Chippy Chat May 2024

Dog Fish (& chips)

Award-winning Fife fish and chip shop launches special menu for dogs

AFife chippie named as Scotland’s first dog friendly fish and chip shop has launched its own dedicated menu for diners’ doggies.

The new dog-friendly menu at Cromars Classic Fish and Chips based in St Andrews has been created out of love for our fourlegged friends. It includes beef sausages and ‘puppucinnos – and the business will donate 50% of all sales to the Scottish SPCA to help tackle the animal welfare crisis in Scotland and improve support for animals and people across the country.

With approximately 13.5million dogs as pets in the UK equating to 36% of households owning a dog; 83% of people say they feel guilty leaving their dog behind when they go on holiday, 67% will plan their breaks around their dog, and 56% will opt to take their pooch away with them, the new menu launch is well timed to capitalise on domestic travel with dogs.

Wendy Napthine-Frame, Cromars’ owner, said: “We are a nation of dog lovers, I have three dogs, so I know how much people love them and want them around as part of the family. We see so many people travelling with their dogs now, especially as we come into the Summer season, when the city is teaming with tourists and visitors. We are blessed in St Andrews with wonderful beaches

and countryside, offering perfect walks for dogs and their owners, and for years Cromars has welcomed them all afterwards for a fish supper.

“I’ve often thought we should create a special menu for dogs, not least so that owners can eat our award-winning fish and chips in peace, without the pleading eyes and the nose-nudges that as dog owners we all understand. So, we have done just that with the introduction of our new menu, which is catering for doggies and doing good by helping support the tremendous work that the SSPCA does in Scotland.”

Cromars was established in St Andrews in 2013 by, owner Wendy who has fishing in her blood. She was born and raised in Peterhead, the largest landing port for fish in the UK, with a large extended family all working in the fishing industry either on boats or in the markets.

Do you cater for our four-legged friends? Email austen@chippychat.co.uk

It’s National Fish and Chip Day! Join in and Let’s Celebrate

It’s National Fish and Chip Day. Join in and Let’s Celebrate

It is now just a few weeks before National Fish and Chip Day on Thursday June 6th. 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 can get involved. Together with the NFFF National Fish & Chip Awards, our own open day at Isle of Ely our industry needs 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?

To honour all those involved in the D-Day landings, the largest naval, land

and air operation in history, National Fish & Chip Day has moved from its traditional Friday slot in 2024 and will be celebrating the nation’s favourite dish on Thursday 6th June, which marks the 80th anniversary of this momentous day. Thanks as ever to our advertisers who help us to publish and deliver Chippy Chat to you for FREE each and every month

Send me pictures too for use in our June and July editions.

Email me atausten@chippychat.co.uk

Our website is www.chippychat.co.uk

Austen

Chippy Chat Ltd Oak Lane Littleport Ely Cambridgeshire CB6 1RS

www.chippy-chat.co.uk info@chippychat.co.uk

Twitter @Chippychat

Facebook Chippy-Chat

TEL 01353 658216 FAX 01353 863 444

Managing Director John Boutwood

Publisher Oliver Boutwood oliver@chippychat.co.uk

Publishing Editor Austen Dack

austen@chippychat.co.uk 07863123929

Design/Editorial

Accounts Claire Boutwood-Potter accounts@chippychat.co.uk

Advertising Sales and Promotions austen@chippychat.co.uk

For PR and Editorial editorial@chippychat.co.uk

Austen Dack Publishing Editor

Giving

The chance to win our classic medium fish & chips for FOUR people at PAPA’S!

Winyates Chippy offered Half price chips on the day when you buy a large fish!

Celebrated

John Alfred the Great!

The world’s oldest man says the secret to his long life is fish and chips every Friday

Englishman John Alfred Tinniswood, 111, has recently been confirmed as the new holder of the title by Guinness World Records.

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

Tinniswood was presented with a certificate by Guinness World Records at the care home where he lives in Southport, northwest England.

Born in Liverpool on Aug. 26, 1912, a few months after the sinking of the Titanic, Tinniswood lived through two world wars, serving in the British Army Pay Corps in World War II. George V was the serving Monarch & the year British polar explorer Scott and a team of four reach the South Pole to find that Roald Amundsen had beaten them to it. Famous births sharing this year include John Le Mesurier (Wilson from Dads Army) and Enoch Powel. Notable car launches of the year included the Audi Type C.

The retired accountant and greatgrandfather said moderation was key to a healthy life. He never smokes, rarely drinks and follows no special diet, apart from a fish and chip supper once a week. His chip shop of favour is The Swan Chippy, Southport, who have also served comedian Peter Kay.

“If you drink too much or you eat too much or you walk too much — if you do too much of anything — you’re going to suffer eventually,” Tinniswood told Guinness World Records.

How old is your oldest regular? Email austen@chippychat.co.uk

Diary Dates

Business or pleasure,

dates not to be missed...

May 12th 2024

KFE Ball

Grab your stetson, put on your cowboy boots and giddy up as we take y’all to the Wild West for this year’s KFE Annual Ball.

To book or for further information, please e-mail Tanya Henderson at sales@kfeltd.co.uk or call 01778 380448.

June 6th 2024

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.

June 9th 2024

T.Quality Fish Frying & Fast Food

The popular T.Quality Fish Frying & Fast Food Trade Show is returning to the legendary Sandown Park Racecourse in Esher, Surrey,

September 15th 2024

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

September 27th 2024

The official Macmillan Coffee Morning

Whether you go for tea and cake or something else, your support helps those living with cancer.

December 8th 2024

The Chippy Chat Ball

The Chippy Chat Ball is booked in.

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

KEEP CALM AND EAT FISH & CHIPS!

First launched in 2015, National Fish and Chip Day is a very prestigious day for our industry. The awareness day was created in recognition of the great British dish and is run by the National Edible Oil Distributors Association.

National Fish and Chip Day, usually celebrated on a Friday, has been moved this year to coincide with the 80th anniversary of D-Day and will be celebrated on Thursday 6th June.

During WWI and WWII, fish and chips played a vital role. The government safeguarded the supply of fish and potatoes ensuring the national dish was readily available and a boost to morale.

Sir Winston Churchill referred to fish and chips as ‘good companions’ and would not ration the dish so as not to cause discontent.

During the D-Day landings, fish and chips served almost as a code, British troops would shout ‘fish’ and allies would shout ‘chips’, this helped the troops ascertain who was friend or foe.

Today, fish and chips remain the British national dish and what better way to celebrate every part of the industry, past and present, than having a whole day devoted to honouring the humble meal.

Getting involved is easy, from sharing posts and spreading the word

on social media, to getting dressed up, decorating the shop and holding giveaways, there are plenty of ways to raise awareness. The NEODA website offers free downloadable resources to use on your company social pages and posters that you can print and use in your shop. You can also gain access to a campaign toolkit with lots of ideas to help you.

As the country’s leading supplier of Frozen at Sea fish, we recognise that our customers are the heart and soul of our business, and we can’t wait to see how you all celebrate National Fish and Chip Day this year. Please make sure you tag us in your social media posts and let us know what you get up to so that we can support you in your celebrations!

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

50 IDEAS FOR

By Austen Dack

It’s

Nearly Time for National Fish and Chip Day The Top Takeaway!

Hot on the heels of an amazing NFFF National Fish & Chip Awards one of the biggest days on the fish and chip calendar is back! National Fish and Chip Day 2024 will return for the ninth year on Thursday 6th June!

It is bought to you by NEODA and industry partners including principle sponsors Friar’s Pride, H Colbeck, VA Whitley, (promoting the Hook and Fish Packaging Range), & Middleton Foods.

Seafood from Norway, Blakeman’s sausages, Frymax, Drywite, Smales Fish Merchants,Pukka Pies, Olleco, AAK, Duncrue Food Processors, Goldfish, Kerry Foodservice, KFE, KTC and Silbury are all also supporting the day and we are grateful to them all.

The event has gone from strength to strength since its launch in 2015 and millions of 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 the hashtag #nationalfishandchipday with Neoda saying “We were top on Twitter from 8 a.m. and stayed there all day long!”

So, let’s make National Fish and Chip Day 2024 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.

To honour all those involved in the D-Day landings, the largest naval, land and air operation in history, National Fish & Chip Day has moved from its traditional Friday slot in 2024 and will be celebrating the nation’s favourite dish on Thursday 6th June, which marks the 80th anniversary of this momentous day.

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 2024.

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. Maybe moving from a Friday to a Thursday will give you even more incentive to join in

Please let me know what you are doing for NF&CD in 2024 by emailing me at austen@ chippychat.co.uk

50 IDEAS FOR

Corblimey Fish & Chips, Malaysia

From their Facebook page

“Happy Fri-Yay, fish and chips lovers! Today is National Fish and Chips Day and we’re celebrating in the best way possible - FREE CHIPS! “Flash this post at any of COR BLIMEY outlets” and get a yummy portion of chips on the house. “

The Reel Plaice, Plaice to Be Ayr/ Kilmarnock

From their Facebook page

“ITS NATIONAL FISH & CHIP DAY TOMORROW

We love this day and will be celebrating with our usual printed t shirts and smiley faces 10% of all orders over £20… Fresh quality fish & chips cooked to order”

Mayfair Chippy, Mayfair

To celebrate national fish and chip day they 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

From their Facebook page

“Enjoy an epic 25% off fish & chips tomorrow through Click & Collect!

Receive 25% off fish and chips purchased together as a meal through Click & Collect only on 02/06/23. Offer is not available instore or through home delivery. Discount is not available on our lunchtime cod & chips or lunchtime hake & chips offers.”

Eric’s Fish and Chips

From their Facebook page

“Happy #NationalFishandChipDay fellow chippy lovers

Join us today as we celebrate the best day of the year with some gill-iant treats. Keep reading to find out what’s happening…

Find a fish shaped chip in your takeaway box today and win a £30 voucher! If you find one all you’ll need to do to redeem your prize is upload a photo of your fish chip on social media and tag us, or send us a photo via DM. PLUS, our good local friends at Stokes Sauces will be offering a free sachet of ketchup for the first 80 orders of the day!”

Westend Fish & Chips, Accrington

From their Facebook page

Buy fish and chips on Friday 2nd June and receive a voucher for a FREE item

50 IDEAS FOR

Bennetts Fish & Chips Weymouth

From their Facebook page

Bennetts gave away hundreds of portions on the day working with NEODA in London.

Kellaway’s Fish & Chips Truro

Promoted online ordering via posters and chalkboard

“If you are looking to celebrate today with Fish & Chips, please pre-order online to avoid waiting! It may be pretty busy this evening so beat the queue and order now! Thanks to Jason at @ middletonfoods for our posters!”

East Coast – Musselburgh

Today is National Fish & Chip Day

What better place to enjoy fish and chips than with us, voted top 10 fish and chips in the UK by @sundaytimes

Kirbys of Meanwood

“We just wanted to give a shoutout to our amazing suppliers PC Sports Yeadon Ltd and Sense of Occasion for providing us with the funky T-Shirts and vibrant balloons for National Fish and Chip Day! We couldn’t have done it without your support, so thank you for being a huge part of our special day!”

Mister C’s Selby

“Todays the day! National Fish and Chip Day!

To celebrate we are giving away £100 worth of our vouchers to you!

For a chance to win one, order on our app for delivery or collection or pop in the shop anytime today! Good luck to you and we will see you soon.”

Prices Fish & Chips, Ringwood

“To celebrate National Fish & Chip Day on Friday 2nd June we’re doing you a deal!

Reel this deal in at lunch time 12-1.45pm or evening 5-9pm on the 2nd June only.

Usually, £7.50. That’s 33% off! Chip chip hooray.”

Moore’s Fish and Chips, Castle Douglas

Have you got a fish pun? Or do you need more time to mullet over?

If you have any Fish and Chip Puns Keep the staff entertained on this busy day by sharing them with us.

“On Friday 2nd June we will be hiding 6 vouchers across Castle Douglas. We will be posting hints on our Facebook page throughout the day. When you find one take a picture of it at the location, then comment and tag us on our Facebook page.”

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • May 2024

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine

50 IDEAS FOR

The Bay, Stonehaven

“ It’s FRYDAY! But it isn’t just any fryday this week is national fish and chip day

We are celebrating here at The Bay with some giveaways with your order

Come on down and visit us or order online, open until 8pm tonight.”

Nazeing Fish & Chips

“Join in to Celebrate National Fish & Chip Day this Friday, 2nd June. Cod & Chips £8 **collection only. Be part of the celebrations. Join in & Enjoy.”

Papas Fish & Chips various locations

WIN FISH & CHIPS FOR 4 IN OUR RESTAURANTS!

“We’re giving someone the chance to win our classic medium fish and chips for FOUR people at PAPA’S!

To enter all you need to do is:

LIKE this post

TAG who you’re sharing prize with (more comments, more chance of winning)

SHARE the post.”

Fiddlers Elbow Leintwardine

“Hey, fish & chip lovers! Today is the day we’ve all been waiting for - National Fish and Chip Day! And guess what? The weather is absolutely gorgeous! It’s the perfect combination for a scrumptious meal by the river.

But here’s a tip to make your day even better: Preorder your fish & chips to ensure you don’t have to wait in long queues or risk missing out on this delectable treat!

We know how much you all love our mouthwatering fish, perfectly crisp chips, and homemade tartare sauce. And trust us, they taste even better when enjoyed under the warm sun with friends and family.

By pre-ordering, you’ll have your piping hot fish & chips ready and waiting for you. No more standing in line or dealing with disappointment if we run out. You’ll have your meal secured, and all you need to do is pick it up and savor the flavors.

So, why wait? Visit our website to pre-order your fish & chips for this special day.”

J Henry Hedge End

Cod & Chips on the day ONLY £5.50 until 2.15pm

“What’s for lunch today??

How about a Cod or Haddock & Chips ONLY £5.99

Available 11.30am - 2.15pm.”

Catch Fish & Chips Ashford

NATIONAL FISH AND CHIP DAY - FRIDAY 2nd JUNE!

We will be open from 12-8pm but you can pre-order for collection before then using our app or website www.catchfishandchips.net

WIN 2 X FISH & CHIPS

50 IDEAS FOR

Crisp & Fry Carmarthen

“Happy National Fish & Chip Day

We’re celebrating by giving you a chance to spin the wheel after you’ve made a purchase, to win prizes.

Running in store from 5-7pm.”

Skippers Euxton

“To celebrate National Fish and Chip Day on Friday we have a regular fish and chip special available at £8 all day on our online click and collect service.”

Andy’s Fish Bar, Swadlincote

“To celebrate National Fish & Chip Day on 2nd June 2023 we are offering our Fish meal with a saving of £3!

This offer is only available on 2nd & 3rd June 2023 and is subject to availability. In-Store or on our SwiftOrder ordering platform www.andysfishbar.net“

Fish and Chips @ Weston Grove

“It’s National Fish and Chip Day this Friday. Thanks to one of the sponsors, we are able to offer a free GF side when you order regular Fish and Chips. How good is that?” # Middleton Food Products #nationalfishandchipday

“Find out what #nationalfishandchipday 2023 is all about by listening to the breakfast show on #bbcradiomerseyside at 7.50am on Friday 2 June when Josette Foster will be talking live on air about everything fish and chips.”

Winyates Chippy

Half price chips on the day when you buy a large fish!

Ship Deck Caerphilly

“Save the date! Friday 2nd June! The day that celebrates the nation’s favourite dish!

Yep .. good old Fish & Chips We will be celebrating; the

shop will be decorated and there will be lots of give aways. Share, like and comment on this post for your chance to win one of many vouchers to use on the day!

We will be setting 20 alarms throughout the day. If the alarm sounds when you’re getting served 1x fish & chips is on us. No matter where you are on the day pop to a chippy and support this day. They would love your support!”

Knight’s Glastonbury

“Less than a week to go until the biggest day in the industry! Make sure to tell your friends and family! We will be running many money-saving competitions instore, online & on social media STAY TUNED! Book a tableOrder Online.”

Redcloak Fishbar

“The wait is finally over, Happy National Fish & Chip Day GIVEAWAY TIME

Did you know we are open 7 days a week, so you don’t have to wait until Fry-Day to get your Fish and Chips Fix. This Fry-Day is different however, it is the best day of the year, National Fish and Chip Day and to celebrate we are giving away not 1, not 2 but 5 Fish Suppers

To enter, all you have to do is follow the steps below

1. Like our page on Facebook

2. Share this post

3. Tag your friends (every tag is an entry)

The Fish Works, Largs

We can’t wait to Celebrate National Fish & Chip Day! We have teamed up with Omni foods and @nationalfishandchipday @henrycolbeck to provide you with free Vegan Fish & Chips on Friday 2nd June. We will also have a special treasure hunt in Largs where we will be hiding £20 Vouchers

50 IDEAS FOR

Seafood from Iceland/ Churchill’s Fish & Chips

Want to win a trip to Iceland?

“Seafood from Iceland is partnering with Fish & Chips shops across the South East of the UK to bring you high-quality Icelandic fish and a chance to win an adventurous trip to Iceland!

Visit Churchill’s Fish and Chips, Fish’n’Chick’n or Bankers Fish & Chips to get quality fish and sign up for a chance to win!

The trip includes

- 4 days trip to Iceland for 2 people

- Flight from the UK, 4 nights in a 4-star hotel in Reykjavík and transport to and from the airport

- Visit to a fishing village, a day tour organized by Seafood from Iceland! Enjoy, and good luck!”

“Enjoy an amazing 25% off fish & chips tomorrow through Click & Collect!

Receive 25% off fish and chips purchased together as a meal through Click & Collect only on 02/06/23. Offer is not available in-store or through home

delivery. Discount is not available on our lunchtime cod & chips or lunchtime hake & chips offers.”

Captains Fish & Chips, Hoddeson

“Plan ahead… this Thursday is National Fish&Chip Day, Cod and chips, £8, all day!!!!

This offer is fit for a King and Queen Come celebrate this special day with us. Offer available at Captain’s Fish & Chips, Nazeing Fish & Chips, Sidney & Sons Fish & Chips, 11am-9pm, collection only.

The Cod’s Scallops –Nottingham/All shops

Staff wore fish and chip day branded t-shirts.

“Today is the best day of the year, it’s National Fish & Chip Day. This is your sign to treat yourself to some delicious fish and chips today.”

#nationalfishandchipday #fishyfriday #fryday #fishandchips #chippy #yummyfood #tastytreats #foodstagram #familyfood #familytime #feedingtime #chipshop #fishrestaurant #foodporn

Wetherby

Whaler

Fish and chip samples giveaway with T Quality. They handed them out at their shop in Wetherby and also to local charities. Plus had the local rugby club at their Wakefield branch too

The Bearded Sailor

“Look at this amazing cake that B from @bscakesandbakes made us to help celebrate our Nation’s favourite dish! B is not only an amazing brownie maker, but she also bakes amazing cakes (and a whole host of other things). I asked her to make us a ‘Fish and Chip cake’. I absolutely love it. It’s even got mushy peas and curry sauce! Plus, to celebrate haddock butty, chips and sauce for just £6.95 between 11.30-2.30 Mon-Sat.”

Golden Carp Chippy

Chips half price with a large fish plus the chance to win FREE fish and chips

Noah’s Bristol

Kids eat for £5 this half term!

Need an excuse to bring the littles for tea this week? Up to 12s can choose between cod & chips, cod goujons & chips and sausages & chips, available at lunch or dinner, up to Sunday 4th June.

50 IDEAS FOR

Miller’s, Haxby

Celebrated the BIG day by wearing branded merchandise, dressing up and giving away some Miller’s branded insulated bottles!

Wigmore Fish Bar

“Oh my cod! It’s that time of year again! Please join us next Friday and enjoy this special offer to celebrate National Fish and Chip Day. Half price chips with every fish sold.”

Penaluna Fish & Chips, Aberdare

Were delighted to be involved with National Fish & Chip Day 2023 Guests celebrated with us where with the support of the industry partners friends and colleagues, we gave away 500 taster portions of Fish & Chips

Bankers Fish & Chips, Various

“We’re delighted to announce we’ve partnered with Seafood from Iceland to give you the chance to WIN a trip to Iceland for 2 and help us celebrate 100 years of our family’s love affair with fish and chips! For your chance to win this spiffing prize, simply visit one of our stores between 1st May – 14th May and scan the instore QR code, follow the steps, and you could be on a once in a lifetime trip to Iceland!*”

Whitehead’s Fish and Chips Hornsea

Promoted via Facebook, and made a poster/ flyer to promote the day #fryday 2 June is #nationalfishandchipday...Whiteheads Fish & Chips is open all day Friday 2 June for customers to celebrate with Award-winning traditional #British #Fishnchips at #Hornsea on the beautiful #Yorkshire #Coast. The Whiteheads Fish & Chips Crew looks forward to serving you...including #glutenfree #gf options all day, every day (let your server know your preference as you order). 2023 award champion Geoff Whitehead also interviewed on local tv and radio too.

Wrights Fish & Chips, USA

“This upcoming Friday is #nationalfishand chipday and in celebration we’re running a “10% Off Fish and Chips Special” throughout the day (11:30am-8pm), stop on by and enjoy the best Fish and Chips this side of the pond, and don’t forget your side order of Mushy Peas, British Gravy or Curry Sauce.

We are located inside the Cumming City Center.

451 Vision Drive. Cumming 30040

Note: 10% Off Deal ONLY applies to an order of Fish and Chips, no other item on the menu will be discounted!”

Fish and Chips remain the most popular British meal and have been so for many years. Throughout the First and Second World wars strenuous efforts were made to guarantee supply, felt essential in maintaining the morale of the Nation. This year National Fish and Chip day falls on June 6th, celebrating the invasion of Europe on D Day.

As with Fish and Chips, Frymax remains the Fryers favourite cooking oil and has been so for many years. We salute and would like to pay tribute to all those involved, then and now, in the supply, frying and consumption of the Nation's favourite meal.

For information, advice, or customer support material please contact ADM UK Ltd.

e-mail: frymaxinfo@adm.com www.frymax.co.uk

They Want to Break Free!

Award winning café hosts Gluten Free Fortnight!

The Real Food Café in Tyndrum once again hosted Gluten Free Fortnight on in April, putting the restaurant on the map for gluten-free dining experiences in the Central Belt and Highlands this spring.

The event, which ran from 11th – 25th April in collaboration with Coeliac UK, Forth Valley Food and Drink and The Real Food Café aimed to raise awareness of coeliac disease and the range of delicious gluten-free food and drink options for diners living with Coeliac disease and gluten sensitivities.

Coeliac disease affects an estimated 1 in 100 individuals worldwide, with many others actively avoiding gluten due to sensitivities or personal dietary preferences.

Gluten Free Fortnight first launched in 2019 at The Real Food Café in Tyndrum, an A grade Coeliac UK Accredited Caterer that has been serving gluten-free dishes since 2005.

Since then, the campaign has gained momentum and has been recognised for its success, being shortlisted for the Best Marketing Campaign award at the 2023 Cateys Awards, the ‘Oscars’ of the hospitality industry.

Sarah Heward, owner of The Real Food Café and one of Scotland Food & Drink’s Regional Food Tourism Ambassadors said:

“We were hugely excited about the return of Gluten Free Fortnight in April, which was our fourth. It really is such an important opportunity to highlight the demand for more diverse, specialist and inclusive menus and it’s something we’re proud to champion at The Real Food Café. The response was amazing with record sales and prominence.”

“We started serving gluten-free menu options in 2005 and over the years we’ve seen that people will travel considerable distances to enjoy quality, safe and delicious gluten free meals.”

“Menu highlights for April’s Gluten Free Fortnight included a Scottish Cheese and Salami Pot - a melted brie from Ballochmyle and Great Glen venison salami, salad, red onion chutney, Nairn’s GF oatcakes and chips, Macsween Haggis & Chips, McWhinney’s Sausage and Chips and of course, The Real Food Café’s award winning MSC Haddock and Chips with homemade tartare sauce.”

The Real Food Café is situated at the gateway to the Scottish Highlands in Tyndrum, on the West Highland Way, just before the A82 splits to Oban and north to Fort William. The restaurant, which opened in 2005 is an iconic ‘pit stop’ for the many who travel through the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park for business and leisure.

The Real Food Café website can be found at www.therealfoodcafe.com

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

Lady Anna Great taste, less waste, premium fries

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

Jane Yellow fleshed, delicious flavour, maintains a good colour after cooking.

Bayfield Brecks Barns, Garden Lane

Letheringsett, Holt, Norfolk, NR25 7DZ

Tel: 01263 710602

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

Lady

Lady

Get Your Sales Sizzling!

Meadow Vale Foods launches a brand-new range of 6 chargrilled chicken lines. The Sizzling Chicken range is the next generation of added value frozen poultry.

Featuring 6 new lines of hand cut and boneless chargrilled fillets, thighs and skewers, the Sizzling Range is bursting with flavour and offers the ultimate uncoated chicken option for menus across the food service industry.

Grilled chicken is growing in popularity, particularly for those with special dietary requirements and the health conscious. The Sizzling range therefore allows you to grow sales by creating a balanced menu with a seriously tasty uncoated option that appeals to wider audiences. Less fats, less salts and packed with protein, here’s an in depth look into the three cuts on offer from this groundbreaking new chicken range.

The Sizzling Chicken Thigh range

With three authentic flavours to choose from including Original, Shawarma and Piri Piri, the Sizzling thighs are 120g of succulent boneless chicken that are a perfect fit for a wide variety of dishes straight from the freezer, from the wholesome Shawarma wrap to the piquant Piri Piri rice box.

Shawarma and Piri Piri flavours are trending on high streets across Britain, reflected in some of the largest high street food outlets including German Doner Kebab and Nandos. Shawarma boasts a traditional well-seasoned flavour that compliments the succulent thigh perfectly, and Peri-Peri is a flavour profile synonymous with chicken thighs.

The Sizzling Chicken Fillet range

The Sizzling Original and Piri Piri Chicken Fillets truly offer a product for all purposes in food service, from the ultimate chicken burger to chicken salads. These 150g chargrilled chicken fillets are hand butterflied, marinated and charcoal grilled before being individually quick frozen and placed into foil

sealed bags 13 pieces at a time.

Meadow Vale is the one stop shop for those seeking the perfect grilled chicken burger option. The chargrilled fillets offer a consistent large bun coverage due to the 150g hand-butterflied portion sizes, that also provide a rustic home-made feel. The flavour is all in the chicken, simply add any salads, sauces and garnishes to create a vibrant tower of burger brilliance. Alternatively, the fillets can be sliced into visually appealing strips or bite size pieces and added to a wide variety of great tasting dishes.

The Sizzling Original Chargrilled Chicken Skewers

Marinated for 20 hours in an authentic blend of herbs and spices, the Sizzling Chicken Skewers provide a chargrilled flavour to savour.

Using just one Chicken Skewer can create the perfect kebab, wrap or gyros by reheating straight from the freezer via the griddle, Merry Chef or oven. Once cooked, the chicken easily slips off the uncharred bamboo sticks straight on to the plate, providing the ultimate fresh chargrilled experience.

Each bag holds ten skewers, with the flavours locked in to the vibrant foil packaging. Experience a 100% yield with zero waste by simply taking what is needed from the freezer over a long shelf-life period, without compromising the quality, taste or fresh appeal of the chicken.

Enquire today!

To find out more details and receive support with product information, pricing, marketing and much more, get in touch with our friendly team today by contacting 019786 66100 or fill out the contact form at www.meadowvalefoods.co.uk

NIce Extra Profits for Summer

Snowshock the one stop shop for your cold drink needs!

Spring is underway and there’s optimism in the air too. Hopefully Britain is gearing up for a great summer. The public are booking home trips & holidays in record numbers & fish & chips, slush drinks and ice cream will be much sought after, and something that you need to be thinking about order volumes now.

Snowshock have been in the slush business since 2003 and we have seen a busy start to the year. Business owners more than ever are gearing up now to take advantage of the Staycation trend and the fact that their customers are going to be around more this year, spending their money at home.

It is time you too discovered SnowShock’s tasty and vibrant range of all things slush related, from commercial slush machines to syrups and additional slush consumables. As the proud UK supplier of premium slush products, we provide you with an excellent product and service that will help drive profits for your business.

Fizzee Carbonated Slush Has Arrived! Progressing from our commercial slush

machine, our Fizzy Carbonated Slush Machines have taken the industry by storm. The time is right for retailers to cash in by bringing this product to their stores and satisfying the demand.

In creating Fizzee, we took the concept from the US and added our renowned special values to create an innovative, superior and bold product that has the best flavour, colour and texture. Now is your opportunity, with Fizzee the superior brand to reap the benefits of extra profits and increased footfall.

Whether you lease our machine or pay for it in one, it’s yours – saving you around £10k over our competitors, what’s more your free stock is worth at least £4200 on rrp.

Our expert SnowShock staff are here to help you along the way and are happy to provide more information about the range of slush products we offer.

Contact

Snowshock Unit 2

Whitehouse Road Industrial Estate

Newcastle Upon Tyne NE15 6LN

Tel: 0330 053 6132 www.snowshock.com

All Together

Come to the Farm for the Isle of Ely Open Day on Sunday September 15th

By Austen Dack

Fixed

Potatoes replaced within 12hrs in the unlikely event of you being

All batches rigorously checked and test fried

Ring today for your free sample

Lomas Potatoes

The event put on by John, Oliver and Claire Boutwood and hosted by (myself)

Chippy Chat Publishing Editor

Austen Dack highlights the journey the potato makes before it hits shops. It is the culmination of their ‘field to frier’ platform, which this year also included the story of the potato seed too. The day although dedicated to the potato in recent years has taken on the mantle of being a showcase for what’s also best practice in the industry. Some of the best fish and chip shop owners from across the UK presented on the day from a 30-foot impressive AV stage show set up in one of IOE’s potato storage sheds. In 2023 over 100 friers, farmers & suppliers travelled to Ely Cambridgeshire for the 9th annual Isle of Ely Produce & Chippy Chat open day.

In 2023 we had some great speakers for you on the day plus lots of great suppliers too including.

Austen Dack Host & Welcome

Andrew Crook - NFFF President

Oliver Boutwood – Isle of Ely Produce

Michael Neaverson – Neaverson Growers Ltd

Sean Farry – OilChef

Sarah Heward – Real Food Café, Tyndrum

Nick Hucker – Preoday/Qikserve

Victoria Braathen - Norwegian Seafood Council

Geoff Whitehead & Andrew Crook – Whitehead’s Fish &

Plus, we gave visitors you the allimportant lowdown on the 2023/24 potato crop and how it could affect you in the year ahead with a trip out to see the crop for yourselves. Our featured farmer this year was once again (Dr) Michael Neaverson from Neaverson Growers Ltd. Michael gave the room an honest assessment of the potato crop for the year ahead (before the huge Autumn rainfall).

Now!

For lunch visitors were served fish and chips from the 2023 award winning best mobile Pimp my Fish. The lovely Norwegian cod was supplied by Smales and Seafood from Norway. The chips were made from Babylon and gave the new variety one of its biggest tests yet with over 100 guests all queueing up to try them. McWhinney’s also served their best in Europe sausages plus there was free teas and coffee with homemade cake too.

In the Evening over 50 stayed in Ely and headed out for a meal and a few beers. It is always good to reserve your hotel rooms in Ely for this early.

Thanks again to this year’s sponsors.

This open day put on by the Boutwood family and Isle of Ely Produce is a big investment for this industry. Any other suppliers who would like to sponsor/ present and/or have a stand on the day please email austen@chippychat.co.uk

We are already planning open day 2024, pencilled in for 15/09/2024. If you would like to attend as a frier or supplier and want details of please in the first instance email austen@chippychat.co.uk

Places at the open day are at a premium but thanks to the sponsors still FREE. Have you been to the open day? Let us know your thoughts – email austen@ chippychat.co.uk

Box Clever!

The Fish & Chip Co – Fresh hot & a lot, and a franchise in a box!

The Fish & Chip Co is a friendly take-away restaurant chain that operates in South Africa. From a small business opening in 2009 comes the success story of The Fish & Chip Co that has grown into one of South Africa’s favourite fish & chips franchise brands.

Over the past 15 years, The Fish & Chip Co has become one of the market leaders within the fish QSR category in terms of product, brand awareness, store footprint, and consumer preference. The Fish & Chip Co have built up a reputation for serving

generous portions of quality fish and fresh-cut chips at affordable prices.

Today, The Fish & Chip Co has over 110 take-away franchise restaurants (serving the freshest fish, and hand-cut slap chips at affordable prices to thousands of happy consumers across South Africa every day. The Fish & Chip co is bringing you bigger portions and better value even when you buying a franchise. We’re offering you a franchise business in a box, with exceptional marketing and franchisee support, for just R599 000. (£25,000)

The Fish & Chip Co menu is built around the brand pillars of Fresh, Hot and A Lot and features delicious sustainably caught fish covered in our unique crispy batter, generous portions of hand-cut slap chips and signature sausages. We complement our core range with Calamari, Cheese Russians and a range of sauces and extras. Our menu and promotions are carefully crafted around value, with options of single meals and sharing meals that are generous enough to feed a few friends, a family, and possibly even a village.

Realising the opportunity to bring operational standards in the form of quality product and a good customer experience to large volumes of customers, the well-established then 10-year old brand was acquired by Fiamme Holdings from a listed company in 2019.

Dean Pike purchased the franchise of seven The Fish & Chip Co. stores across Gauteng

Why did you go down the franchise

route? And why did you choose your franchise?

I chose the franchise route as I was eager to grow my current business portfolio. The concept of ‘plugging in ‘to a successful existing brand with a proven track record appealed to me as the risks involved when starting a new business were instantly minimised.

The Fish & Chip Co. brand appealed to me as it is priced well. In addition to which the fish and chip take away market in South Africa is growing at a rate far exceeding other takeaways over the past 2 years.

How did you raise the finance?

I approached several banks all of whom have an appetite for franchises. I looked at which structure suited my existing business model in addition to my longterm plans for expansion for the group. I went with my current bankers Mercantile as they not only had an appetite for the brand, but I was able to put up collateral which funded my initial 7 shops over 12 months.

What training and support did you receive initially and on-going?

I received a comprehensive insight into all aspects of the business from our franchisor initially and continue to benefit from their extensive in-house support system.

What is a typical day for you as a franchisee?

There is no such thing as a ‘typical day’ in this industry! Having a multiple franchise model the daily challenges vary tremendously. However, the majority of my day is centred on logistical procedures to ensure that all aspects of the business are operating at their full potential at all times.

What challenges have you faced?

One of the biggest challenges has been co-ordinating 70 staff members, be it regarding stock levels, purchasing, or logistics. Managing the aforementioned

in such a way that we guarantee the same quality and experience to our valued customers at the point of sale in any of our branches.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of buying their first franchise?

I can only give advice regarding fast food franchising. One must be prepared to work at a pace that is not considered ‘normal’ in most walks of life, the ability to think on your feet is paramount as the challenges often arise thick and fast. Leisure time is in very short supply due to the long hours involved. However I do strongly believe the rewards are plentiful for anyone prepared to make the commitments necessary.

What are your plans for the future?

Within the next 2 years I would like to grow my group of franchises across Gauteng to 20 branches.

fishandchipco.co.za

Hiks Try Babylon!

By Austen Dack

Isle of Ely Produce & Chippy Chat have been promoting a Chip Ambassador role to promote the great British Chip in association with Agrico. The aim will be to carry on the good work promoting chipping potatoes at their hugely successful open days, and through the ‘Field to Frier’ gong at the National Fish & Chip Awards, which this year was won by Bells Fish & Chips, Durham.

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 also includes 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 during the last thirty years.

Agrico have partnered with Isle of Ely Produce to bring new varieties into the trade initially via our Chip Ambassadors. The first one Babylon has been sampled at some of these ambassadors to back up the results of the trial successes.

The latest to try them was Hiks, who are based in Brynhyfryd just outside of Swansea. I recently visit Emir the owner to try their famous & award-winning fish & chips.

They have been serving real British comfort food in the heart of Wales, since 2004, initially via a chip van. In that time, they’ve served well over 1 million customers, many of which come back time and time again for exceptional food, friendly service and value for money.

The menu centres around fish & chips, which are cooked to order to ensure a perfect meal every single time. They take particular pride in the fact that all fish served is responsibility sourced from very well managed and sustainable waters. They also monitor their potatoes on a weekly basis too. Emir Hikary said: “We pride ourselves in serving some of the best fish & chips in Wales. We source the best potato varieties available to us at any given time, to make sure we continue to offer the best we can. It is good to try Babylon and we are excited to add them to the list of potatoes we can choose from. They were very clean, fried well, and tasted fantastic too.”

Needless to say, Hik’s fish and chips were wonderful. As a previous Top 10 shop, and best Takeaway in Wales winners Emir and the team have continued to drive excellent standards. The 42-seater restaurant was clean, modern and the staff were excellent. The Babylon chips

past the test again and went perfectly with a lovely piece of MSC sourced cod.

We were actually in Swansea for the weekend to see Ipswich Town take on the Swans. We were fortunate to stay in the same hotel as our team and met many of them on the morning of the game. The hotel based on the marina and next to the beach, was fantastic for local bars and restaurants and visiting the local tram museum and houses the world’s first passenger tram which ran between Swansea and Mumbles Railway, in Wales, UK from 1807.

Oliver Boutwood Isle of Ely Director says. “It’s good to hear so many shops like the allround good characteristics of Babylon. We are pleased with this partnership between Agrico IOE and chip shop owners.”

Alex Moore, Agrico UK Sales Manager said: “We are thrilled to be working closely with Isle of Ely Produce & the Chip Ambassadors to launch two exciting new varieties. As a business we are always trying to breed better tasting and more sustainable potato varieties.”

We will be featuring more reviews in the coming months, and at the Isle of Ely Open Day, where you can try them for yourselves. Email austen@chippychat.co.uk if you would like to try them and/and or become one of our chip ambassadors.

Oil together Now!

OiL Chef and T.Quality Ltd come together as exclusive supply partners in the UK Foodservice market.

OiLChef, producers of global award winning eco- friendly innovative deep fryer accessories, is pleased to announce its partnership with T.Quality. This collaboration brings together two industry leaders, enabling OiLChef to expand its reach within the UK foodservice market.

As the exclusive supply partner for OiLChef, T.Quality brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in distributing within the foodservice market. This partnership will enable OiLChef to reach a wider customer base and provide them with its unique deep fryer accessories that help reduce waste, environmental impact, and operational costs.

OiLChef is renowned for its range of deep fryer accessories that have been specifically designed to reduce waste, environmental impact, and costs associated with deep frying. By incorporating these accessories into commercial kitchens, operators can enjoy healthier, tastier food products while also reducing their carbon footprint and reducing their food cook times.

“We are thrilled to partner with T.Quality,” said Sean Farry OiLChef’s CEO . “Our deep fryer accessories have been a game-changer for foodservice operators, enabling them to produce

delicious healthier deep-fried food while minimizing their environmental impact. Our OiLChef is an industry disruptor and and this partnership with T.Quality will help us reach more operators and provide them with the solutions they need to maximise food quality and operational efficiencies , while reducing costs, waste, time and energy.”

T.Quality, known for its commitment to providing exceptional service and quality products, is excited to add OiLChef to its portfolio of offerings. “OiLChef’s deep fryer accessories align perfectly with our commitment to sustainability and innovation. The supply partnership with OiLChef further demonstrates T.Quality’s commitment to extending its services to all foodservice sectors. Through our partnerships with Uropa, Hopkins, and Johnson Reed, we now offer our range of over 3000 catering equipment products, fish and chip equipment, and finance.” said Sean Savage, T.Quality Sales & Marketing Director. “We look forward to working closely with OiLChef to bring these innovative accessories to a wider audience.”

OiLChef’s deep fryer accessories have received numerous awards for their groundbreaking technology. The company’s commitment to reducing waste, environmental impact, and operational costs has made OiLChef a go-to choice for foodservice operators worldwide.

To learn more about OiLChef’s deep fryer accessories and how they can benefit your food service business, please visit www.oilchef.com

Hugh Innes Tony’s Fish & Chips Recommends Oil Chef

“ I used to change oil every week, now it is every three weeks. That’s fantastic savings. Great for delivered food as less oil sticks to the product keeping it crispier. I have an Oilchef in all pans and the savings on oil alone make buying Oilchef worthwhile on their own.” Contact Martin Clarke 07706 350 222 email: martin.clarke@tquality.co.uk

3 Second Installation ~ 3 Year Warranty ~ Eco-Friendly Technology

Keeping up with the Joneses!

Suranne Jones visits fish and chip restaurant in Cromer

ABAFTA-winning actress has been spotted in north Norfolk for the second time in less than a month recently.

Suranne Jones shot to fame as Karen McDonald in Coronation Street and she has gone on to earn critical acclaim for roles in Doctor Foster, Vigil, Gentleman Jack and more.

Recently she posted a photo on her Instagram account, which has more than half a million followers, from upstairs at the popular seaside restaurant No 1 Cromer, which overlooks the pier.

She tucked into a meal of battered fish and chips and she captioned it with a heart emoji.

One of her followers wrote: “Ah, a true Northern lass always has gravy.” Another said: “No 1 Cromer? Best fish and chips ever!”

The team at No 1 Cromer confirmed that the actress was there on Thursday and said she had also visited in the summer.

Her post has been liked by nearly 10,000 people

Chippy Chat Editor Austen Dack said: “I have also eaten in the restaurant at Cromer No1, I can see why Suranne gave it the thumbs up, great food, people and location next door to the iconic Cromer Pier.”

Cromer Pier was named Pier of the Year 2024 by the National Piers Society – the third time it has scooped the prize.

Have you had anyone famous in your shop/restaurant. Email austen@ chippychat.co.uk

Flavoil makes better Kooks!

Find out why the Captain frys with Flavoil!

Moored alongside Sandbach Road in the ancient town of Burslem, hotbed of the Industrial Revolution, world famous home of fine china, Robbie Williams and Port Vale FC, stands the Good Chip Captain Kooks.

Captain Kooks has been the local chippy for many years but it is a remarkable chippy, not just because it is buzzing, but for the uniquely wide variety of food on offer.

The Chippy is renowned for its fine Fish & Chips, but it is also famous for the Captain’s Breakfast, a celebration of that other national dish, the Full English Breakfast. The Captain’s latte and hot chocolate has driven Starbucks to despair and with the offer of proper sausages, club sandwiches, if you please, and steak puddings you could almost describe Captain Kooks as that rarest of gems, A British Restaurant.

It even has lasagna and chips on the menu or a Chicken Tikka Masala and chips and what could be more British than that?

Boston Tea Party

Alongside a range of Meal Boxes, you can also try their Tower Burger—a chicken fillet burger with hash browns, cheese, and coleslaw or a juicy Hot Dog— OK, those are bit American, but the donner kebab is definitely British.

Netflix

Perhaps you are like me and cannot pull yourself away from the gravitational pull of your massive telly? If so, you can even UBER up a brilliant range of Binge Worthy ‘Snack Attacks’ from the menu. Chicken, Donner, Fishcakes, Combos, it’s all there –

and they are in a tapas-like mix – ideal for picking and having a great night in, how’s that for being on trend?

High Oleic Cooking Oil

What sets Captain Kooks apart? Probably their commitment to quality ingredients. They use FlavOil High Oleic cooking oil (Flav), the premium frying oil, known for its health benefits and tough performance. It’s the secret behind their perfectly crispy fries and golden fish.

The oil is a particularly sustainable oil and it has a long life as it is resistant to breakdown. This also means that it has a high smoke point and it stays high over numerous frying cycles. It is long lasting and reduces the need to discard so much oil. In other words, it’s the perfect chippy oil!

This commitment extends to responsibly sourced fish, of course, and packaging. Potatoes are skinned and hand cut on the premises. For the trade professional, this isn’t just ethical; it’s smart business, signalling to customers a commitment to quality and environmental stewardship.

Cheesecake and Chips

Captain Kooks is probably alone in having a Cheesecake Fridge and it is packed with banging cheesecakes, chocolate brownies, home-made and lovingly decorated just like Mum’s.

With the offer of all that and a full range of puddings with custard, you don’t actually have to leave Captain Kooks at all.

Captain Kooks has lasted because of great service, great people, constant innovation and brilliant food.

Captain Kooks is located at Sandbach Road, Burslem,Stoke-on-Trent ST6 2DR. Check out their lively Facebook page for more information. www.flavoil.co.uk