We had a Whale of a Time Show time, The Empire, & the Award

We had a Whale

Show time, The Empire, & the Award

By Austen Dack

Once every two years the whole of the potato industry comes together for a unique ‘seed to shopping trolley’ event in Harrogate. It’s an exceptional networking and business opportunity for all those involved in growing, handling, processing, and retailing the crop in this £multi billion industry. The Isle of Ely produce team were out in force, and this year I joined them as we continue to underline how each and every company at the show play their part in the journey of the potato right from seed to the frier.

Agrico UK had their full team present, and I joined Alex Moore and Archie Gibson on their stand to discuss the importance of trialling Babylon (and other new chipping varieties) to fish and chip shops across the UK. Alex said “Babylon is shaping up to be a key variety for fish and chip shop owners. We are proud of our work with Chippy Chat & happy to announce that we will continue our partnership into 2022.”

In the evening many of the visitors and

stand holders convened at the Old Swan Hotel in Harrogate for the National Potato Awards. Welsh Comedian Rod Woodward kept everyone in fits of laughter as he handed out the awards and entertained. The organisers said how difficult it had been for judges to choose from the nominees, the number and standard of entries was exceptional.

The highlight of the evening was to see us (Isle of Ely produce and Chippy Chat) crowned champions for our work in marketing to farmers and fish friers and all things in between. Our campaign led by John & Oliver Boutwood ‘from field to

of a Time! frier’ has seen over 700 shops attending our open days, a category (potato) sponsorship at the National Fish and Chip Awards, and of course working with the likes of Agrico championing new varieties at chip shops across the UK! Oliver and I went on stage to collect this prize, one which we would like to dedicate to all of our partners who have helped us deliver this platform thus far. No trip to this part of Yorkshire is complete without visiting ‘The Home of Fish & Chips’, The Wetherby Whaler. This is a family-owned seven strong chain of fish and chip restaurants and takeaways. The business was founded by Phillip and Janine Murphy in Tadcaster in 1969 and continues to thrive over 50 years later! I was met by director Caroline Murphy to take me to their drive-thru outlet ‘The Empire’. I have been intrigued by this outlet since they purchased it in 2018 and wanted to see how they have integrated it into the Wetherby Whaler family. The answer of course is very well. Paying homage to its cinematic bygone days, posters adorn the walls and images are projected from classic movies. They have managed to combine old with new and their classic Wetherby Whaler branding seems at home sitting next to the likes of Rocky Balboa. As well as being a drive thru, The Empire originally a cinema was also known for its entertainment something which Caroline is keen to continue. Regular acts including Elvis, Dolly Parton, Queen & Elton John play on this famous 100-year-old stage whilst the happy attendees tuck into their award-winning haddock & chips. The technology in the drive thru itself gives them the capacity to serve over 80 cars an hour. During the pandemic some cars were out buying for friends, neighbours etc, and meant in some cases 10 plus per car. One of the reasons to meet up with Caroline was to get her trusted view on our new promising variety Babylon. I was very eager to tuck into their lovely Whaler haddock and chips. The batter recipe is unique to them and having been to their Wetherby shop, I was long overdue for another helping! Both the fish and chips didn’t disappoint. Despite having seven shops and serving many thousands of happy diners a week the Wetherby Whaler team pride themselves on the quality and consistency of their food. Agrico’s Babylon variety continues to impress. The fry colour, yield and texture were once again impressive. They tasted fantastic keeping a crispness long after coming out of the range! Caroline said “As an ongoing commitment to our loyal customers we are always keen to try new varieties. Babylon ticked all of the credentials of what makes a good chip, and we look forward to frying more of them soon.”

If you would like to try Babylon, email austen@chippychat.co.uk