The Hand of Hod! Lancaster chippy stepped in to feed entire wedding with 15 minutes notice after caterers drop out
By Austen Dack
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ne of my favourite stories from this year saw an award-winning chip shop owner stepping in to provide last minute catering for a wedding! Hodgson’s Chip Shop saved the day after a bride and groom’s caterers were forced to cancel due to coronavirus Hodgson’s Chip Shop in Lancaster is already renowned for its award-winning Fish and Chips, this summer they left thousands of people in awe when they stepped in at the last minute to cater a wedding. Mandy Bates, from Morecambe, posted to the Facebook group ‘Lancaster Past & Present’ thanking the chippy for their efforts. She wrote: “Just want to give a massive thank you shout out to Hodgson’s Chippy… on Saturday 24th July my niece was emailed 15 minutes before she walked down the aisle (4pm) by the caterer for her wedding reception saying he couldn’t make it.” Mandy wrote that the cancellation came “despite having been booked for weeks and having had a hefty deposit” but later edited that they had to pull out due to Covid-19. She continued to write: “Hodgson’s Chippy kindly stepped in when called and supplied 50 portions of fabulous fish and chips!! Thank you so very much, they were thoroughly enjoyed!” The original caterer returned the deposit and was said to be “great” in compensating for the cancellation.
Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2021
Mandy wrote: “The fish and chips were absolutely fab… piping hot and lush and the day was thankfully not spoilt in any way, it was amazing, and the Bride and Groom loved every minute.” Nigel Hodgson, owner of Hodgson’s Chip Shop on Prospect Lane Lancaster told newspaper LancsLive: “Of course we would help out in that situation” Hodgson’s called in extra staff when they received the call to ask if they could provide the missing meals, Nigel said that he could tell Hodgson’s ability to step-in had “de-stressed” the bride and groom on their big day. He added: “whatever we could have done, we would have done to make their day as perfect as it possibly could be and make it a day that they’ll always remember.” Nigel also gave credit to Hodgson’s to their hardworking team of staff who made over 50 meals with approximately an hour and a half notice. On how they pulled it off, Nigel told LancsLive that they had to void the click and collect time slots for when the food was due to be picked up. Have you saved the day with fish and chips? Email austen@chippychat.co.uk
Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2021
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