Chippy Chat, Dec 2022

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KERRYMAID ANGELITO ICE CREAM MIX

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KERRYMAID ORIGINAL SLICE

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NEW KERRYMAID VEGAN SLICE

We have used all our expertise and skill from our original slice to deliver a vegan slice that is exceptional. With Kerrymaid Vegan slices everyone, including those following a vegan diet can also enjoy great taste, texture, melt and cohesion associated with a dairy processed slice.

Wowit’s once again a time for reflection here as we give you the last edition of Chippy Chat in 2022. It’s been a year that has once again shocked the world in so many ways with the war in Ukraine and rises in the cost of living. From all of us at Chippy Chat and Isle of Ely Produce we salute the fish and chip industry for staying open and adapting their businesses to survive this difficult time. I would also personally like to thank all of our partners who have joined us in

2022 both in print and online. Please try to have a great Christmas time and let us all look to a happier New Year. We have lots to look forward to already with trade shows from the Q Partnership, The National Fish & Chip Awards, plus of course the Isle of Ely Open day to name a few. As usual email me austen@chippychat.co.uk with your stories and/or you wish to advertise

Austen

Austen

Pictures

As usual in December we look back to some of the pictures we have featured both in magazine and online during the course of the year! If you have any illustrations (and/or stories) you would like us to use, please email austen@chippychat.co.uk as we will be featuring some again in January 2023.

Diary Dates

Business or pleasure, dates not to be missed...

1-31 January 2023

Veganuary

Veganuary is an annual challenge run by a UK nonprofit organisation that promotes and educates about veganism by encouraging people to follow a vegan lifestyle for the month of January.

19 February 2023

Innovations 2023

VA Whitley would like to invite you to Innovations 2023 the Premier Exhibition for the Fish & Chip trade in the North West of England and Wales. Bolton Stadium.

28 February 2023

National Fish & Chip Awards

The ceremony for the National Fish and Chip Awards 2023 will take place on the 28th of February 2023, at the Park Plaza in Westminster. Good Luck to all finalists.

5 March 2023

Fry It 2023

Friars Pride annual show returns to the Peterborough Showground in 2023. With lots of new ideas and fantastic stand holders it will be one of the industry events of the year.

6-12 March 2023

British Pie Week

Pie Week falls in the first week of March. Pies have been in existence since about 2000 B.C. and have been loved by the British since the 12th century.

26 March 2023

What’s Cooking

2023

What’s Cooking 2023 Henry Colbecks annual fish and chips exhibition for fish and chip shops, takeaways, fast food outlets, caterers, hospitality and more. Harrogate.

May 15 – 21 May 2023

National Vegetarian Week

National Vegetarian Week is run by the Vegetarian Society, a UK charity.

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.

3 – 9 July 2023

Great British Pea Week

Yes Peas! is continuing its mission to inspire everyone to cook and eat peas.

Keep up to date with trade events by visiting www.chippychat.co.uk and clicking on events. If you’re organising an event and would like to send us details so that we might mention it here and/or on the Chippy Chat website email your details to - austen@chippychat.co.uk

Chip or Treat!

By Austen Dack

How Halloween provided a much-needed boost to trade for some

With Halloween falling on a Monday evening this year, it was a chance for shops to put on an event for their communities and also sell more food on what is traditionally a slower day of the week for many! Here are a few examples of how shops joined in on the evening.

A few shops including Harbour Lights asked customers to make sure they looked carefully amongst their portion of chips as there may be a spooky addition! If they found an orange bat-shaped chip, sent/posted with their receipt and they received a Halloween treat.

Shops including Jolly Fryer Kirkby gave away lots of sweets! “Mondaysssss…Happy Halloween my jolly familia!!!

Trick or treat???? Give me something goooooooood to eat… CHIPS & SWEETS.. sounds like the perfect match”

Quayside Whitby “A titchy treat for our little (restaurant) diners this Halloween weekend!”

Lordes Fish and Chips dressed up and gave away treats too.

Papas at various locations did Halloween Frickles and opened the UK’s first Scare Thru. “Darkness falls across the land, the SCARE-THRU hour is close at hand, creatures crawl in search of chips to terrorize y’all’s neighbourhood... for one night only experience the PAPA’s HALLOWEEN SCARE-THRU at Kingswood! Send us your Halloween photos to austen@chippychat.co.uk

The Class of ’54

Fish and Chips have long been recognised as Britain’s National dish, no more so than in the 1950’s. In the Class of ’54 there were over 30,000 Fish and Chip shops serving the Country’s only take away food. The primary fare was cod or haddock and chips, fried initially in animal fats, principally dripping and lard. The average price for a medium portion of cod and chips was one shilling (5p in today’s currency) and Friday night was the most popular night for the take away treat. In 1954 the market changed dramatically with the launch of Frymax vegetable oil. Unlike the high level of saturated fat and cholesterol in animal fats, Frymax was pure white premium palm, which had a higher smoke point, was additive free, contained no hydrogenated oil and less than one per cent trans fats. Frymax produced delicious light results and soon became the industry favourite and has remained so until today, the same product with the same consistent results.

Frymax – In a Class of its Own

please contact ADM Trading (UK) Limited. e-mail: frymaxinfo@adm.com www.frymax.co.uk

Running for 33 years, Save + Select is the industry’s longest established customer loyalty scheme, where points really do add up and every point is a step closer to a huge range of rewards.

With many products earning Save + Select points at the point of purchase, and enhanced point promotions running throughout the year, even just 250 Save + Select points equates to £10.00 worth of rewards, and there are so many rewards to choose from!

Customers can select either Love2Shop, Amazon or Sainsbury’s gift cards or Love2Shop e-Gift codes, where the rewards can be redeemed at over 20,000 locations.

The gift cards are accepted in restaurants, across the travel and hospitality sectors and at many attractions. They can be used to buy experiences or spent on practical purchases at Sainsbury’s supermarkets and at Sainsbury’s fuel stations.

Love to shop?

Love2Shop is the UK’s leading multi-retailer gift provider, bringing the high street to the doorstep with access to 1,000’s of the UK’s

Want to browse Love2Shop rewards?

Check them out here:

E-Gift Cards: love2shop.co.uk/COMMON/ pdfs/love2shop-e-gift-cards-where-tospend.pdf

Gift Cards: appreciate.co.uk/where-tospend-love2shop-gift-cards/

In recognition of customers’ business needs, the scheme also offers the option to redeem their points to spend with the Q partnership partners, where these can be used to buy all manner of goods, from everyday staples to new equipment.

The scheme offers further flexibility by allowing customers to split the rewards they have earned, meaning these can be given to staff to reward them too!

Henry Colbeck’s Marketing Manager Louise Bebbington commented; “Save + Select is designed to reward our customers for their business and their loyalty. Typically, many of our customers collect points throughout the year and redeem them to help towards things like Christmas shopping. It gives them some great rewards to choose from, helping them to make Christmas as special as possible for themselves and their staff, particularly pertinent after the tough year we have all had in 2022. On behalf of the Q Partnership, I’d like to wish all our customers a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2023 – from our families to yours!”

NORTH POLE

Forked Up!

90 days programme 1-1 with Calum Richardson

By Viktorija Richardson

After 25 years in hospitality industry and the past 5 years of fitness and mindset training Calum has recently completed an intense year with Paul Mort and his Elite-X group addressing and elevating personal and business life. During the year it became very apparent that Calum loves helping people and is a connector of people. Over the years he

a name. Long story short – Going from F***ed up to Forked up!

People always say – they don’t have time for things. I say – show me your calendar. People make themselves busy by trying to look busy. The key in this is to run a busy business with less hours and less effort. I’ve spent more money on self-development this year then I have in a lifetime collectively. I’ve never felt better, and my business has never run so smooth. Everyone must learn the WHO not HOW. Who can do THIS job for me, not HOW do I do this job. I am here to teach them what lies within creating selfbelieve, reduce work hours, more profitable business and a personal life that you did not know you had.

This programme includes: 1-1 coaching, business audit, day at work with Calum, 6 online training modules, 4 guest training modules, 1-1 access to Calum for 90 days, Forked-up daily journal, the best business networking area, weekly “Hot Pass” where you deal with problems now and then on live call with a group or individually – because learning as a group makes greater learning. They will get first views of all the new podcast Calum is recording with his guest speakers too.

has been doing consultancy all over the world which he loves doing but needed to take it to the next level. The biggest lesson Calum learned in the past 12 months of coaching and self-developing is that everything starts with YOUR OWN MINDSET. Healthy body creates healthy mind. He has been encouraged and supported by his life-coach to start his own programme called Forked-up with Calum Richardson. This is 90 day 1-1 programme where Calum helps people from the food and drink industry to find their highest potential, take their business and personal life to the next level and find balance in life.

Very often people are scared to dream, but dream is what moves our lives forward. Dreams become reality. You must be wondering how he came up with

The first group starts with The Bay Fish & Chip Shop owner on 23rd of January, 2023. Spaces are limited as we already have people signed up to the programme already, so be quick. But between now and January 23rd there will be some homework and bonus training to make sure you hit the ground running.

For more information, contact Calum on his social media platforms or email calum@thebayfishandchips.com

Let’s get Forked-up not Fu**ed-up.

Food for Thought!

Leading fish supplier sponsors two food banks amid economic crisis

Pictured: Juliet Sanders, Feeding Families CEO and Toni Pagnanelli, Collins Seafooda Sales and General Manager

Collins Seafoods, a market leader in selling frozen-at-sea fish, has started sponsoring two regional charities near both of its depots in County Durham and Leeds: Feeding Families based in Blaydon, Gateshead, and Leeds South and East Food Bank in Beeston.

The organisations are connected to the Trussell Trust Fund, the UK’s biggest food bank network, and offer support to people in crisis, providing them with emergency supplies and further assistance. Nathanya Laurent, Development Manager at Leeds South and East Foodbank, said, “We are thrilled to have Collins Seafoods by our side. With demand going through the roof and lots of unknowns to navigate, knowing we have the security of a regular donation will help us to build our resilience and maintain a robust service during these very uncertain times.”

Collins Seafoods has been in business for 42 years, supplying frozen-at-sea fish and sundries throughout UK and Ireland. It has a history of providing support and sponsorship for various community projects for many years.

Juliet Sanders, the founder of Feeding Families, said, “We are absolutely delighted that Collins Seafoods has started supporting us. It’s just so fantastic when businesses get behind what we do – it gives us stability and a chance to plan

because we know we’ve got some money coming in. That money is turned into food which feeds more families, and we just wish there were more companies like Collins who would come and support us.”

With many families, individuals, and businesses suffering the pressure of record-high energy bills in the current cost of living crisis, food banks are no exception, as the expenses to keep warehouses and distribution centres running skyrocket. According to Feeding Families, in September, the demand for food parcels was 52% higher than it was at the same time last year.

Collins Seafoods Managing Director, Craig English, said: “These are very challenging times for everyone and we felt there couldn’t be a better time to offer our support and help people in all kinds of circumstances.”

As well as a monthly donation, Collins Seafoods plans to help the organisations with future fundraising projects, and work with them to spread awareness of the importance of food banks.

Charity websites www.leedssouthandeast.foodbank.org.uk www.feedingfamilies.org.uk

CONTACT

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

Dig the New Breed!

Top 10* shortlisted for Best Newcomer at National Fish and Chip Awards 2023

The National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) has today announced the top 10 finalists, for Best Newcomer, at the National Fish and Chip Awards 2023.

The top 10 were chosen based on extensive applications submitted by fish and chip shops from around the UK, who had launched no earlier than January 2021 and were judged by a panel of industry specialists.

The Best Newcomer of the Year category is sponsored by Sarson’s, the UK malt vinegar brand owned by Mizkan.

The top businesses shortlisted are named below:

Haughton Fish & Chips - Haughton, Staffordshire

Harrisons Fish & Chip Co. - Oxford

Lighthouse of Fisheries of FlamboroughFlamborough, Yorkshire

Pips Chips - Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire

DJ’s Fish and Chips Ltd - Paignton, Devon

Corner Chippy - Paignton, Devon

Sandy’s - Folkestone, Kent

Locker’s Fish & Chips - Marske by the Sea, Yorkshire

Bridgewater Fish Bar - Leigh, Wigan

Hendo’s Fish & Chips - Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk

Commenting on the news, Andrew Crook, President at the NFFF, said “We’re delighted with the uptake of applications for Best Newcomer! As we all know, it’s been a difficult period for the fish and chip industry (and world!), so it’s great to see such strong businesses come to light and sit amongst the best in the country! We’re looking forward to seeing how these businesses continue to grow and crowning the 2023 winner at the awards next year.”

The National Fish & Chip Awards are hosted by The National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), on the 28th of February 2023 at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge. For further information on the National Fish and Chip Awards 2023, please visit: www. thefishandchipawards.com.

The National Fish and Chip Awards is the largest UK-wide event dedicated to raisin 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.

Sponsored by

*Top 10 has since been judged and Top 5 published online. We at Chippy Chat wanted to highlight all 10 in print for doing such a good job.

Christ-offi!

Owners speak out about decision to leave much-loved fish and chip shop

The long-time owners of an Ilkeston fish and chip shop say that they can’t go on forever and that someone now needs to bring the much-loved institution into the “right century.” John and Flora Christofi, 74 and 70 respectively, recently announced that they were retiring after 36 years of running Johnny’s Fish Bar in Ilkeston.

The couple travelled to the UK from Cyprus and first lived in London, with John making wedding dresses and Flora working in a chippy from the age of 21.

The couple’s son, 15-year-old Yiannis, has become the shop’s latest “potato boy”, with their daughter Sophia, 18, spending a lot of time serving loyal customers during her studies at the University of Derby. Christina’s brother, Demetrios, 39, and his partner, Bronny, have also become part of the team at Johnny’s, trimming meat off the kebab turners and greeting locals with a smile.

But now, John and Flora have decided to shut up shop and hand over their treasured business to new owners, who they would like to introduce new features and bring Johnny’s up to date, such as introducing a website and delivery services, which John and Flora never quite got to grips with.

John said: “It’s sad in a way, but we can’t carry on forever. I’m 74 and my wife is 70 - I moved to England in 1973, her in 1953. We’ve got to let go sometime.”

Flora said: “We’ve had the same customers for all these years, the same ones. It’s beautiful, honestly.”

The couple, surrounded by cards, flowers, and chocolates from well-wishers, added that they have made many friends over the years, and people who have worked at Johnny’s rapidly become part of the family. They say that much of their time will be spent in their allotment behind their house during their well-earned retirement.

Christina said: “It’s sad and happy at the same time. Our customers are the best, we want to say thank you for all the kind messages, the cards, the flowers, the chocolates, and their patient queueing.

“There were the days during Covid that made us realise we should try more of a life work balance. It was nice to spend time with the children and Richard, and so we’ve opened for fewer hours since then. It’s a really good business, but hard work and hard hours. Somebody will have a really good business that they can take into the right century.”

Are you selling up due to retirement? Email austen@chippychat.co.uk

Blanket Coverage!

To most now is the time to be thinking of Christmas but, for the team at Blakemans, seasonal preparations have been in full swing for months.

Back at their base in Newcastle-underLyme, the Blakeman team have been hand rolling a steady 500,000 pigs in blankets per week since June aiming to make an estimated total of over 10 million this year to ensure that there will be a plentiful supply for all in time for the festive season. Sales of pigs in blankets have risen sharply year on year and are always an on-trend festive treat.

But did you know that they are also wonderful when battered and deep fried? James Morris, head of business development said:

“Having battered and deep fried our precooked pigs in blankets at various trade shows we found that we were always met with a queue of curious, excited and hungry visitors

to our stand and we were left pigless every time. We knew we were on to something so we vigorously trialled and tested them in our purpose-built development kitchen and are delighted to announce that, once battered, they perform fantastically through the frying range each and every time. We are always looking for ways for our customers to get the most out of our products and these pigs in blankets are the ideal seasonal upsell item”

Blakemans pre-cooked pigs in blankets are individually quick frozen and come in handy to store 1kg bags. They cook beautifully through your frying range using your usual batter, needing no investment and causing no mess. When battered and deep fried directly from the freezer you can take out what you need, when you need with no waste.

If you’d like to stock the must have seasonal product this year and add these festive delicacies on your specials board then please see your local Blakemans supplier for details.

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

Pi g s in B l an k e t s

V.A.Whitley will be hosting Innovations 2023 on Sunday 19th February at its familiar home, The University of Bolton Stadium. Returning after a lengthy gap, the North West’s major exhibition for the Fish & Chip and Fast-Food Trade gives you the opportunity to visit a huge number of first-class exhibitors who will be presenting outstanding product innovations and concepts covering a range of food products, drinks, packaging developments, hygiene solutions and the latest catering equipment all designed for your business.

Expert exhibitors will be on hand to discuss which cooking oils and batter mix products are best suited for your business or even sample some great tasting curries and gravies. Why not try the many superb fish products on offer, including skinless, boneless tightly graded Cod or Haddock. Spend some time with the Cutting Crew who will be preparing fish ready to be fried and demonstrating fish cutting skills and techniques.

Many exhibitors will be cooking their products ready for you to sample, including our market leading 42nd Street Frozen Foods, featuring our exclusive ‘Classic Sausage’, the number one selling catering sausage, Beefburgers and a great range of whole muscle chicken products for you to taste. You can also enjoy tasting pies and puddings from various exceptional bakers.

If it is packaging you are after, then look out for our great ranges of ‘Real Food’ and ‘Hook and Fish’ branded packaging, the environmentally friendly range of Bio Boxes, an excellent range of corrugated boxes including our two compartment boxes, not forgetting our exclusive Lite-

Bite packaging too. As well as a broad range of carriers - all specifically designed for the Fish and Chip Trade.

Come and talk to our Waste Oil Collection Service experts, who will be on hand to answer any of your queries. We will be announcing confirmed exhibitors over the coming weeks.

Visit the Drywite Equipment Shop and enjoy huge savings on our extensive range of catering equipment and utensils.

Take advantage of the many moneysaving offers which will only be available on the day.

Children can take part in a fun kid’s competition with great prizes to be won. We Look Forward to Welcoming You! ...INNOVATIONS 2023

Premier Suite, University of Bolton Stadium, Junction 61, Burnden Way, Bolton, BL6 6JW Entry to innovations 2023 is completely free!!

All V.A. Whitley customers will automatically receive a personal invitation for the exhibition three weeks beforehand. If you are not a customer of V.A.Whitley then please call 01706 364211 and we will be delighted to send you your invitation.

Regular updates will be posted to our twitter (@vawhitley1899), facebook (facebook.com/vawhitley1899) and Instagram (instagram.com/vawhitley1899) - so sign up today.

Also, check our website www.vawhitley. co.uk/innovations for all the latest news.

Seafood from Norway: Where quality and sustainability create trust

Norway is a country of wild nature, fisheries and seas, which are perfectly balanced to produce high quality fish. We work hard to keep it that way

Long before sustainability became a buzzword, Norway was taking steps to protect its fish stocks, becoming the first country in the world to introduce a quota system for important species such as cod. As home to the largest cod stock in the world, we take our responsibility seriously: regulators, industry and science work together to ensure vulnerable areas are protected, seas are clean and fish stocks are sustainable.

Scientists head out on marine research vessels, using sonar and catch research to estimate stock sizes and join trawlers to study the fish close up. At sea, the Norwegian Coast Guard spends around 70% of its resources making sure fishing activities are carried out at the right time, in the right areas and with the right equipment. On land, the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries carries out regular inspections of fishing vessels arriving in port and at sea.

What all this means is that every quota is based on real, in-depth research. Norway also knows that for its holistic approach to marine management to be effective, harmful practices that waste resources, impact the health of the seas and make it harder to accurately assess fish stocks, must stop.

A pioneer in sustainability, we introduced a ban on discards in 1987. Norway’s fishermen must land what they catch but cannot make a profit on anything outside their quotas. This decision was part of a wider batch of measures and its success inspired others: in 2011, the North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission banned discards in the area of international waters it regulates, while the EU banned the practice in 2019.

Today, Norway continues to innovate in its management of fisheries and aquaculture, making sure resources are always harvested in the most sustainable way possible. While stocks are managed on the back of the best high-tech, scientific advice, our research bodies also monitor for climate change, they advise on regulation and conduct research into the value of seafood as part of the human diet.

Norway has gone from free fishing to strict regulation. Through dialogue and trust, we have learned from the past and set the standard on sustainable ocean management.

Our fish — swimming, feeding, spawning in our cold, clear and nutrient-rich waters —are some of the most sustainable in the world and of the highest quality. Our focus is on preserving this important, historic resource for the next generation. Fish is our heritage and our future too, which is why Norwegian seafood is all about trust: Trust in quality and trust in sustainability.

For more information, see: www. seafoodfromnorway.co.uk

The Famous Five!

Top 5 shortlisted for National Fish and Chip Awards ‘Restaurant of the Year’

By Austen Dack

Five fish and chip shops from around the UK have been shortlisted for the National Fish and Chip Awards 2023, ‘Restaurant of the Year’ category.

The top five, located across Nottingham, Norfolk, Northern Ireland and Gloucestershire, has been whittled down following the top ten announcement, last month.

Chosen based on their expert industry knowledge and outstanding customer service, alongside strong environmental standards and ability to observe sustainability best practice, the restaurants shortlisted are:

The Cod’s Scallops, West Bridgford

Eric’s Fish and Chips, Thornham

Fish City, Belfast

Henry’s of Hunstanton, Hunstanton

Malt and Anchor, Cirencester

The Restaurant of the Year category is sponsored by Seafood from Iceland.

The winner will be announced at The National Fish & Chip Awards, hosted by The National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), on the 28th of February 2023 at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge.

For further information on the National Fish and Chip Awards 2023, please visit: www.thefishandchipawards.com.

To enquire or purchase tickets to the National Fish and Chip Awards 2023, please visit: https://thefishandchipawards.com/ want-to-stay-over.

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. The National Federation of Fish Friers will host the inaugural awards in February 2023.

Sponsored by

Jason and the Juggernauts!!

Jason’s will now be serving up its crispy homemade battered fish and chips from its new mobile base as well as the shop in Rackheath. The decision to expand the Salhouse Road business was made by owner Jason Fish, who has been running it for nearly nine years

The 45-year-old said they - like many others - have been hit by the cost-ofliving crisis and he hopes the new food truck will help to balance the books.

“It’s been a hard time for most businesses over the last few years and we are no exception,” he said.

“We are family run so that has helped to keep it all going but it also means we are constantly working to survive. “We wanted to expand, and I’ve always fancied a food truck of my own. We saw it and fell in love - she has been lovingly done up with our main fish and chip shop in Rackheath in mind. “Style-wise, we wanted to give it a traditional chippy feel.”

They are hoping to take the new food

truck - which is available for hire and can cater for up to 500 people - to events across Norfolk.

Mr Fish said they are especially looking forward to their first summer season next year.

“It’s a lot more work, but as we are family run I do get lots of support and we have a loyal following of customers,” he said.

“I’m super excited to see it on the road and deliver quality fish and chips using local ingredients and homemade sauces.

“We are now taking bookings from now until next year.”

The van was officially launched last week after nearly four months of work.

He also thanked his loyal customers for their continued support.

He added: “We had a taster session recently and invited the Fry Up Inspector and Love Norwich Food blogger to give us some feedback and it was all positive so thank you to them - it means a lot.

“Cooking is in my blood. I can’t wait to get going on our latest venture.”

Have you gone mobile with your business?

Email austen@chippychat.co.uk

A popular chippy takes to the road with launch of a new street food truck

We are passionate about potatoes and their potential

For decades Meijer Potato has been breeding only the best varieties to suit the demands of the market.

We focus on ensuring reliable fry appearance, texture and flavour to give you a premium product. Helping you to deliver the perfect chip that both looks and tastes great!

Everybody deserves to enjoy food.

We are Meijer Potato

Accord Early favourite, white fries and that fresh new season taste

Bayfield Brecks Barns, Garden Lane Letheringsett, Holt, Norfolk, NR25 7DZ Tel: 01263 710602

Lady Anna Great taste, less waste, premium fries

Lady Terra

A whiter fry with dry matter to extend that new season feeling

info@meijerpotato.co.uk www.meijerpotato.co.uk

Fantasy Island!

Wolverhampton chip shop offered fish and chips for 1p to celebrate reopening

The Island House Newbridge chip shop offered their customers the chance to buy their fish and chips for just £1.50 recently in a limited time offer.

To celebrate the reopening after having a refurbishment in the shop, The Island House Newbridge, on Newbridge Crescent, Wolverhampton, initially offered fish and chips to their first 50 customers for just one penny.

After the first 50 customers got their one penny fish and chips, the offer which is running Monday to Thursday, was just £1.50 for fish and chips, and £1 for chicken and chips.

The offer was so popular that the chip shop had to completely close early on the Monday, with many customers flocking to the chippy for the bargain meal.

The Island House is a classic local chip shop and takeaway. Like all good chip shops, they offer quality service & fresh produce with a menu offering something for everyone. They offer a great selection of food to takeaway in the Wolverhampton area, and offer online orders from their easy to use on screen menu. Their online order system allows customers to order in advance & food will be ready & waiting, plus they can also eat in as well throughout the day.

The chip shop is open from Monday to Thursday, from 12pm to 9.30pm, Friday and Saturday from 12pm to 10pm, and Sundays 3pm to 9pm.

What have you done to promote the reopening of your business@ Email austen@chippychat.co.uk

Trade Show for Fish & Chip, Takeaway and Food Service Professionals

10am

DON'T MISS OUT ON...

Merry Fishmas & A Chippy New Year!

Christmas is a fantastic time of the year. We love to have fun with our Advent Christmas front page replacing last year’s lovely effort with another Christmas Advent. It has been a very difficult year again, and all of our partners would like to show their appreciation and good wishes to shops for getting through the challenges of 2022!

As we approach the big day these partners want to wish you and your families well at this festive time. Here are a few of their comments.

Oliver Boutwood Isle of Ely Produce said. “Please enjoy a wonderful Christmas, and we look forward to seeing you all again at the Isle of Ely Produce open day in 2023!

“The team at Kerry Foodservice would like to wish all Chippy Chat’s readers a successful festive season and will look forward to seeing many of you over the coming year.”

“James T. Blakeman & Co. Ltd. wish all our new and existing customers a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.” With your support during a difficult period and our continued investment to improve our products we envisage an excellent

future for us all.” Mr Philip Blakeman

Leanne Green from Nortech said “The team at Nortech would like to wish all Chippy Chat readers a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We would like to thank you for your support and custom, and look forward to speaking to you in 2023.”

Kevin McWhinney says “The team at McWhinney’s Sausages wish all our customers, suppliers and friends a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year, thanks for your heroic efforts in 2022!”

Finally, the team at Chippy Chat wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a whole lot better New Year! We would like to thank all of our readers and partners for helping us in 2022 here’s to 2023!

Austen Dack

Chippy Chat Publishing Editor

Loaded with Ideas!

How Isle of Ely Produce open day inspired us

By Deryn Regan

So for as long as i can remember i’ve always known fish and chips, spending most my weekends with my Grandad wherever we went Chippy fare was the food we ate. The two life lessons he always taught me was to know where the best chippy was and to leave enough room for pudding! So that being said; fish & chips, steak puddings, peas, gravy and curry sauce have been a staple diet for me and my family. So in 2018 when we sadly lost him, it was only right that we uprooted everything we knew and bought the local corner chippy!

The journey we have been through to come to the shop we are now is nothing but a miracle. Just me (deryn) and mum (lesley) to begin a two man band. I had experience in chippy working from 17 and mum non whats so ever and even refusing to come to serve customersthat soon changed. We knew nothing of the trade and learnt as we went. From a tiny potato preparation area to which more than once we forgot to shut the hatch and got battered by flying muddy potatoes; to a full room dedicated room. A cramped little two pan range counter

that made things very difficult to serve crashing and bumping into each other to our lovely full length sized wall range and a full shop refurb!

It’s been 4 years of laughter, crying, hell and heaven all wrapped up in one big fish and chip box and I wouldn’t change it for the world. Our team continues to adapt and change over the years now being a team of 9 helping us develop and grow our business daily. We are all passionate and always keen to learn and improve and along the way have a lot of fun!

We recently visited the Isle of Ely Produce open day, myself (deryn) and our long serving team member Kirsty. Kirsty came to our team during the pandemic and she is now like our right arm. She listens to us moan, cry, laugh, tantrum. How she deals with us I don’t know. Kirsty took over our potato preparation to relieve some of the stress from us trying to manage everything so it was only right she came along. What a day we had - from the free samples and Kirsty showing how she can carry a bag of spuds, to taste testing, learning all about how potatoes grow and what

the weather has done to impact this year’s yield. We also learnt so much from all our guest speakers. We came out and our heads were spinning - 3 and half hours drive home that evening allowed us to plan and brainstorm ideas alot!

One idea was how loaded fries has become a new craze of the uk. We loved this idea, pulled pork & brisket, salt/ chilli chicken and bacon/bbq loaded were the ideas we came up with. Then the fun bit is sampling and finding that product that tastes delicious. So here’s us launching these delicious loaded chips on a Thursday. Only ordered a small amount of all the toppings thinking ‘may be a slow starter’.... yep , i was wrong. They went crazy for them in our local town. After one evening shift we had sold out! Im think uh oh - Friday tomorrow is even busier and I’ve not got enough for this. Poor dads sent off to every local warehouse to try to get stock and shipped to the other side of Manchester to get more ( a good 45 min drive each way). What a success these are and continue to be.

The community and support around the fish and chips world is amazing and without these open days, training and advice from other shops I wouldn’t be in this position today. I’m proud to be part of Fish & chips and hope it continues for a long time.

Did you implement any ideas from the IOE Open Day?

Email austen@chippychat.co.uk

The Hen Party!

Take a trip to Ahoi in Germany

In 2017 we opened the first AHOI in downtown Hamburg, and it was already clear to us. This concept is so ingenious that it doesn’t just belong in Hamburg. Because now let’s put it to the fish: delicious food must be at home everywhere!

Now you might be wondering: Who is “we” anyway? We that’s Steffen and Peter Henssler - two brothers from Hamburg, with fire under our ass & a lot of good ideas. Just like the founding of the AHOI.

According to the motto “The main thing is delicious”, in addition to our top seller Fish’n’Chips, there are also burgers, shrimp’n’chips & delicious sushi bowls. But we are also damn good at classics like currywurst and schnitzel – all with a pinch of Henssler, of course. Quasi down-to-earth and yet never boring. Just like everything that comes on our plates.

But it is clear to us: to feel good you not only need delicious food, but also a great crew and of course the right surroundings. The full program, so to speak. And if you think of the colourful hustle and bustle of the harbour when you hear the word AHOI, you are spot on: you will find shipping containers, wooden planks, harbour bollards & a few neon tubes within. Not too colourful and still a lot to discover typically, Hanseatic. There are now 9 AHOI’s across Germany with more planned.

Steffen Henssler was born on September 27, 1972. Together with his father, he has been running the “Henssler Henssler” restaurant in Hamburg since 2001 and a second Hamburg restaurant called “ONO by Steffen Henssler” since 2009. In 2015, the “Hensslers Küche” cooking school opened at the Port of Hamburg. In February 2017,

two more restaurants followed in Hamburg with the “Ahoi by steffen henssler” and in 2018 with the “GO by Steffen Henssler”. The “Ahoi by steffen Henssler” now also has locations in Travemünde, Otterndorf, Scharbeutz and now in Cologne. The “GO by Steffen Henssler” also has locations in Munich, Frankfurt, Berlin and Düsseldorf. Further locations are planned.

Furthermore, the star chef can be seen again and again on stage and in numerous TV shows. With his first three stage programs “You don’t cook mermaids - love goes through your stomach”, “Hamburg, New York, Tokyo - My culinary trip around the world” and “Henssler tischt auf...!” Steffen Henssler thrilled viewers nationwide.

On May 12, 2018 he set an official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS RECORD: A total of 6,512 spectators came to the finale of his live tour “Henssler tischt auf...!” in the Frankfurt Festhalle, with 6,000 required. He now holds the record for “Largest Audience for a Cooking Show”.

He now has seven cookbooks (“Main thing delicious!”, “Fast, faster, Henssler”, “Simply Henssler – quick recipes with a maximum of 6 ingredients” at Dorling Kindersley; “Grill den Henssler – Das Kochbuch”, “Grill den Henssler - Das finale”, “Henssler’s quick number” by Gräfe und Unzer). He also publishes the children’s cookbook “Hensslers Küchenbande” (with Henssler Mucke).

Chippy Chat Editor went into AHOI Hamburg and said: “This restaurant was recommended to him for its cool staff and ambience. The fast service is something these restaurateurs also care about. But also the quality of the food is as good as we found in Hamburg.”

www.ahoisteffenhenssler.de

FREE Chippy Industry

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).

The Real Deal!

Real Food Café fry Babylon!

By Austen Dack

Isle of Ely Produce have been promoting a Chip Ambassador role to promote the great British Chip in association with Agrico. The aim will be to carry on their good work promoting chipping potatoes at their hugely successful open days, and through their ‘Field to Frier’ National Fish & Chip Shop award which is co-sponsored by Babylon.

The Chip Ambassadors have 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 nurture the relationships they have grown across the whole supply chain over the last thirty years.

Agrico have partnered with Isle of Ely Produce to bring a new variety into the trade initially via our Chip Ambassadors. The variety is called Babylon & is being chipped & fried at some of these ambassadors’ shops to back up the results of early trial successes.

This month it was the turn of the

multi award-winning Real Food Café in Tyndrum based in the highlands of Scotland. With approaching twenty years of experience this very special restaurant is a true trail blazer in our industry. In 2019 they were recommended in the 2019/20 Lonely Planet Guide, in 2020 they were crowned National Federation of Fish Fryers Quality Award Champion at the National Fish & Chip Awards. Their community litter picks have resulted in over 1 tonne of litter being collected by staff and volunteers. They also received a commendation from the Scottish Fire and Rescue service. This was for their support of team members who double as reserve firefighters, enabling the local fire station to stay operational.

Armed with some pre-cut Babylon, Malcolm Wood of the Real Fresh Chip Company drove a Babylon sample to Sarah Heward the Real Food Café owner for her to try. Malcolm sells fresh pre-cut fresh chips to shops across Scotland.

Once cooked and plated, Sarah Mirela and Vladislava tucked into some Babylon chips. They were impressed by the fry colour, crispy outside fluffy middle and consistent size of the sample. Sarah also

said that they compared really well to their usual supply, and would definitely look out for Babylon as a variety for general use in the shop.

Oliver Boutwood Isle of Ely Director says. “It’s good to hear a shop of their calibre like the all-round good characteristics of Babylon. We are really pleased with this partnership between Agrico IOE and chip shop owners.”

Alex Moore, Agrico UK Sales Manager said: “It is great to see Babylon frying well all over the UK. This is a very good fish and chip restaurant and we appreciate them trialling our variety and for their positive feedback too.”

Chip shop owners already signed as Chip Ambassadors for Isle of Ely Produce include 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 Capel- Chez Fred, Shap Chippy, Malachy Mallon The Dolphin Takeaway, Fish and Chips at Weston Grove, Emir Hikary – Hiks, Alan Shillingford –Shillingfords, Gregg Howard The Chip Shed, Ian Wallis Henry’s Hunstanton, John Hudgell Pimp my Fish, Mark Petrou The Petrou Brothers, Marcus French French’s, Fishers of Hunstanton, Sarah Heward – The Real Food Café and more

We will be featuring Babylon reviews in the coming months. Email austen@ chippychat.co.uk if you would like to try them for yourselves.