Around a quarter of consumers opt for curry sauce on their fish and chips (YouGov 2020), making it a must-have menu item. But its popularity extends beyond just fish and chipsDinaclass curry sauces make delicious add-ons to favourites such as chicken, pies and loaded fries, perfect marinades for meats and even simple ba-ses for more creative sauces.
With Dinaclass, fish and chip shops have a wide assortment of curry sauces at their fingertips. Choose Dinaclass to ensure there is a variety for every customer; from traditional, gluten free or vegetarian options, with sultanas or without, there is one to suit all tastes.Committed to innovating and responding to current trends, Di-naclass recently added a Chinese Curry Sauce Mix, a flavoursome Chinese style curry sauce for customers craving something spicier.
Thanks to this winning combination of innovation and quality, Dinaclass is now one of the top out-of-home chip shop curry brands and, in the UK, a pot of Dinaclass curry sauce is sold every second.
The Dinaclass range not only provides great taste but even tastier profits too. For example, a shop serving 500 4oz portions at £1.80 stands to make an £855 profit!
Dinaclass curry sauces are available in 10kg powdered formats and can be prepared in minutes just by adding some water. They can be made up ahead of time and held in a Bain Marie or mixed on the spot if more is required.
For operators with low volumes or those wanting to trial a curry sauce for the first time, Dinaclass offers Microwave Curry, which can be prepared, potted up, refriger-ated and microwaved as needed.
An effective way to increase profits further is to tempt customers with a tasty side dish or an add-on. Operators should be asking customers if they would like a side of curry sauce with every transaction.
Up-selling online is even easier. Average spend is often much higher online than in-store as customers pay less attention to what they are spending and more time browsing the menu and adding extras. Dinaclass curry sauce should be positioned clearly on the menu and a pop-up box added, prompting customers to add a pot before they check out.
Elevate your dishes, your menu and your sales with the flavour and quality of Dinaclass.
For more information, visit eu.kerryfoodservice.com/pages/Dinaclass
Chippy Chat Ltd Oak Lane Littleport Ely Cambridgeshire CB6 1RS
Chippy Chat Ltd Oak Lane
Littleport Ely
www.chippy-chat.co.uk info@chippychat.co.uk
Cambridgeshire
CB6 1RS
Twitter @Chippychat
Facebook Chippy-Chat
TEL 01353 865 966
www.chippy-chat.co.uk info@chippychat.co.uk
FAX 01353 863 444
Twitter @Chippychat
Managing Director
Facebook Chippy-Chat
John Boutwood
TEL 01353 658216
Publisher
FAX 01353 863 444
Oliver Boutwood oliver@chippychat.co.uk
Publishing Editor
Well already approaching the end of the first quarter of 2018! Hopefully it will be a busy one for shops and suppliers as we approach Mother’s day and Easter too. Congratulations to all at Friars Pride. Once again, they have delivered a fantastic trade show with even more visitors it seemed than ever.
A busy offering this month for your delights. First off we review many of our oil and fat suppliers giving you the chance to see what many top shops are using and why. Also,
Itis now just a few weeks before National Fish and Chip Day on Friday June 2nd. Once again, a massive thanks to NEODA for organising this. We have 14 pages dedicated to the day itself, with a whole host of ideas of how you too can get involved. Together with the NFFF National Fish & Chip Awards, our own open day at Isle of Ely our industry needs
we have our great sausage feature too!
these events more than ever to push us to the forefront of hearts and minds of the nation. Let us know what you are doing to help celebrate our national dish?
Send me pictures too for use in our June and July editions.
Our front-page partner for March is Pukka Pies. They supply millions of pies to fish and chip shops across the UK and they are helping us celebrate National Pie Week. If you would like to advertise, get involved or tell us some news please email me austen@ chippychat.co.uk – thanks for your support enjoy the issue.
Austen
Email me at austen@chippychat.co.uk
Our website is www.chippychat.co.uk
Managing Director
John Boutwood
Austen Dack austen@chippychat.co.uk 07863123929
Publisher
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Oliver Boutwood oliver@chippychat.co.uk
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Its owner, 84-year-old Dennis Jackson, says hanging up his apron was very emotional. He opened Jackson’s Chippie on Market Street in Ilkeston town centre in 1961 and it closed in April
Dennis says the opening hours were extended on the last day of service with all of the proceeds going to Ilkeston Hospital. Some staff members even offered to work for free and Dennis contacted the hospital
to tell them to send some nurses down to the event.
He says they hoped to raise two thousand pounds on the final day - double what was raised during a similar celebration 20 years ago to mark the shop’s 40th anniversary.
Dennis made the difficult decision to close a few weeks ago and since then the community has been showing how much it will miss him. “For 3 weeks it’s been manic!” says Dennis. “A really lovely customer, an elderly lady, who you wouldn’t think would wait an hour and 8 minutes for chips - did!”
Dennis began peeling potatoes when he was 20 in a different chip shop, and years later opened his own. The decision to close is age-related and because of rising costs and the current economic situation.
WE HAVE SUPPLIED INBUILT SUPERPAD SYSTEMS (TRIPLE FILTRATION) FOR FACTORY FITTING TO:
MARTYN EDWARDS
FRANK FORD
KIREMKO (KFE)
HENRY NUTTALL SCOTRANGE
EDEN RANGE
WE HAVE ALSO RETRO-FITTED BASKET FILTRATION AND SUPER PAD UNITS TO SHOP INSTALLED RANGES. PLEASE CALL FOR ADVICE ON YOUR RANGE
He describes his customers as “the best in the world” and says he has mixed feelings about retirement. “It’s exciting but also terrifying. Last week I woke up and thought what am I going to do in a week’s time when I’ve got no shop to go to”, he says. “It’s an unexplainable experience to live the life of a fish fryer for 62 years and not want to lose it, but I’m afraid that’s how it’s got to be.”
As well as his customers, Dennis’ staff say they are going to miss him. Vanessa Males was employed by Dennis for 24 years. “It’s been amazing. Dennis as a boss, well, there will never be a boss as nice as Dennis”, she says.
The 84-year-old said he had a lump in his throat when he served his last customer. Are you close to retirement? Email austen@chippychat.co.uk
After more than 60 years a chip shop in Derbyshire closed its doors
Sunday May 14th
KFE Ball
Join KFE for their magnificent event. This years theme is the Circus! Call them on for ticket details on 01778 380448. www.kfeltd.co.uk
15th- 21st
May National Vegetarian Week
National Vegetarian Week 2022 was about choosing more vegetarian food to help tackle the climate crisis.
May 22nd-28th
May British Sandwich Week
Every year British Sandwich Week celebrates the humble sandwich.
2nd June 2023
National Fish & Chip Day
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.
September 10th
Isle of Ely/Chippy Chat Open Day
Join us on the farm for a day of networking and discovering all things potato! Free tickets contact austen@chippychat.co.uk
December 10th
The Chippy Chat Ball
The Chippy Chat Ball is booked in, fingers crossed, pandemics allowing we will be back this year.
By Heidi George
First launched in 2015, National Fish & Chip Day is a huge day for our industry. Run by the National Edible Oil Distributors’ Association and falling on June 2nd this year, the day was created to raise awareness of the significant British dish, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate it. Being the country’s leading supplier of Frozen at Sea fish, our customers are the heart and soul of our business, and we are consistently searching for ways to help them succeed. Therefore, we have compiled a list of examples that may inspire you to participate in the campaign…
1) Hide fish and chip vouchers around the area where your business is located
This idea was inspired by something that The Bearded Sailor did in 2019 –the team placed vouchers all around the town of Pudsey, where the shop is based, for people to find and enjoy some delicious free food. Not only was this a fun activity for children and families, but it was a money-saver for the lucky finders. A memorable activity such as this could attract new customers who become regulars once they have tried the high quality food and experienced fantastic service.
2) First 30 customers get a discount on their order
It could be buy one get one half price, 10% off on orders over £30, or half price on selected sundries – whatever you choose, customers are sure to arrive early and make it in before everyone else so they can secure the best deal. Happy clients may also share the news with their friends and family, or on their social media platforms, which can be great exposure for your business.
3) Spread the word on social media
Social media is a powerful marketing tool, and to support chippies celebrating this event, the NEODA website offers free downloadable resources to use on your company pages, which can be used to personalise your own assets. By videoing what you get up to, you could create an Instagram reel or TikTok video. And don’t forget to add hashtags to connect with others who may be getting involved!
4) Giveaway draw
As previously mentioned, social media is a great way to attract visitors to your shop. Why not create a post asking people to “like” and “share” it to be in with a chance of winning a free chippy tea for two? Sharing the post around means more people will become aware of your page and presence.
5) Dress up
From branded t-shirts to full-on fancy dress costumes – the world is your oyster! Some of our clients in the past have dressed up as sea creatures, with Oliver’s Fish and Chips choosing a giant crab and Seabreeze selecting a large fish. These costumes were a great way to attract people into shops, and the curious customers just kept coming.
We can’t wait to see how our customers celebrate this significant awareness day –make sure to tag us on social media and show us what you get up to!
COLLINS SEAFOODS NORTH EAST: Unit 2, Park 2000, Heighington Lane Business Park, Newton Aycliffe, County Durham DL5 6AR
Tel: 01325 315544
Web: www.collinsseafoods.co.uk
Email: sales@collinsseafoods.co.uk
COLLINS SEAFOODS YORKSHIRE: Unit 2, Felnex Crescent, Cross Green Industrial Estate, Leeds, LS9 0SN
Tel: 0113 2498832
Email: salesyorkshire@collinsseafoods.co.uk
Oliver's Fish and Chips
Collins Seafoods - from the Collins Seafoods - from the sea to your plate on National sea to your plate on National Fish and Chip Day Fish and Chip Day
Hot on the heels of an amazing NFFF National Fish & Chip Awards the biggest day on the fish and chip calendar is back! National Fish and Chip Day 2022 will return for the seventh year on Friday 2nd June!
Bought to you by NEODA and industry partners including Friar’s Pride, H Colbeck, VA Whitley, Middleton Foods, Seafood from Norway and Blakeman’s sausages, the event gets hundreds of shops involved promoting our national dish.
The event has gone from strength to strength since its launch in 2015 and despite the restrictions, nearly 50 million people would have seen, heard, or read about the awareness day last year. National TV, radio and newspapers featured stories as did the regional media. Social media was awash with fish and chip stories with our hashtag #nationalfishandchipday with Neoda saying “We were number 1 on Twitter from 8 a.m. and stayed there all day long!”
So, let’s make National Fish and Chip Day 2023 the best yet as NEODA brings together everyone involved in creating this iconic British dish; from the Fish & Chip shops, suppliers to the fishermen and farmers who provide the sustainable and
natural ingredients needed to create this family favourite.
Merchandise for the day can be ordered online at the National Fish and Chip Day website www.nationalfishandchipday.org. uk. Also on the website are downloadable posters to print and display, plus logos, social media headers, a press release template for you to add details to and circulate to your local press and a Campaign Toolkit packed full of ideas and hints and tips for getting the most from National Fish and Chip Day 2023.
Here at Chippy Chat in 2022 we celebrated the day by giving away over 400 portions of fish and chips. National Fish & Chip Award winner Pimp my Fish was the mobile chippy who joined us on the day.
Over the next 14 pages we are going to highlight how many shops got involved last year. It will give you over 50 ideas for the big day itself. Many of them don’t need you to spend vast sums of money but give you an idea of what can be done to join in on the day. Shout on your social media pages, decorate your shops, let’s join together to celebrate team fish & chips. Please let me know what you are doing for NF&CD in 2023 by emailing me at austen@chippychat.co.uk
Miller’s, Haxby
Celebrated the BIG day by giving away some Seafood from Norway insulated cups!
They were given these as a larger campaign by SFN and backing up their sustainable message are made from 50% Beach Waste, recovered from the Cornish coastline, blended to create marble patterns unique to every cup. Designed for 10 years use, Circular Reusable Coffee Cup is 100% recyclable.
West End Fish & Chips, Accrington
To celebrate National Fish & Chip Day, West End once again had a display of fish/chip balloons and posted it to social media. They also had a visit from ERROL the national fish and chips day fish thanks to V.A.Whitley & Co Ltd
Wigmore Fish Bar
To celebrate National Fish and Chip Day, Wigmore gave away half price chips with every fish order! This proved to be a very popular offer, with queues all day!
Penaluna Fish & Chips, Aberdare
Were delighted to be involved with National Fish & Chip Day 2022
Guests celebrated with them on Roald Dahl Plass Cardiff Bay where with the support of the industry partners friends and colleagues, they gave away 500 taster portions of Fish & Chips
Fish Kitchen 1854
On the menu they had two specials to celebrate the day. Nanny Daisies old school hake Florentine fishcakes, Hake fish supper, and Bacon and Cheddar Fishcakes
Pimp my Fish
The Pimp My Fish Van was on hand to help us giveaway over 400 portions of fish and chips in the centre of Cambridge on the day last year. FREE sauce sachets too
Jackson’s Fish & Chips
They were carping on about fish puns all day. They asked customers for a joke to share with them, with time to mullet over. The best fish and chip joke/pun and the one that made them laugh the loudest won a £20 voucher to spend in their chippy.
Bankers Fish & Chips
A chance to *WIN* Fish & Chips for a year! * To enter customers followed the 2 easy steps:
1) ‘Like’ the Facebook/Insta post
2) Answer the following question: ‘What do you have on your Fish & Chips?’
E.g ‘Ketchup’ or ‘Tartare Sauce’ (Please comment on the post)
They picked a winner at random on the competition closing date on Friday 27th May 2022!
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 cod and haddock from Norway 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
Pioneering Stock Management
Origin Matters.
seafoodfromnorway.co.uk
To celebrate National Fish and Chip Day Seafood from Iceland gave away a trip to Iceland across 25 shops. (see picture left) Iceland’s high-quality fish is often served at the Fish&Chips shops across the UK, giving that traditional British dish a little Icelandic twist. Shops in Yorkshire, Chester or Plymouth participated in the celebration and one gave away that fantastic prize!
Captains Fish & Chips, Hoddeson
They celebrated one of our greatest traditions, Fabulous Fish&Chips. alongside their support for the Queen who was about to celebrate her Jubilee. They even had a decorated taxi cab!
“Come along and be part of the celebration.
We will be open from 11am-9pm.
Captain’s Fish&Chips
Nazeing Fish&Chips and Sidney&Sons Fish&Chips
God Save The Queen”
To celebrate they had a competition, all you had to do was to like & share and tag your mates in their National Fish & Chip Day post.
They picked a winner on Friday 4th June with the first prize of £20 to spend at the shop
To celebrate they teamed up with friends Seafood From Norway UK to giveaway fantastic reusable cups and some other great goodies.
To be in with a chance of winning customers had to visit for some delicious fish and chips and share a pic of their meal on Instagram or Facebook…this could be on stories or a post. Then follow @ thecodsscallops and Seafood From Norway UK] and tag them both so that they could see your pics (if you
don’t tag us we may not know you have entered)
John Molnar was on Saturday Kitchen cooking fish and chips LIVE for Matt and all the other fantastic guests
Will you win the Golden Ticket?
Especially for National Fish and Chip Day (THE BEST DAY OF THE YEAR) and those who were celebrating it at Poppies might just have been in for a lovely surprise
From the 27th and over the next 7 days, one Golden Ticket was given out to a table at each of their restaurants in Camden, Soho and Spitalfields. Those lucky enough to receive the Golden Ticket received their ENTIRE meal free of charge!
Wetherby
WIN A TRIP TO ICELAND to celebrate National Fish & Chip Day
How to enter:
There was a QR code in stores, customers came down and scanned to enter - easy , you can only entry was for one day only!
Prize included:
4 day trip to Iceland for 2 people
Return flights from UK
4 nights in a 4-star hotel in Reykjavik (with transfers)
Organised day tour to a Fishmas Village
Golden Carp Chippy
Chips half price with a large fish
Crisp & Fry Pontyates
They encouraged their customers to join them For National Fish & Chip Day. They offered them the chance to win a FREE fish and chips. WIN BIGNATIONAL FISH & CHIP DAY
Find a stamp in your box and win the meal on us
Plus TUESDAY - NATIONAL FISH & CHIP DAY WEEK
Free Tea or Coffee with every Fish & Chips sit in. Plus Free Side With Every Fish & Chips On May 23rd
Shillingfords Neath
A competition from Alan and the team. Win a family feast ‘meals for 4’ for collection on Friday to help them in celebrating National Fish & Chip Day. (Winners chose from Fish, Fish Bites, Homemade Rissole or Fish cake all including a side). Also, Special Meal ONE for National Fish and chip day 3 x Cod Bites and chips at a special price for the day itself. Plus for one day only Homemade Mushy Pea Fritters
The Golden Fry, Benllech
They celebrated the day by selling an insulated bag for fish and chips to their customers for just £2. All proceeds from the sales of the bags went to Fisherman’s Mission
Skippers Euxton
Andrew and the team thought it’s a great day to celebrate what is great about Britain... and what better way than with fish and chips. They celebrated by giving everyone registered for their offers a 10% OFF voucher code valid Friday or Saturday
Andy’s Fish Bar, Swadlincote
HALF PRICE!
To Celebrate National Fish & Chip Day their Fish & Chip meal was HALF PRICE all day Friday 27th May 2022
This offer was available: In-Store Delivery
Click & collect
That’s a 6oz Haddock fillet, chips, and a side for ONLY £3.99!
Fish and Chips @ Weston Grove
Chance to win a trip to Iceland for four days
Winyates Chippy
Half price chips on the day when you buy a large fish!
Harrogate Fisheries
Celebrated the nations favourite dish with a great selection of £5 lunch meal deals available from 1.30am
The Bay, Stonehaven
The Bay celebrated on the road with a special trip for National Fish & Chip Day. They gave away fish and chips in Edinburgh. In Stonehaven they gave away some giveaways, including a sample of their own bay BBQ sauce, also some bay merchandise too
Nazeing Fish & Chips
National Fish and Chip Day! To celebrate they created a special poster to promote the event and combined it with the Queen’s Jubilee
Esk Café Longtown
They celebrated the day by offering the chance to win a fish supper
All they had to do is tell them how you like your fish and chips… salt/ vinegar? Mushy peas?
Leave a comment on their facebook page. Winner chosen Friday 27th May
Papas Fish & Chips various locations
Papas celebrated by delivering Fish and chip facts! Did you know fish and chips first appeared in the UK in 1860? But more importantly, do you have yours with Mushy Peas or Tartar sauce? #nationalfishandchipday
Fiddlers Elbow Leintwardine
Promoted by decorating the shop on social network and via tv screens in shop and running a brilliant scratch card competition
J Henry Hedge End Cod & Chips on the day ONLY £5.50 until 2.15pm
COMPETITION TIME!
Win 2 Free Meals!!
To celebrate they gave away 2 FREE MEALS! Entering was easy……..
1) Tag the person in this post you will share your meal with.
2) Make sure you have both liked our page.
3) SHARE THE POST!!
Catch Fish & Chips Ashford
Order fish and chips via our App or through our website. Anyone who pre ordered before midday received 10% off
Queens Fish & Chips Stafford
Calling all FISH & CHIP lovers, it was time to celebrate the nation’s favourite dish. Queen’s asked their customers if they were ready for some fun? If they could get a total of 100 NEW likes on their Facebook page by midnight on 27th May then they would give 10 customers FREE FISH & CHIPS. To enter they simply had to LIKE OUR PAGE & SHARE THE POST
Bennetts Fish & Chips Weymouth
Bennetts did a double promotion for National Fish & Chip Day and the Jubilee. They also gave away hundreds of portions on the day working with NEODA in London.
Kellaway’s Fish & Chips Truro
To Celebrate National Fish & Chip Day on Fryday, they gave away FREE TASTER TARTARE SAUCE with every fish meal purchased on the day!
@nationalfishandchipday
East Coast – Musselburgh
To celebrate being officially one of the UK’s top 50 fish & chip shops they joined in with National Fish & Chip Day.
Kirbys of Meanwood
To celebrate it, the team all dressed up and they decorated the shop
Mister C’s Selby
To celebrate National Fish and Chip Day they gave away over £100 worth of vouchers!
They were handed out during the course of the day, completely at random to customers placing orders in the shop and also to those who have pre-ordered for collection and delivery!
They hoped that everyone would use National Fish and Chip Day as the perfect excuse to get out and support a local chippy – as we’ve never needed you more
Chris’s Fish & Chips Barwell
Promoted via their Facebook page. “It’s NATIONAL FISH AND CHIP DAY 2022, no excuses its Friday, end of the week, treat yourself. To celebrate the day every customer gets an exclusive scratch card, with over £1000 worth of prizes, and we are also giving out chocolate fish and chips treats too. Have a great Weekend love Chris’s Fish & Chips Barwell.”
Gregson Lane Chippy
Added two specials to the menu for National Fish & Chip Day
Homemade chilli chips and cheese only £4
Fresh marinated chicken with either rice/ chips,salad,colslaw and a choice of sauce for only £6
Walnut Tree Fish and Chips, Milton Keynes
Competition Time! To celebrate National Fish & Chip Day they offered the chance to win a takeaway for 4! Customers simply liked their post, shared and commented for a chance to win.
The Plaice to be, Kilmarnock
A fun promotion from them. “What a great night on Friday celebrating national fish & chip day! Thank you to all my customers that came along to support us! We gave away over £400 in discounts and vouchers I take great joy in giving something back to my customers that support us all year round! I was away for the weekend after the photo but well done to the team pushing through a busy shift especially Eddie.”
Mayfair Chippy, Mayfair
To celebrate national fish and chip day the sent their finest fish and chips via delivery to Zoe Ball on Radio 2 breakfast show listened to by over 7 million people
Fish’n’Chick’n
For a chance to *WIN* Fish & Chips for a year!
Just follow the 2 easy steps below:
1) ‘Like’ the post
2) Answer the following question: ‘What do you have on your Fish & Chips?’
E.g ‘Ketchup’ or ‘Tartare Sauce’ (Please comment on the post below!)
They picked a winner at random & the competition closing date which was 12pm (noon) on Friday 27th May 2022!
Eric’s Fish and Chips
Eric’s #NationalFishAndChipDay and they felt generous, so celebrated with a gill-iant competition giving customers the chance to nominate their hero to win a cod almighty treat, including a stay at Titchwell Manor Hotel, Restaurant and Bar and lunch at their fish and chip restaurant in Thornham!
NOMINATE
To make a nomination they simply commented with their name on the Facebook page and gave a brief message explaining why they think they deserve a treat.
PRIZE
Erics selected one lucky winner to receive a one-night stay for two at Titchwell Manor Hotel, Restaurant and Bar, as well as a chippy lunch at Eric’s in Thornham
Quayside Whitby
How do you fancy a glass of Prosecco in celebration of National Fish and Chip Day! Quayside offered the first 50 diners (over 18s) at Quayside a free glass of Prosecco DOC with their fish and chips for the day only. Neil Phillips, wine expert and Prosecco DOC ambassador noted that Prosecco DOC works perfectly with fish and chips, as the ‘high acidity and subtly sweet notes of the Prosecco pair beautifully with the delicate flavours of the fish.” A perfect way to celebrate!
Anew Sheffield fish and chip restaurant served thousands of portions recently as part of a 1p deal to celebrate its opening.
Papa’s Fish and Chips opened its second venue in Sheffield in April and following a ‘Papa’s tradition’ they served thousands of meals for just 1p on their opening day. Co-owner, George Papadamou, said: “We obviously expected the event to be popular, but it completely exceeded our expectations.”
George claimed the sheer number of customers meant they had been needing extra deliveries throughout the day to cope with demand. His brother, Dino Papadamou, said: “When the doors swung open in the morning, the queue was already up to nearly 250 people… it must have grown to nearly double or triple that during the day.”
George Papas said: “People always ask what happens if we run out. We’re not going to run out on days like this. We prepared thousands of fish with potato deliveries coming all day.
“There were no gimmicks, no catches. We just wanted to give something back
to the community, particularly in these hard times with the cost of living crisis.
“Our fish and chips are always great value for money however we wanted to make that even more so for the grand opening of our second Sheffield restaurant. The staff were really excited as it was a fun day with competitions and lots going on.
This is the Eleventh Papa’s Fish and Chip venue to open in the UK, with more in the pipeline.
What promotions have you done to launch/relaunch your shop? Email austen@chippychat.co.uk
‘Fishfrom the chippy’ is launching as an education pilot in Nottinghamshire in May, through a partnership with The Fishmongers’ Company, Fastnet Fish Ltd, and the Fish in Schools Hero Programme. It will connect local schools and Fish and chip shops together, aiming to give pupils the chance to prepare, cook and eat fish – often for the first time. We know that fish is not a popular choice with teenagers – but, when they prepare and cook it for themselves, they love it!
Why get involved?
Schools in the Nottinghamshire area are now registering - and local Chip shops are now being asked to get involved in this exciting scheme to become Fish Heroes. It’s a chance for shops to link-up with local schools and develop longerterm relationships. Shops will receive a logo to use in-store, promoting them as a Fish Hero, and there should be great PR opportunities in the local/ national press, social media and school newsletters.
By working with their local Chip shop, schools will receive 50 portions of Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) hake, donated and supplied by Fastnet Fish. Chips shops will be asked to receive and store the fish, ready for collection by their local partner school – a perfect PR opportunity!
Claire White, Director of People and Projects, Fastnet Fish Limited said, “We are delighted to be partnering with the
Food Teachers Centre on this important educational initiative. We have donated the fish and we are delivering it using our UK-wide transport network so that we can reach as many schools as possible. We are passionate about encouraging young people to cook and eat fish. Not only is it highly nutritious, it also has a much lower carbon footprint than other proteins, so it is a healthy and environmentally responsible choice.”
The Fish from the Chippy pilot is part of a wider scheme, Fish in Schools Hero programme, which is supported by the Fishmongers’ Company. It aims to ensure that every child gets a chance to prepare, cook and eat fish before they leave school and to train food teachers to be confident in preparing and cooking fish with students. The programme provides incredible life-long learning experiences for thousands of pupils across the UK.
Dr Eleanor Adamson, Fisheries Programme Manager, Fishmongers Company Charitable said, “Since 2019 our charity has been supporting the Fish in School Hero programme to bring seafood into the classroom. The partnership with Fastnet and Fish & Chip shops opens exciting opportunities to bring local seafood businesses closer to their school communities, giving more teenagers great experiences with sustainable seafood.”
The fish industry has a lot to offer, and through this type of innovative pilot it is envisaged that it will enable young people to see not just the importance of fish in a healthy diet and learn new cooking skills for life, but also consider important career pathways into the future. Fish and chip shops can play an important part in this.
Fish Heroes is launching in Nottinghamshire in May first. If you are interested in getting involved, register email austen@chippychat.co.uk
Frappina is the UK’s only ready to drink dispensed iced coffee. Made from the highest quality ingredients for a stunningly refreshing and great taste. Simply dilute our concentrate with the milk or milk alternative of your choice, add it to the dispenser which will keep super chilled at around 2 degrees C. The iced coffee is ready to serve, simply push and pour - great for self-service.
Younger generations are drinking less hot coffee and more cold coffee. There is a cultural shift happening, a move towards more diverse, easy to consume drinks and Frappina allows you to serve that market. It is 100% Fairtrade, Arabica, slightly sweetened, creamy and smooth, they love it!
The dispenser is just £20+vat per month (full-service incl.). There is no longterm contract, no lease, no purchase agreement, no loan. If you ever decide to stop, we pick it up and there will be no more rentals or charges. Simply purchase the low-cost starter pack and after the first month the monthly rental. The machine is easy to use, with no plumbing or maintenance. It uses very little energy. Profit margins with Frappina are excellent and will ensure you take full advantage of this fastgrowing market. JUST ADD MILK & GO!
We are taking launch offer enquiries now Call Snowshock on 0330 053 6132 www.snowshock.com
Isle of Ely Produce and Chippy Chat are once again opening their doors to chip shop owners and managers on Sunday September 10th 2023! It is one of the FREE industry events of the year. The event starts at 9.30 am at our farm in Ely, Cambridgeshire with a coffee and a chance to talk to industry colleagues. It is invaluable, not only do chip shop owners and staff find out first-hand how the potato crop is faring for 2023/24, but they also get an idea about predicted cost and quality of the crop for the year ahead.
Add to that lots of key suppliers will be sponsoring/ attending on the day. In 2022 they included Pukka Pies, Middleton Foods, Premier 1 Filtration, TQuality, Drywite, Friars Pride, Preoday (Qikserve), Agrico, McWhinney, Seafood from Norway, BD Signs, Meijer Potato UK, Panaepos, Smales, PJ Lee & Sons, HZPC, JFK, Farm Electronics, Blakemans, Frymax & more.
You will watch presentations
on our giant AV, with full staging, from award winning fish and chip shop owners, giving you valuable advice for your shop. Guest speakers for our 2022 event included NFFF President Andrew Crook, Sarah Heward from the Real Food Café, Kaylee Frost from Harlees Fish & Chips, Nick and David MIller from Millers, Josette Foster from Fish and Chips at Weston Grove plus more.
Please email austen@ chippychat.co.uk if you would like to be a sponsor and/or exhibit on the day.
We will also have Oliver Boutwood back with his Q&A sessions, plus the chance for you to try Babylon, a new chipping variety from Agrico, and lots of samples and freebies too. It’s the FREE industry event not to miss! The event is suitable for all levels of management and also young friers too. Maximum of 3 tickets per shop. FREE refreshments will also be served. Order your tickets at www.eventbrite.co.uk, and search for Isle of Ely Produce
In 2022 over 50 people stayed in Ely too for an evening meal and drinks. A chance for you all to sit and relax with industry peers. Please let us know if you intend to stay email austen@chippychat.co.uk, and we will add you to the list for the restaurant and send you hotel choices (if staying).
Enjoy the Day
Austen Dack - Chippy Chat Publishing Editor
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Fishaways is a casual seafood takeaway restaurant, serving everything from your favourite fish and chips to calamari, prawns, fish burgers, wraps and salads. There are options for single eats as well as sharing meals and seafood platters, and with our new Kiddies’ Menu, there are now options for every member of the family. With everything being freshly prepared, grilled or fried and served with rice, chips or salad, Fishaways is the healthier takeaway option. We even have a menu dedicated to Under 500 Calorie meals for those who are looking for healthy takeaway food options.
At Fishaways our main priority is bringing you the freshest catch of the day to ensure that every meal that leave our stores meet its customers with goodness and taste which is unrivalled. To us, food is
more than just a meal, it’s an experience. That’s why we commit to friendly staff, customer value and extraordinary quality. Every one of our outlets nationwide make sure that every customers needs that walk through our doors are met.
Every day you strive to live a better life and to do better for yourself and your loved ones. But in order to be the best version of yourself, you have to make better choices. It’s not always easy to do that, especially when the elevator is so much more inviting than the stairs, but we’re here to help.
We know there’s nothing better than deliciously crispy fish and chips, but that’s not where our offering ends. You get to choose from a wide range of options like
grilled or fried hake, rice or chips, coleslaw or salad, calamari and prawns, and our tasty sauces. With all the variety on our menu and all the flavours on offer, you never have to compromise on great taste!
We work to ensure that every choice we make is the better one. Starting with our locally sourced ingredients, which come from farming communities we have a long-standing relationship with, all the way to our sustainable packaging.
There’s no doubt that today’s takeaway consumer is actively looking for healthier alternatives. Fishaways offers them a wide range of delicious seafood meals that have proven to be exceptionally popular. In fact, we’re gaining ground all the time and are one of the fastest growing franchise networks in South
Africa, having expanded to well over 250 restaurants nationwide.
All of this is backed by active advertising and brand development, as well as the sterling track record of the Famous Brands group, which also owns Steers, Debonairs Pizza, Wimpy, tashas, Mugg & Bean, Turn ‘n Tender, Milky Lane and many more.
In the highly competitive Quick Service Restaurant environment, Fishaways has emerged as an exciting, dynamic brand that has successfully maintained its focus on offering only the finest in fish and seafood meals.
Once you have been granted and guaranteed a franchise, we will assign a business banker to you to run process your application. He/She will assist you with applying for financing and any other general enquiries you may have about the financing side.
facebook.com/Fishaways
The recent National Fish and Chip Award had amongst its finalists for the Field to Frier category, Fiddlers Elbow Fish & Chips from Leintwardine, Herefordshire. They were thrilled to be named in the Top 3 and make the trip to London to join the elite of the fish and chip industry to celebrate their success.
The Field to Frier category is sponsored by Isle of Ely Produce, who supply over 2 million bags of potatoes into the fish and chip industry every year. They were joined this year as an award partner by the Agrico variety Babylon. Babylon is a relatively new variety that has been trialled at fish and chip shops across the UK with great success over the last two years.
Recently Fiddlers Elbow were visited by Alex Moore Sales manager for Agrico (& Babylon). He arranged for the shop to fry and try the variety as part of their becoming a Chippy chat ambassador.
Dominic Wayne Eusden, co-owner of the
award-winning shop was on hand along with fellow director Linzi Morris to see if Babylon past their strict test for what makes a very good chipping variety.
Dominic said: “Here at our shop, we’re always on the lookout for new and exciting ingredients to take our fish and chips to the next level. That’s why we were thrilled to sample and trial the new variety of potato called ‘Babylon’. Not only were they incredibly easy to prepare - taking next to no time to prep and only 50 seconds in the rumbler - but they also delivered a fantastic taste and texture when fried. With their yellow flesh, Babylon potatoes produce a lovely crisp outer and a floury middle that our customers loved.”
Talking about the National Fish and Chip awards he said. “Entering the National Fish and Chip Awards not only gives us the opportunity to showcase our passion for delivering quality fish and chips, but it also helps us to continually improve our business. Making it to the Top 3 finalists of the Field to Frier category is a massive
achievement for our small rural shop, and it’s a testament to the hard work and dedication we put into the business and industry. This recognition will inspire us to keep striving for excellence and to continue providing our customers with the very best fish and chips possible.”
Alex Moore Sales Manager for Agrico said: “We have been working with Isle of Ely and Chippy Chat to champion best practice in regard to new varieties. Babylon is one variety which has already tested well in chippies across the UK. We were thrilled to be a co-sponsor of the Field to Frier Award at the 2023 National Fish & Chip Awards and taking some Babylon out for our finalists to trial.”
Isle of Ely Produce Director Oliver Boutwood said: “This award is crucial for us to help educate shops on the basics of how to get the most from their potato supplies. Knowing about which varieties suit them best (this changes by geographic area), how to store and treat the potatoes and also making the best chips from what is available at every
given time will help us all to serve great chips every time.”
The National Fish and Chip Awards is the largest UK-wide event dedicated to raising standards across the industry whilst supporting fish and chip related businesses. For more than 30 years, the awards have celebrated the nation’s favourite dish, while championing the eclectic eateries that hold up this loved British tradition. Entries open for 2024 in June For more information please visit www.thefishandchipawards.com
If you would like to become one of our chip ambassadors please email austen@ chippychat.co.uk
Recently I represented the Fish & Chip industry alongside Andrew Crook and helped to judge the National Pie Awards, held annually in Melton Mowbray.
The supreme champion (or ‘Pie of Pies’) was Brockleby’s Moo & Blue Pie, a Steak and Stilton Pie. Brockleby’s are based in Melton Mowbray. The pie beat off stiff competition from over 900 other pies of all types to win the most prestigious award in the pie world.
Awards chairman, Matthew O’Callaghan, said: “This year we had the pleasure of enjoying some spectacular pies, and Brockleby’s Pies has overcome exceptionally stiff competition for not only the best hot-eating savoury pie, but has triumphed over all entries and been crowned supreme champion. “These awards celebrate the skill of British piemakers across the nation, so I’d like to say a particular congratulations to Brockleby’s for this huge success.”
Over 150 judges (including myself and Andrew) chomped their way through the pies in St Mary’s Church in the Melton Mowbray. Some 23 classes covering Pork Pies, Steak & Ale, Game, Vegan, Gluten Free, Dessert,
Vegetarian etc.
The Supreme Champion piemaker is invited to the British Fair in Japan with Flight and Hotel expenses paid courtesy of the generosity of Hankyu Department Store of Japan. The winner of the best fish and chip pie category was The Cod’s Scallops for their excellent Steak & Scale Ale pie, and they were also Highly Commended for their Chicken, leek and ham pie. Our job is to get more chip shop pie entries for 2024!
Finally, after a hard day’s judging we assembled for a de-brief at the Ann of Cleves (est 1384) public house. They had pie on the menu but somehow we just couldn’t face it
For details of individual winners including Class Champions, Highly Commended, Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards visit www.britishpieawards.co.uk
A multi award-winning Musselburgh fish and chips takeaway has launched a glass bottle recycling scheme for its own branded chippy sauce.
East Coast Fish & Chips Takeaway on North High Street has been selling over 6,000 litres of its famous chippy sauce every year since 1974.
As part of its ongoing commitment to being more environmentally friendly, the popular takeaway is bottling up its own brand condiment for fish and chip fans across East Lothian and Edinburgh.
Customers are now also being encouraged to return and recycle their empty glass bottles of East Coast chippy sauce and get 50p off their next purchase.
East Coast chippy sauce, which is served in 250ml glass bottles, is proving a big hit with fish and chip fans from Musselburgh,
around East Lothian and Edinburgh.
Located just two minutes’ walk from Musselburgh beach on the outskirts of Edinburgh, East Coast is owned and operated by Carlo and Katia Crolla.
The Crolla family has been serving the local community for nearly 50 years. Styles may change, but great flavours, family heritage and warm, friendly service remain as important to Katia and Carlo today as they did 49 years ago.
Carlo Crolla, owner of East Coast Fish & Chips takeaway in Musselburgh, said:
“As an independent, family business, we’re proud to have served fish and chip fans from Musselburgh, around East Lothian and Edinburgh since 1974.
“Salt ‘n’ sauce has always been part of the chip shop tradition across this part of Scotland, so we like to honour that tradition with our very own branded East Coast chippy sauce.
“We’re also keen to do our bit to help the environment, so we sell our chippy sauce in glass bottles.
“Our glass bottle return scheme allows our loyal customers to recycle with us and to get 50p off their next bottle of chippy sauce too… even more reason to enjoy the ultimate fish supper.”
East Coast has also held a Green Tourism Silver Award from VisitScotland since 2020.
East Coast Fish & Chips Takeaway was recently named the ‘Best in Scotland’ and one of the top 10 in the UK by The Sunday Times.
East Coast is also home to an awardwinning seafood restaurant and grill.
For more information visit www.eastcoastrestaurant.co.uk
By Austen Dack
As one shop said on their socials Maundy Thursday is like Christmas Eve for them. Good Friday is traditionally the busiest day of the year for fish and chip shop owners and a great day to attract more regular patronage from increased footfall.
Whilst most people are prepared to wait longer on Good Friday some shops made sure that their customers were looked after on this special day. Hungry people queuing for their lunch at a fish and chip shop in Seaton Sluice had live music to keep them company on Good Friday. For the fifth year in a row live entertainment was provided outside The Harbour View for people waiting in line, a process that takes over an hour most years. This year the services of a musician playing hits from the 50s up to the present day on guitar was employed between noon and 3pm. Manager Waseem Mir said:
“It was our busiest day of the year, and my staff were all geared up to getting the queues down as fast as possible. “I ordered around three times our normal quantity of prime Icelandic Cod and extra potatoes to meet the demand. “We also allocated each deep fryer to takeaway meals meaning that the restaurant was closed during that weekend.”
A Belfast city centre restaurant offered free fish and chips on Good Friday. Catch, which serves fresh seafood and is located on Wellington Street, made the announcement on its social media on the Tuesday before. It said it had made the decision due to the “high popularity” of a previous free fish event, and that the first 100 customers to come to the restaurant between 12pm and 1pm could avail of the offer.
Andrew Crook NFFF President said. “Good Friday provided us a great opportunity to showcase our amazing product. Fish and chips and Easter go hand in hand and the weather gods looked after us too, so I hope everybody had a fantastic and busy weekend.”
Were you busy over Easter? Send your pictures to austen@chippychat.co.uk
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