020 Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • March 2018

3 3

Wonder Wall!

Your dates for 2021

WE HAVE SUPPLIED INBUILT SUPERPAD SYSTEMS (TRIPLE FILTRATION) FOR FACTORY FITTING TO: MARTYN EDWARDS FRANK FORD KIREMKO (KFE)

We are planning for a fantastic 2021 already. With the November edition of Chippy Chat we are giving away a FREE 2021 wall planner with every copy.

t is the perfect way of keeping tabs on shop deliveries, staff rotas and holidays and even writing down the

key dates for your business over the

HENRY NUTTALL

coming 12 months. When you receive

SCOTRANGE

your wall planner please put it up and

EDEN RANGE

send us a picture of it in your shop to

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

austen@chippychat.co.uk. Once again, we have had incredible support from the trade to help support this great free tool. There are two spaces left so please email austen@ chippychat.co.uk if you would like to support this great opportunity. 2020 has been a testing time for all so let’s hope 2021 is going to be better.

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

6 8 10

Cycle over 1,000miles in 2 months with a combined elevation of 58,060 ft

MagicAL

Instantly feel the family-friendly atmosphere

ChipPIE TV!

People’s pie returns to screens nationwide

Let’s all Love Seafood!

12 14

Seafish launches 20-year Love Seafood consumer initiative

Go West

Fish & Chips @ Weston Grove look back with pride

16 18

The taste of Millions Get your FREE sample!

A Safer Sprinkle

Sarson’s Reintroduces Sachets

ForMIDable! Including calorie labels

KEEpsake!

You Can’t Have The Catch Without The Condiment

Santa’s on his way

The Save & Select Christmas Promotion

InsPIERational! Chippy family take over 117-year-old pier

A trip down memory lane Norwegian-British adventures at sea

Just Perfection! When a chip-shop sausage gives you more

New from McWhinneys ‘Flamin’ Hot’ Sausages

Odour Free! Ecovery Innovations - odours control

Keeping up with the Times!

20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 37

Inside

October 2020

Agrico - New Varities Your chance to try them!

WonderFAL! Finally Fish and Chips in Faliraki!

Cashed Out! 40% of people will no longer use cash

Wholesale SWITCHER! TCR has all you need for your shop

Get Back to Black’s Award Winning Chippy Up For Sale!

38 40 42 44 46

Es 30 tab Ye lish ar ed s

‘Al’s Mental Cycle’

Frying Range Engineers Servicing all makes of ranges, covering East Anglia, East Midlands & London/M25 Annual Range Servicing • Insurance Certificates Duct Steam Cleaning • Repairs • Modifications

• • • • •

Refurbished / Rebuilds / New Traditional & Dutch Makes Extraction Systems & Ductwork Shopfitting Design & Refurbishment Fire Damage, Repairs & Upgrades

Fish & chip shop praised by critic Giles Coren

Great British Cake Off! The Most Instagrammed British Desserts?

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

For prompt, efficient service please call:

01553 772935

sales@klsonline.co.uk Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020 In association with

Frying Ranges

‘Al’s Mental Cycle’ By Alan McColm Co-owner at The Real Food Café

The Challenge: Cycle over 1,000 miles in 2 months with a combined elevation of 58,060 ft. This is more than I’d cycled during in 3 years and felt like the ‘business’ effort we had recently made.

for Scotland’s mental health

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

also wanted to help raise mental health awareness and make a practical contribution: The Al’s Mental Cycle ‘JustGiving’ page has already secured £1,744 to support others with poor mental health. Why did I do this? In 2014, I suffered a serious bout of depression and anxiety. I was really shocked. As a result, I no longer take my mental health for granted. Three key factors in my recovery were: • acknowledging I had a problem and asking for help • practicing mindfulness – something I had previously poo poo-ed as being ‘wishy-washy’ • getting myself physically fit. Although I’ve remained in pretty good mental shape since then, the recent Coronavirus outbreak and lockdown took its toll. The Real Food Café depends entirely on passing trade: visitors to the Highlands and travellers who are typically more than 50 miles from home. With only 167 locals and the nearest small communities over 15 miles away, lockdown and 5-mile travel restrictions meant that instead of serving over 2,000 customers per day we had NO passing trade and NO takeaway or delivery market. We began ‘planning for the worst’ at the Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

beginning of March. Within 3 weeks we were closed. Completely and indefinitely. 20 teammembers were furloughed and we’d massively increased debt to ensure we would survive. Although I thought I was OK, some very close friends and family, cared enough to give me some home truths: I was becoming very difficult to work with or spend time with. The pattern was frighteningly familiar. What did I do? Well, I set myself a cycling challenge, created a provisional schedule and wrote to friends to ask them to ‘Go Mental’ and provide support, through companionship and cycle-routes. This was designed to make sure I didn’t ‘weasel out’ when knees were sore and the weather was rubbish. I was overwhelmed with the response. I completed both elements of the challenge a week ahead of schedule, on Sunday 13 September. I competed 28 cycles, 23 of which were between 30-60 miles and was joined by 31 great friends. I also succeeded in climbing over 64,886 ft (well over twice the height of Everest). I’d honestly suspected these goals were beyond me. They were only possible with help from others. My biggest ‘learning’ is that other people care. I plan to keep cycling through the winter, continue to ask for help and remain grateful for the people I have around me. PS. My Just giving page is still open: www. justgiving.com/alsmentalcycle Alan “Always here to chat” 7

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

MAGICAL! If you visit Shillingford Fish and Chips you will instantly feel the family-friendly atmosphere that we are so proud of. As a business it’s been at the heart of our family for almost 30 years, and we base a large part of our success on the close-knit bond that we have with our staff and the community By Alan Shillingford

art of this remit is to actively promote fish and chips to their community given every opportunity that comes along. As business owners and parents, we understand the need for fresh and high quality convenience food, and we have gone above and beyond what is expected of a chippy to provide premium fish and chips with nothing less than top-notch customer service. People notice the difference at Shillingfords – from the unbeatable taste of our fresh fish and chips to the bright and modern decor. It is these extra touches that we bring to both our food and the overall experience at Shillingfords that set us apart from any other chip shops in the area. (That’s what our customers tell us!). On National Fish & Chip Day we had our busiest day on record. Our click and collect slots were fully booked to the max. The shop was full to max all standing on our social distancing (2

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

meters) footprints. The atmosphere was fantastic, customers and staff were all buzzing. Every year we make a massive effort and our local community came out in force to support our industries special day. We are so glad it happened and we were able to host our event. Fish sales went crazy with our special offer which sold out. Our National Fish & Chip Day offer was Cod, Chips, Homemade Mushy Peas and Tartare Sauce all for only £5.00. I even had to go for a top up of stock from our local TQuality depot. The potatoes of choice have been making beautiful chips were Ramos from Mitchells. Did you do well on National Fish & Chip Day? Email austen@chippychat.co.uk

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

Congratulations to The UK’s Best Fish & Chip Takeaway, The Cod’s Scallops who frys in Nortech Superior. For the tastiest results go Superior, the most respected, refined and deodorised beef dripping in the business

It’s naturally lower in trans fats, non-hydrogenated and delivers the highest performance with the greatest economy. Use Superior high frying fat and enhance the taste of your fried food.

Box contains 20kg (4 x 5kg)

For your nearest stockist calllower01302 It’s naturally in trans fats, 390880 non-hydrogenated and delivers Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020 Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • April 2020 the highest performance with the or visit www.nortechfoods.co.uk greatest economy. Use Superior

From the modest potato chip to the finest fish fillet it’s all about 9 what you Chippy & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020 fry itChat in. For the tastiest results go Superior, the most respected, refined and deodorised

high frying fat and enhance the

9 9

CHIPPIE TV! The People’s Pie returns to screens nationwide to support the Great British Chippy

ukka, the UK’s favourite fish and chip shop pie brand1, is returning to screens from 21st October with The People’s Pie advertising campaign to encourage viewers to visit their local chippy. These last few months have been challenging for the industry, which has so many hardworking and resourceful people through the entire chain. It is more important now than ever that we all come together, so now is the perfect time for Pukka to shine a spotlight on the Great British chippy. Pukka’s General Manager, Isaac Fisher, explains: “Ever since we first started making and baking pies in 1963, fish and chip shops have been, and always will be, at the very heart of our ethos. That’s why we want to continue to celebrate fish and chip shops in our campaign to help drive footfall – particularly during the cooler months, when people want filling and convenient meals that are great value and tasty.” Between May and June 2020, sales in fish and chip shops increased by +12% in comparison to last year2. In addition to this, independently commissioned research found that two out of three consumers are of the strong opinion that pies from the chippy taste better than shopbought pies – with taste being one of the top reasons for this – demonstrating that an order from the chippy and a Pukka go hand-in-hand3. “To demonstrate the increase in visits

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

to chip shops at lunch time during the coronavirus pandemic which has continued post lockdown4, we’re including somebody enjoying a pie on the go by putting it between two slices of bread during the working day in our advert. We’re confident that this, along with the entire campaign, will help to further boost sales for the fish and chip shop trade.” The return of The People’s Pie is supported with free social media promotions exclusively for Chippy Chat readers, to help chip shops keep serving pies to the nation. “Earlier this year, we ran free social media adverts for chip shops which offered home delivery or call and collect services, to help them to share the news with people living nearby. It was a huge success, with the ads commutatively reaching over 200,000 people and we’re thrilled to be able to offer support again this Autumn,” adds Fisher. Martyn at Fairway Fish Bar, says: “The results from our social ads were amazing and helped to drive awareness and, in turn, traffic to our contactless delivery portal. This resulted in our pie sales rising. Great result and great support. Thank you Pukka.” To benefit from personalised social media support, keep an eye on your inboxes this month for details on how to sign-up.

1 Censuswide survey of 2,019 UK adults conducted between 19th-23rd July 2019 2 Lumina Intelligence May – July 2020 3 Censuswide survey of 2,019 UK adults conducted between 19th-23rd July 2019 4 Lumina Intelligence May – July 2020

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

We’re b ack on TV ‘The People’s Pie’ TV campaign returns this Autumn celebrating the Great British chippy Stock up on the nation’s #1 fish and chip shop pie brand*

Call us to stock up now on 0116 264 4000 11

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020 *Censuswide survey2020 of 2,019 UK adults conducted between 19.07.2019 & 23.07.2019

Let’s all

Love

Seafood Seafish launches 20-year Love Seafood consumer initiative

eafish, the public body that supports the UK seafood industry, launched its new Love Seafood consumer brand platform on 1st October 2020. The new brand is driven by a 20year initiative to reverse the decline in consumption of seafood in the UK. It aims to positively influence attitudes towards and inspire consumers to incorporate more fish and shellfish into their diets. Love Seafood is being launched with a new identity, website and social media presence. It replaces Fish is the Dish, the previous Seafish consumer brand. The wide-ranging launch campaign will consist of consumer-facing advertising across radio, TV, print, outdoor and streaming platforms. It will also feature CJ Jackson – a chef, cooking writer and seafood expert. Love Seafood Social, a week-long programme of online events involving celebrities, chefs, social media influencers and seafood businesses across the country, will follow from 12 October. Seafish has invested heavily in the groundwork to create Love Seafood. Informed by an in-depth State of the Nation research project with YouGov in 2018, Seafish gained insight into the barriers people face in relation to seafood consumption across the UK. It then analysed the data against information and trends identified by its in-house market insight team and through Experian consumer data. The findings showed that opportunities for growth in the sector fell between two unique but broad consumer audiences, and that they would best be engaged

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

through an entirely new consumerfocussed initiative. Seafish has spent 18 months in development of strategy, brand and communications planning to get to the launch. It is working with four of the country’s leading advertising, marketing and PR agencies; Frame, Wire, LUX and The Lane. Greg Smith, Head of Marketing at Seafish, said: “We’re incredibly excited to launch our new Love Seafood brand and see our extensive planning come to fruition. Our previous Fish is the Dish brand was successful and popular but as attitudes towards food and consumer behaviour change, it was time for us to take stock. We’ve relished the opportunity to reevaluate where seafood is positioned in the minds of consumers, and in securing its long-term future relationship with the nation. “Our planning period has given us time to position Love Seafood as a single, powerful message built and owned by the seafood industry. Through creation of our Love Seafood Group, with members representing businesses across the seafood supply chain, we have embedded industry expertise and insight into the fabric of the brand to benefit both businesses and consumers.

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

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GO WEST! The crowned winners of the Isle of Ely sponsored Field to Frier Award at this year’s National fish and Chip Awards look back with pride at their success By Josette Foster

Richard and I as owners of Fish and Chips @ Weston Grove in Chester could not believe our luck at the Awards this year. After just sitting back down at their table after winning the Good Catch Award we then had to get up on stage again to collect yet another Award. By the end of the afternoon we had four trophies to try and squeeze into our small suitcase. Third in the country too, not bad for an afternoon’s work! But was it down to luck and a shortterm plan? Certainly not. I am former hospitality lecturer and senior leader at an FE college in the North West and was experienced in managing change to raise standards and maintain excellence with a whole

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

organisational approach. Right from the start Richard and I have actively entered the awards, winning best Newcomer in 2019. The awards ensure that you raise your game and maintain those standards so that you are consistently excellent and always award ready. This isn’t something you switch on when you’re due a mystery shopper or judge. These standards need to run right through the blood of the business. The business prides itself on sourcing the best quality ingredients. We sell sustainable, Icelandic MSC cod and haddock supplied by Thorfish. The customers absolutely love to read the boards in the shop and track the trawlers live on the shops handheld device. The customers also love seeing the variety of potato being fried and its exact growing location. We always mention the growers in our social media and they love to be involved seeing the end result of their hard work.

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

Richard was a potato merchant for thirty years. His earliest memories were of him following his father around potato fields inspecting crops from the age of four. The Isle of Ely Field to Frier Award was a very important award to win for Richard. The application really tests your knowledge and understanding of potatoes. I can really recommend it and the NFFF Chip Champ qualification for anyone new to potatoes as a starting point. With an ever-changing choice of potato varieties, it is so important to understand just the smallest of change in frying times and temperatures can have a massive impact on the quality of the finished product.” Our supplier knows Richard knows there are problems in buying the best potatoes particularly at the end of the season and making sure the new season potatoes come in when they have a suitably dry matter for chipping. But he is also a tough customer who expects the very best and will not entertain certain varieties as he knows through experience that they produce a dry chip. There is no compromise on quality, the chip quality must match its partner fish perfectly. We are so lucky to have Richard’s expertise, but others can get so much support from colleagues in the industry and attend the excellent Isle of Ely Open Day next year. Where they can meet suppliers and see from Field to Frier. National Potato Day provides the perfect opportunity to promote the versatility and health benefits of the humble potato. We play an active role in the local community. They work closely with Soul Kitchen a homeless charity, sponsoring their football team Soul Survivors and using Richard’s knowledge to run potato cookery classes Soul in a Bowl for the homeless who have been provided with accommodation. During British Science Week the local school children were invited to the shop to explain and check the sugar content of potatoes and created power from potatoes. Although a celebratory year for us, this has also been a very difficult year for everyone in the industry. It has been amazing to pull together and stand strong with the invaluable support from Andrew Crook and the NFFF, and the feeling of pulling together with the online KFE quizzes. Online ordering and deliveries have been a monumental change to the business, and we will certainly continue the service. We have found the Govt. support to be tailor made to our needs and welcome the VAT reduction and the Eat Out to Help Out campaign. As for the awards, our advice to any one new or old to the industry, go on, get involved you’ll never look back. 15

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

The taste of Millions Get Your FREE sample! Non-Brewed Condiment the choice of Friers for more than 50 years!

he familiar taste of Condiment essence has been associated with fish and chips for decades, with thousands of happy customers enjoying the taste which they can only get from the local chip shop, bringing customers back time and time again. Fish Friers for many years recognise the value of having a product synonymous with Fish and Chips, something not available for the local supermarket and value it brings to their business. With taste recognised by thousands over decades it’s the real taste of fish n chips. Maltflaven, available in 7/1 and 12/1 formats offer great value to Friers. Just one 5 litre pack of 12/1 is all it takes to produce 65 litres of ready to use NonBrewed Condiment, sufficient to serve 13,000 customers and surely a desirable alternative to storing 14 gallons of malt vinegar? Of course, in 7/1 form it makes even more! Maltflaven does not deteriorate, even in a warm environment, ensuring no waste and a product your customers love. The natural development into a product for retail came with the introduction of NBC. Ready to use with the same taste millions have grown up with on their fish n chips. An opportunity to sell

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

a product at a great margin over the counter supported with free presenters to place right next to your till great profit and still with the same promise, you won’t find this product anywhere but fish n chip shops! Drywite History since 1933 of working with Friers is as strong now as it ever was, in this together means that we support the industry by working together , no gimmicks no wild claims…just ensuring our loyal fish Friers can rely on us with quality NBC . With Original Flavour, Onion Flavour too, and now our certified and guaranteed new Gluten Free NBC there’s a flavour for everyone! All available from your Drywite Distributor along with presenters posters and free samples available from Drywite on www.drywite.co.uk or 01384 569556

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

Pure Condiment Excellence since the 1960’s Fish friers and their customers have been enjoying the great taste of Drywite’s condiment essence since the early 1960’s. Strong, economical, consistent quality which is available in Maltflaven 7-1 or 12-1 concentration or diluted in Original, Onion and Gluten-free, ready-to-use shaker bottles. You can rest asssured these products will keep your customers coming back for more. Guaranteed traditional fish & chip shop taste at a price you can afford, there is simply no substitute.

For further information or to find your nearest distributor please call 01384 569556 or email sales@drywite.co.uk

drywite.co.uk Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

Chippy Chippy Chat Chat & Fast & Fast Food Food Magazine Magazine • September • October 2020

A Safer Sprinkle – Sarson’s Reintroduces Sachets Following ‘Unprecedented Operator Demand’ Following guidelines restricting the use of ‘serve-yourself’ condiment bottles in the wake of Covid-19, Sarson’s has reintroduced convenient and hygienic 7g sachets for operators to use for table service, delivery and take-away

he company says it has been inundated with calls from operators to provide them with the new hygienic format, bowing to pressure with a short run of sachets, especially designed to offer customers the great taste of the UK’s number one malt vinegar* and ultimate peace of mind. Minimising contact and containing a perfectly portioned sprinkle, the sachets are, says Bryan Carroll, Sarson’s Sales & Marketing Director, a safe and practical option for front-of-house use. “Now more than ever, customers need reassurance and familiarity when it comes to eating out and it’s the little changes that can make a big difference to consumer confidence.

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

“UK Hospitality’s guidelines on restricting the use of ‘serve yourself’ condiments when eating out, while completely understandable and sensible, posed challenges for many operators. We’re proud to have answered the calls for this new format, so we can continue to support operators as they get back to business.” Sarson’s sachets are available now in 200x7g catering packs. *Brand Health Tracking Study, System 1, Feb 2019; Nielsen, 30.3.19 data. With over 15 million bottles sold each year, Sarson’s Malt Vinegar is the UK’s number one malt vinegar brand. Sarson’s is owned by Mizkan Euro Ltd., the European subsidiary of Mizkan Group, a family-owned, Japanese business started in 1804. To find out more call: 0203 675 2220 or visit: www.mizkanfoodservice. co.uk

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

g n i c u d o r t n I

NE W

S a s c ’ hets! n o s r Sa

Now your customers can enjoy the UK’s No. 1 Malt Vinegar in a safe, convenient and hygienic sachet. Perfect for your Covid safe service. Take Away Simple to include in bag to add at home Delivery Just add as an option on your online menu Table Service Easy to serve on the side

Stock up today! Find out more at:

www.switchtosarsons.co.uk 19

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

@SarsonsforChippies

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

FORMIDABLE!

Get Your Free Sauce Samples!

iddleton 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 Middleton Warm BBQ sauce – A hot held product that sits alongside the traditional curry and gravy products. The BBQ sauce is a sweet, rich and tangy sauce that took inspiration from the heritage of BBQ cooking. Designed to be held in the Bain Marie, it is ideal with chips, chicken, kebabs and meat products. Area Sales Manager Dean Baker said “We have had an amazing response to the BBQ sauce since it was launched in July. I have been demonstrating the products and have helped shops to adapt the product onto cheesy chips, hunters chicken and also as a base for pizzas.” Golden Dragon Curry – 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 a accompaniment but also as the base for chicken, beef or vegetarian curry. Area Sales Manager Nigel Ramsay “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.” Langton’s Traditional Gravy – 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

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

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 and Spicy There is a growing demand for quality gluten free curry and gravy products within the Fish and 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 frier, this development not only means additional peace of mind that the products they are buying are 100% gluten free, but it also creates 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.

For samples or information T: 08453 706550 Visit: www.middletonfoods.com E: sales@middletonfoods.com

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

ADD A BIT OF LOW AND SLOW FLAVOUR TO YOUR FOOD For your FREE sample please call 01902 608122 sales@middletonfoods.com

www.middletonfoods.com

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

The ideal partner to any menu item, this is ideal for up-selling, creating more profit. What’s more, because our bottles are made from glass, they’re easily recyclable and more environmentally friendly than single-use sachets. A premium product with a great value price.

Keepsake! You Can’t Have The Catch Without The Condiment

eejays Ltd has been making its signature range, Goldfish Brand, for the fish and chip trade and hospitality industry for over 35 years. We began with our original Chinese Curry Sauce in 1985, and since then have worked closely with our friends and colleagues within the fish and chip world to develop a whole range to help create added value in a simple-to-use format. Goldfish Brand Ketchup The Goldfish Brand Ketchup was developed specifically for the fish and chip industry. We’ve added 70% tomatoes and a touch of vinegar to our recipe to give this sauce a delicious and perfect balance of sweet and tangy, perfectly brining alive the humble Great British Chip and creating the taste of a chippy classic. Our Ketchup comes in “dinky bottles with a little bit extra”. The small, handy size 218g bottles are perfect for customers to take home. In a world where cross contamination is on everyone’s minds, these bottles are ideal for a family with their Friday night takeaway, or to be kept in a van or car for every fish and chop occasion.

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

Goldfish Brand Curry Sauce Concentrates Keejays Ltd started life with its Goldfish Brand Chinese Curry Sauce Concentrate, and since then the range has grown to include four curry sauces including: Chinese Curry Sauce; Hot & Spicy Curry Sauce; Madras Curry Sauce; and Japanese Curry Sauce. Our curry sauces have each been perfectly created with a special blend of spices and seasonings to give each its own unique flavour profile. Chips and curry sauce is a well-loved combination in the UK from the North to the South, and we’ve been catering to that love since 1985. Goldfish Brand Sweet & Sour Sauce Concentrate Our Sweet & Sour Sauce is the latest product we launched, set to revolutionise the market. It has been carefully made to have an ideal balance of sweetness coupled with a piquant vinegar hit. Perfect for serving hot or cool as a dipping sauce alongside any fish and chip classic, such as sampi, chips, chicken nuggets and battered fish. Once made, it can be cooled in cups, stored in the fridge and re-heated. Because of the winning concentrate formula, we’re able to use less packaging than the equivalent amount of ready-made sauce Easy to make, our all of our Goldfish Brand Sauce Concentrates just need water to create a smooth, rich and velvety sauce with no lumps and a consistent taste every time. What’s more, it comes in a handy, re-sealable tub that can be stored ambient. Once made it can be held in a baine marie without splitting, meaning you can make one batch and still serve hot curry sauce to your customers all the way through to the end of the day. All of our Goldfish Brand Sauce concentrates are available in 4.5kg buckets, and the Original Chinese flavour is also available in 8kg and 12.5kg. Our Tomato Sauce is available in 12 x 218g bottles. Keejay Sauces Telephone: +44 (0) 1473 827304 Email: enquiries@keejays.com Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020 Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020 WWW.GOLDFISHBRANDPROFESSIONAL.COM

le from:

Santa Claus is Coming to Town! Use your Save & Select points for Christmas!

vouchers to spend with your Q partnership partner. Georgina Colebeck, Marketing Director at Henry Colbeck commented; “It has been a tough year for us all this year. We love giving our customers something to say thank you for their business and Save & Select provides us with the ideal opportunity to do just that. The choice of vouchers is very appealing as it provides the flexibility for customers to treat themselves to exactly what they want, when they want it.”

he Q Partnership – Henry Colbeck, VA Whitley and Friars Pride. Save & Select is the long running customer loyalty scheme which has been running for over 25 years. Traditionally many of our customers collect and then redeem their points to help towards their Christmas shopping. It gives you some great rewards to choose from helping to make your Christmas 2020 as great as possible after a tough 2020. Just 250 Save & Select Points can be exchanged for £10.00 worth of vouchers from a great choice which includes Sainsbury’s Amazon and the Love2shop Gift Card. Love2shop Vouchers are the UK’s leading multi-retailer gift voucher. They can be redeemed in over 20,000 stores, restaurants and attractions, with over 150 top brands to choose from such as Debenhams, Boots, Matalan, Argos, WH Smith, River Island & New Look Points can also be turned back into

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ck Ltd.

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Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

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Members of The Q Partnership

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

T: 01

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£10

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You can exchange just 250 Save & Select Points for £10.00 on a great choice of gift cards and rewards from Amazon, Love2shop and Sainsbury’s.

It is our way of saying thank you for your continued support and for choosing a member of the Q Partnership as your supplier. We’re the only suppliers to the Fish & Chip market to offer a loyalty scheme and with Christmas just around the corner, now is the ideal time to redeem your points.

Redeem your points now... in time for Christmas shopping! For more information about the Save & Select Customer Loyalty Scheme, contact your nearest Q Partnership company.

Henry Colbeck Limited, Seventh Avenue, Team Valley Trading Estate, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear NE11 0HG

VA Whitley and Co Limited, Milward House, Fir Street, Heywood, Lancashire OL10 1NW

Tel: 0191 482 4242

Tel: 01706 364 211 Tel: 01733 316 400 25 Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020 www.vawhitley.co.uk www.friarspride.com

Chippy Chat & Fast Foodwww.colbeck.co.uk Magazine • October 2020

Friars Pride Limited, Oxney Road Industrial Estate, Oxney Road, Peterborough PE1 5YW

INSPIERATIONAL! Fish and chip shop family take over town’s 117-year-old pier

he new owners of the iconic Claremont Pier in Lowestoft have been working tirelessly during the past few weeks to open new facilities – having only picked up the keys to the venue on July 20. The multi-generational family of seven had only toured the facility on June 17 before they decided to take the plunge and put in an offer the following day, which was later accepted. The family who jointly own the pier are Eddie and Charmaine Mayne, their eldest child Victoria Manning and her husband Michael Manning, son Ernie Mayne and daughter Charmaine Llewellyn and her husband Ben Llewellyn. With Eddie and Charmaine Mayne owning the nearby Pinky’s ice cream parlour and Michael’s fish and chips on The Esplanade in Lowestoft for the past four summers, they admitted it had been a “very busy time”. “We are working the pier as a family and we want to work the pier as we have done with Pinky’s. “Having owned Pinky’s for four summers now this is what we have done

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

here – turned it around – and we hope to do the same with the pier.” The family said the pier had been getting “busier and busier” over the past couple of weeks with positive feedback from the community. Mrs Mayne said: “We actually only got the keys to the pier on July 20, meaning we have had to get everything completed very quickly. Luckily a lot of the old staff have come back again and we’ve taken on quite a few of the staff.” The Claremont began life in 1903 as a landing stage for Belle steamers. The new owners hope that if they can attract some grant funding or financial lottery support they can get the seaward end of the pier back up and running for people to walk along it. Mrs Llewellyn said: “We hope to bring the pier back to its former glory and look towards the future. We want it to be for the local people to enjoy the pier.” The family said they are also speaking with the local councils and they added: “We are trying to bring it back up to what it was, and if we can do that it will help the local businesses as well.” What local attraction have you bought? Email austen@chippychat.co.uk

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

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A trip Down Memory Lane Norwegian-British adventures at sea celebrating The National Fish & Chip Awards

“I

t’s in this issue that we would usually be gushing over our frozen at sea study trip to Ålesund, Norway for The National Fish & Chip Awards but unfortunately, due to Covid19 restrictions, the trip hasn’t been possible this year. Nothing can replace stepping onboard a working, sustainable frozen at sea vessel in our cold, clear waters, but we hope you can all enjoy a trip down memory lane from our past few study trips. Awards or not, this is the most remarkable of industries and the relationships, skills, and talent within will always be celebrated; the Norwegian Seafood Council will continue to be a close partner to support the UK’s chippies in 2021 and beyond. Here’s to the next trip as soon as it is safe to be together in Norway!” Hans Frode Kielland Asmyhr, UK Director, Norwegian Seafood Council

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

Austen Dack, Chippy Chat Editor

“For shops to be able to see the catch, the processing and professionalism of the crew first-hand is invaluable. The fish are caught and frozen in just a few hours so that they arrive in the chippy with maximum sealed freshness. Well done Norwegian Seafood Council for organising these ‘trips of a lifetime’ for the best in our industry.” Austen Dack, Chippy Chat Editor Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

John Molnar, The Cod’s Scallops “The study trip to Norway is an amazing experience which showcases everything regarding the fishing industry. The sustainability is paramount, quality of product is world class and for myself and my senior team to understand this means we can portray it to our staff and customers.” John Molnar, The Cod’s Scallops

the Norwegian Study trip was such an amazing experience for both of us. We were both so excited, to be a part of this once in a lifetime, very special experience. Neither of us would have missed it for the world. We landed in Ålesund, Norway very late. Early the next morning was a scheduled fishing trip in a new fishing vessel with the latest technology. When I went in 2015 the weather was very poor, and someone asked the Captain of the vessel what plan ‘B’ was, the answer ‘There is no plan B’. We spent the day learning and observing the processes needed to run a modernday factory fishing vessel. Following the trip an evening meal was planned in the Marine Aquarium and Restaurant – Klippfiskakademiet. We were treat to several courses each showcasing Norway’s finest Seafood, this is where I first tried bacalao, it was all delicious. The following day before our departure we were taken to Fjellstua, another amazing restaurant with outstanding views across Ålesund and learned about its history. The trip was fast paced, tiring and one we shall never forget. The fishermen onboard were so proud of their country and the seafood they produced, and we don’t blame them. A huge thank you to the Norwegian Seafood Council for making it happen.” Craig Maw, Kingfisher Fish & Chips

For further information on quality, legislation and sustainability please visit www.seafoodfromnorway.co.uk

Craig Maw, Kingfisher Fish & Chips “I had the wonderful privilege of going on the Norway trip in 2015 when we came second in 2016 and Nikki went in 2016 when we became National Champions in 2017. My visit was on board the M.S. Frøyanes with crazy weather and a bough that went as high and low as imaginable. Nikki was on board the MS Leinebris where the weather was beautiful and the water like a mill pond! Both long line fishing vessels. Being shortlisted to top 10 for the NF&CA and having the opportunity to go on 29

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

Just Perfection! A chip-shop sausage is just a chip shop sausage, right?

ell, at Blakemans, Europe’s leading manufacturer and suppliers of chilled, cooked and frozen quality sausage and meat-based products supplied to the wholesale, catering and food services sector, the chip shop sausage is not merely ‘just’ a sausage. After 70 years of experimenting and perfecting their sausages, Blakemans have developed quite the plethora to suit every individual’s needs with their ‘no mess, no fuss, no waste’ mantra leading the way for chip shops across the country. With a commitment to being the best, Blakemans have devoted their time to developing the perfect catering sausage to be provided to fish and chip shops across the country for the past 67 years. In 1950 when James Blakeman began his journey, his mission always had the customers’ needs at the heart of the project. 70 years later and that still remains the case! Focussing on high quality, tasty and value products, they have secured their place in the market with a passion that ensures their products are loved by customers and clients alike. One of those is the ‘classic premier pork sausage’. Individually quick-frozen locking in the much loved, renowned, Blakemans taste for their chip shop clients and their customers alike. This particular sausage is the fastest growing, branded pork sausage on the market, and if you have ever tried it before, we’re sure you’ll know why! For the customers looking for something a little more premium, the ‘prime 70% pork sausage’ was launched by Blakemans to keep up with the demand for a bit of luxury in a chip shop sausage

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

whilst not steering away from tradition. However, championing Blakemans flagship brand, standing the test of time and leading the market for catering, and fast food industries alike is the ‘supreme sausage’. The perfect accompaniment to a portion of chips and a side of peas, curry sauce or gravy - controversial depending where your bread is buttered! More recently, Blakemans have adapted their offerings, without altering the taste of course, to ensure that those with specific dietary requirements aren’t missing out on their favourite chip shop order. One such addition to their portfolio was their gluten free sausage, taking the market by storm and ensuring that customers aren’t missing out on their favourite chippy dinner. James Morris, Head of Business Development said, “We are passionate about ensuring that our loyal clients, have the products that they need to keep happy customers coming through the doors.” The new product development team are eager to adhere to the demands in the market, constantly creating products and developing the brand to be as inclusive as possible. Who knows what could be next for the famous Blakemans chip shop sausage? To download the latest product catalogue or for more information on the company visit www.blakemans.co.uk.

Contact James T. Blakeman & Co. Ltd. Millennium Way, High Carr Business Park Newcastle - U - Lyme, Staffs ST5 7UF Tel: 01782 569610 Fax: 01782 569611 E-mail: admin@blakemans.co.uk www.blakemans.co.uk

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

The New McWhinney’s ‘Flamin’ Hot’ Sausages For many years I have been asked if McWhinneys produce ‘hot dogs’. By Ivan Bond

he person asking invariably goes on to explain that they don’t want a German type hot dog such as a bratwurst, frankfurter or some other rubbery sausage, but something which tastes like a British sausage, but it must have a bit of a ‘kick’. In more recent times the number of enquiries began to increase and that made us sit up and take notice. T Quality told us that if we were to produce such a sausage, they would list it in all of their depots. The challenge had been laid down and we had to respond. I spoke to our managing director, Kevin

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

McWhinney, and he decided that we must try to produce something that matched the description of the products that the customers were looking for. He experimented with different recipes and eventually came up with a sausage which was based on our usual high quality McWhinneys sausages, but also had the ‘kick’ which people had requested. We ended up making a sausage which ticked all the boxes, but unfortunately before we could start commercial production lockdown happened. As a result, this had set our plans back six months, but we are now ready to launch our McWhinneys Flamin’ Hot sausages. We are therefore announcing that McWhinneys Flamin’ Hot sausages are now available for sale. The product has been trialled and we have received very encouraging feedback with a number of people saying that this is the best sausage they have ever tasted. We have agreed that Quality will be the sole distributors for the remainder of 2020 in view of their input in the initial stages of production and their depots now have stock for customers to buy. Why not contact your local T Quality representative and try some – you won’t be disappointed. Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

Odour Free! Ecovery Innovations help you control odours from your shop

he Controlled Ozone range of odour control equipment from Ecovery Innovations has been designed to give food industry operators a cost effective, easy to install and maintainable method of reducing the cooking odours that they emit from their premises. The “Plug and Play” design of the injectors means that complaints about existing problems or planning permission objections can be dealt with quickly, effectively, and within tight budgets. For the first time the food outlet can control the levels of cooking odours that they give off. The Controlled Ozone units all have a variable output control as standard which means the operator can choose how much food odour they emit. The Controlled Ozone injectors are installed into ventilation systems and monitor the air flow to ensure that they only inject the right amount of ozone to safely eliminate unwanted odours. External Ozone sensors are also

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

available to add to the system, these will control the levels of ozone discharged through the extraction, which may well be a provision of the EHO or planning officers’ requirements of permission. Ecovery Innovations has had tremendous success across all types of food outlets including Fish and Chip Shops, Fast Food, Smokehouses, Asian Restaurants and Food courts. We have helped many of them to gain planning consent or resolve disputes with neighbours. Contact us to see how we can help: Ecovery Innovations Ltd e. enquiries@ecoveryinnovations.com t. 0845 122 0724

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Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

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Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

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Keeping up with the Times! Fish and chip shop praised by critic Giles Coren

n his latest review in The Sunday Times, Mr Coren headed to Eric’s Fish and Chips in Thornham While he couldn’t work out whether he went to the Thornham or Holt branch of Eric’s Fish and Chips, stating “but exactly where in Norfolk, I’m not sure I can say”, it becomes clear he went to the former as he talks about a gravelled front with picnic tables. He ordered the medium haddock with chips, which he felt was “good value” at £9 apiece, and said it was “Historic, epic, and at the very top end of what fish and chips should be”. His high praise continued, and he called their black pudding fritter “excellent” and tartare sauce “very good”. The chippy, which has a third branch in St Ives in Cambridgeshire, is owned by Eric Snaith who is also the chef and owner at award-winning restaurant Titchwell Manor. Mr Snaith said: “We were delighted, the actual comments he made are hard to take in and to call it historic and epic it couldn’t be much better.” Have you been reviewed recently? Email austen@chippychat.co.uk

Mitchell Potatoes (Estab 1883) is proud to be one of the UK’s longest established potato merchants, a record built on quality and reliability. Consistent quality: Our large supplier base and vigilant quality control helps provide consistent quality all year round. Punctual deliveries: We run a fleet of modern vehicles with 24hr breakdown assistance.

Annual fixed price contracts: We offer fixed price contracts to help you manage your budget without the worries of price fluctuations. We stock all frying varieties.

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36 Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020 MitchellChippy Potatoes

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

Great British Cake Off! What are the Most Instagrammed British Desserts?

o, you have just had your fish and chips what would you go for as your pudding? Posting that perfect tasty looking picture of our meal on Instagram has become almost a ritual or a habit for most of us - even if it means risking eating it cold! Britain has a renowned history for having a variety of delightful desserts. But in the nation of sweet lovers, what is the tastiest looking British dessert? We sought to discover which traditional British desserts are a feast for Instagrammers eyes by finding the most tagged sweets on the social channel. The Results: Fruit Cake topped the list with 654,531 hashtags. This traditional dessert wasn’t the only festive sweet on the list: Mince Pie comes in second place with 327,921 posts (many of them are deep fried). An absolute classic, Victoria Sponge is the third favourite (294,977 hashtags) according to sweettoothed Instagrammers. The sweet taste of Bread & Butter Pudding gives us that warm homely feel, making it the ninth traditional dessert of the list with 50,065 posts. Known as a delightful afternoon treat Bakewell Tart is the top 10 most Instagrammed British dessert (43,297 posts). Stats courtesy of www.jackandbeyond.com *Data represents live Instagram figures, collected on 10/08/2020. All hashtag variations of desserts are included to increase the validity of the results.

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Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

Agrico Herald New Important Chipping Varities

Your chance to try them!

o celebrate the recent National Fish and Chip Day, Cambridgeshire potato merchant Isle of Ely Produce have launched a new platform to promote the great British Chip in association with Agrico. Its aim will be to carry on the good work it has been promoting via their hugely successful open days, and the ‘Field to Frier’ award it sponsors at the National Fish and Chip Awards.

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

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, as IOE looks to cement the relationships they have grown across the whole supply chain over the last ten years. Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

Free Sampling An important area where these new ambassadors will be utilised is to sample any significant new varieties that come into the marketplace. With this in mind Agrico have partnered with Isle of Ely Produce to bring two such varieties into the trade initially via our Chip Ambassadors. The two varieties Babylon and Lugano will be sampled at some of these ambassadors to back up the results of early trial successes. One of the first shops to sign up to the scheme is Shap Chippy, near Penrith. Matt Phillips co-owner said. “We are delighted to get involved with this as we have seen the good work Isle of Ely do at their open days, this will take that work into the chip shops themselves, where we can report on various issues we have with the potatoes and or varieties which in turn can be fed back to the merchants & growers. To work with a name like Agrico is fantastic.” Oliver Boutwood Isle of Ely Director says. “We have met so many great chip shop owners over the years, all who have brilliant knowledge of what it takes to choose, store and of course fry a potato. We have supplied enough potatoes during that time to serve over 600 million portions of chips. This new scheme will give us even more information across the UK, that we can use to make sure we have the right variety in supply at all times.” Oliver visits Shap Chippy To help launch the scheme Oliver visited Shap on the eve of National Fish & Chip day, to try Babylon for himself. He said “It was great to visit the Shap team and see their knowledge and enthusiasm first-hand. To have our Chip Ambassadors trying samples and giving us valuable feedback is valuable for the whole industry. Babylon offers the customer outstanding frying and eating qualities that challenge Agria, whilst Lugano offers a sustainable future for the grower in the fight against potato

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

cyst nematode (PCN), while producing excellent frying and eating quality for the customer.” What Agrico think? Alex Moore, Agrico UK Sales Manager said: “Our varieties have made up a large proportion of the potatoes supplied to the chip shop sector over the years. However, previously we have had very little interaction with the shops themselves. We are thrilled to be working closely with the Chip Ambassadors to launch two of our exciting new varieties. As a business we are always trying to breed better tasting and more sustainable potato varieties. In Babylon and Lugano we have both! We place a lot of emphasis on product management and this link with the Chip Ambassadors, Isle of Ely and the growers will help us ensure that each area of the supply chain know how to get the best out of Agrico varieties, to give the end customer the best chips they can buy.” Introducing our Chip Ambassadors Chip shop owners already signed as Chip Ambassadors for Isle of Ely Produce are 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 CapelChez Fred, Matt & Ashley Phillips – Shap Chippy, Malachy Mallon The Dolphin Takeaway, Richard Foster – Fish and Chips at Weston Grove, Emir Hikary – Hiks, Alan Shillingford – Shillingfords and Sarah Heward – The Real Food Café. We will be featuring Babylon and Lugano in the coming months both inprint and online to showcase their merits to the fish and chip industry. We will also invite you to taste them at the open day at the farm at our next open day. Email austen@isleofely.co.uk if you too would like to become a Chip Ambassador and try Babylon and Lugano for yourselves.

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

WonderFal! Finally Fish and Chips in Faliraki! By Austen Dack

any of you will know I have spent the last seventeen years visiting Faliraki for our family holiday staying at the Cannon Bar with Kathy Dimitris and Vasilis Tokouzis. Every year something new happens and this year we found a Greek fish and chip shop! Faliraki is nowadays very cosmopolitan (it’s nearly 20 years since the bad press), with a large, multi-ethnic group of holiday makers all in pursuit of pleasure, day and night & in the morning, on the famous beaches with their striped umbrellas, and at night in the narrow streets with all their bars, clubs, cafes, and restaurants. All along the 4km beaches of Faliraki, visitors can find impressive golden sand, and sparkling deep blue waters. If you get hungry, you can choose from over 60 restaurants of different types, such as traditional Greek cuisine, Chinese food, international cuisine, or Italian restaurants. This year I am pleased to say a new

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

cuisine joins the queue to be crowned best in resort. It is the Greek slant on fish and chips, and I went along to chat to the owners and of course to try them. The restaurant is called Opsarion (Greek for fish eater). It is bright airy and very modern. The owner had travelled to the UK and had spent some time in Leeds. He loved the idea of taking fish and chips back to Faliraki but wanted to add a Greek touch. I ordered the cod and chips and waited to try them with a glass of Mamos, a fantastic Greek beer making a comeback on the island! After a short wait, the food arrived. Dimitris and Michalis (owners) were both in tonight and supervising my order. The fish was cooked in sunflower oil and the chips KTC Chef’s Choice vegetable oil. The chips were made from a Greek variety of potato Spunta, which were boiled first then cooled to room temperature before frying. The fish was FAS from Iceland. The batter was golden and crispy. They use soda in the mix and add beer too. On the side we had a trio of their famous sauces.

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

They had veered away from traditional UK sauces and mushy peas, and instead gone for their own home-made sauces which include an amazing potato and garlic and spicy honey and pepper. The chips were short (their preference) but wellcooked and crisp to touch. Other dishes on the menu included Calamari (my wife’s choice) and Symi shrimps. Overall, it was great to see and taste fish and chips back on the menu on Rhodes, and I can only see this franchise growing and appearing across Greece very soon. Our daytime retreat was shared between Kathara Beach at the friendly Elpida Pool Bar and another first for 2020 – the glorious Atalanti Boutique Hotel. The Atalanti Hotel was fully refurbished in 2019 and its surroundings are one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. The panoramic views of the sea, valley and mountains are absolutely breath taking. The hotel is very out of the way but this is exactly the idea, it is peaceful, beautiful and relaxing. The pool area is amazing looking over to the sea with an infinity area. Great chill out music courtesy of Vanilla FM, and a nice bar with reasonable prices for a 4* hotel, expertly looked after by the wonderful Dimitris (common name). The lunchtime meals are only around €6 and all made fresh. The area is spotlessly clean and there were plenty of sunbeds.

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

There are beautiful peacocks wondering around the grounds, and a lovely ginger cat too. The food was delicious, and the staff deserve a huge amount of credit with how hard they work following all of the Covid rules, especially Christina. Back to our hosts at the Cannon Bar. This such a great place to stay. Whether in a family group or indeed on your own, you will soon find friends. It is such a home from home and in a great place for you to be able to walk to several great restaurants. (I recommend the Desert Rose & Alabama)! The rooms are extremely comfortable, many with kitchen appliances etc and all with a very welcome A/C. Special mention to Vasilis who is on hand to make you the most delicious drinks every evening. With many of the ingredients grown within the grounds, he gets off to cut fresh to make the tall drinks even more refreshing. The Cannon Bar has been our retreat for many years. It allows us all to relax in a way no other hotel has allowed. A year ago, Kathy’s husband (and the boys’ father) George sadly passed away. This year we could feel his presence more than ever. RIP great man. www.cannonstudios.gr/en/ www.facebook.com/opsarion/ https://www.hotelatalanti.gr/

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

Cashed Out! 40% of people will no longer use cash in shops, bars or restaurants due to hygiene concerns, as the nation demands a smoother and safer shopping experience

ew research from British retail tech pioneers Ubamarket has revealed that 50% of shoppers, pub-goers and restaurant customers have not used cash since the lockdown began, whilst 4 in 10 Brits report that they will no longer use cash in shops or hospitality venues due to hygiene concerns and the convenience of contactless payments. In light of this, Ubamarket has developed a comprehensive mobile app, which enables any supermarket, store, bar or restaurant to offer a more hygienic, convenient and personalised service to customers. Amongst other features, Ubamarket enables in-app, one touch payments in shops as well as hospitality venues, eradicating the need for cash whilst adding to the customer experience. This news comes as the retail and hospitality sectors fight to recover from the devastating impact of the Coronavirus pandemic. Whilst the sectors have now begun a slow recovery from months of closure during lockdown, many of Britain’s largest retailers have reported widespread store closures, and one in five hospitality bosses say they will not reopen all of their venues postlockdown. This research points to an overwhelming desire amongst Britain’s consumers for retailers and hospitality venues to modernise and offer a safer, more convenient experience.

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

Key stats:

• 50% of people in Britain (over 23 million) haven’t used cash at all since the start of lockdown and have relied exclusively on card and contactless payments • 43% of Brits (over 20 million) want their shopping experience moving forward to require as little human interaction as possible • Over one-third (34%) of Brits say that the self-checkouts cause significant anxiety due to hygiene concerns and proximity to other shoppers • 4 in 10 Brits will no longer use cash when shopping or when in bars or restaurants due to concerns around the transfer of germs • 62% of Brits (28 million) want to be able to complete their supermarket shop and exit the store in under 20 minutes Will Broome, CEO of Ubamarket, discusses the research: “The research clearly shows that the Coronavirus pandemic has completely transformed the way in which British consumers want to purchase their goods and enjoy the experience of dining or drinking in bars, pubs and restaurants. Whilst the Coronavirus raised huge hygiene and safety concerns which destroyed consumer confidence, it also highlighted a number of pre-existing problems with the shopping experience in Britain, and now a huge proportion of Brits feel that their shopping experience is outdated. Now, the question facing businesses is not ‘when will things go back to normal’ but rather ‘how can we adapt to succeed and serve customers in a post-COVID world?’ ubamarket.com Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

For Perfect Fish & Chips Every Time

Simply Open the Box There is Frymax and then there are other cooking oils. Open a box of Frymax and you will see pure white premium palm. It is additive free, contains no hydrogenated oil and less than 1% trans fats. It is sourced from approved certified production units and is 100% sustainable and traceable. Frymax has not changed in over sixty five years! Why? Because we and top Fryers know that Frymax guarantees delicious fish and Chips every time. When you see the word Frymax on the box you know that you are buying the very best for your customers. There is no substitute for quality. If it is not Frymax it simply isn’t good enough.

RSPO-2-0677-16-100-00

The Fryers’ Favourite For Over 65 Years. For information, advice, or customer support material please contact ADM Trading (UK) Limited. e-mail: frymaxinfo@adm.com 43

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

www.frymax.co.uk Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

Wholesale SWITCHER! TCR has all you need for your shop By Austen Dack

James Matthews Sales Manager

ounded in 1998 TCR is an independent family owned and managed business serving the Fish and Chip industry in and around the Midlands. The company’s founding principles of Quality, Service and Reliability are even more relevant today! Putting the customer first has always been at the heart of what they do. Their highly experienced telesales team will always work to strengthen relationships with their customers, understanding their needs to deliver first class customer service. Products include, Frying Fats and Oils, a variety of frozen products, frozen at sea Icelandic cod and haddock, drinks, pizza products, packaging products, equipment, cleaning materials. They already serve around 600 (mainly fish and chip) shops, and have a plan to increase this number and diversify to other takeaway outlets I talked to Sales Manager James Matthews to talk about their plans and how

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

they have adapted through the pandemic. How will you look to grow in the next two years? Currently most of our runs are finished by early afternoon, so we have room for growth. We also will be opening on a Saturday morning too for both deliveries and collection. What areas do you cover currently? B ir min gh am, Nottin gh am, Derby, Worce ste r, Re dditch , S h ropshi re, Shrewsbury, Ludlow – all over the Midlands How did you cope during the lock down period? 500 of our shops closed overnight and it hit us dramatically - any fresh salads and food were donated to local area care homes etc – chicken kebab and meats were sold off at a discounted price. When they opened again our staff and customers were our priority. The drivers have such a great relationship with our shops, they all have PPE and will do what is best for the customer when delivering.

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

What Changes have you seen recently? Our new range of packaging has sold extremely well. With the increase in deliveries our ‘Nation’s Favourite’ range of boxes are very popular, as are our bags which can go straight out for delivery with the house number etc on the side. Drink and ice cream sales have increased too, home delivery families spend more than in store consumers! Here at TCR we have seen a rise in collection customers buying direct from us (and more frequently) rather than having a delivery. Tell us about your new Fish Range During lockdown, some fish merchants closed so lots of our customers were asking for fish. We had had dialogue with Thorfish, and now sell their finest Icelandic frozen at sea cod and haddock! You have you own Palm Oil brand too? Yes, Mampan Palm Oil – Mampan means sustainable in Malaysia. We were searching to create a product that is maintainable in our ever-changing climate of depleting resources, but also manufacturing a product to exceed the quality & performance of existing cooking oils that are currently on the market today. George Georgiou at Barberry Fish Bar has been using Mampan for around two years. He said “I am very happy with the quality, price of Mampan. It frys well and is consistent. I am using around 20 boxes of it a week.” Visit - tcrfoodservices.co.uk 45

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

Contact TCR foodservices

50 Gravelly Industrial Park, Nechells, Birmingham B24 8TG

T: 0121 328 4695 M: 07437 017540 E: info@tcrfoodservices.co.uk

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

Get Back to Black’s Award Winning Chippy Up For Sale!

lack’s Finest Fish and Chip Shop has been trading in Halton since 2012 although there has been a chip shop at this location since 1998. They have worked hard to build a reputation for excellent quality and friendly service. The shop has received several accolades including winning first place in their category at the 2019 National Fish & Chip Awards, making the finals of the 2017 Fish & Chip Awards, and regularly achieving the NFFF Quality Award standard. In 2018 & 2016 the shop was named the best chippy in the Lancaster & Morecambe area. IT HAS TRADED VERY WELL THROUGH THE PANDEMIC. LOCATION Halton village is slightly to the east of the city of Lancaster, situated on the banks of the beautiful River Lune. The scenic Lune Valley cycle path runs past the village between Lancaster and Caton, making it a popular destination for walkers and cyclists alike. The centre of either town is now only 10 minutes from the centre of Halton by car, and motorists on the M6 can be in the village within 5 minutes of leaving the motorway at junction 35. REASON FOR SALE This opportunity has become available due to the owner’s other business interests and therefore the business has been placed on the open market at this appealing price point. LEASE The building is available for rent on a FRI basis (Full Repair and Insurance). This is the most common type of lease. The lease has a 13 year term that started in February 2013 and ends in 2026. The current rent is £9,000 per annum which represents excellent value for such a prime location property. STAFF They operate the business on a part time basis and are supported by three additional members of staff including a full-time fish fryer. All staff have contracts of employment and provide continuity to the customers ensuring a smooth handover. FINANCIAL DETAILS Currently the business is trading strongly and can show turnover growth each year. The business currently benefits from Small Business Rates Relief. BUILDING LAYOUT AND DESIGN The lease covers the ground floor of the property.

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

It has an impressive double fronted exterior with striking signage that really does create a flawless first impression. Once inside, the store is well laid out and has a clean crisp feel. It maximises all the available space within this building. There is a large serving counter with a separate area for cooking and preparation this is supported by a kitchen area. The main waiting area has seating for up to six people. There are toilet facilities and a pantry that is used for additional storage. The garage is also used for storage at the rear of the building itself together will additional storage in the basement running the entire length of the building. As the chips are sourced pre-prepared there is no need for a chipper or rumbler creating useful space in the building. The building is protected by two camera CCTV system. SUMMARY This is an exceptionally efficiently run business that has been consistently winning awards since opening its doors in June 2012. Its reputation online is second to none and as the only chip shop in the village the business is at the heart of the local community. The business offers a solid trading platform for a new owner and this makes this proposition an exciting one as it shows steady growth over the years. There is an opportunity to build the business should a new owner wish to do so. The business does not actively advertise as there is no requirement to do so as all marketing is done through social media. Facebook (over 1000 followers) and Instagram accounts along with other platforms will be transferred to the new buyer upon completion. There are currently 3 large-scale housing developments either planned or being built in the village at the moment. We anticipate that this will provide additional trade from construction workers during the building process and add more chimney pots into the immediate customer base within the village. The business is takeaway only and the business has been awarded a 5 star hygiene rating. The menu is traditional, so again scope for extended menu. There is customer parking available and also scope for home delivery setup. Opening Hours: MON - SAT: 11:30 - 13:30 / 16:30 - 20:00 SUN: CLOSED Leasehold Price: £149,995 Annual Turnover: £192,661 Accounts Available 31st March 2020 Annual Turnover £192,661 Gross Profit £118,475 All enquiries to 07950302598 or info@blackschippy.co.uk 47

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020

Chippy ChatChat & Fast Food Magazine • October 2020 Chippy & Fast Food Magazine • July 2020

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