30 Minutes With…Charlie Potts, manager of Taffs Fish and Chips, Torrington, Devon

How did you get into the industry?

I’ve only been in the industry for three years. I was getting back into work after having our third son. I started as part of the serving team, which not only worked well around childcare and my husband’s job, but it felt great to be part of a team again. I quickly fell in love with the industry and moved on to prep and frying. Now I’m running and managing a great team and shop.

What’s your favourite food?

I do love a piece of crispy, battered, flaky cod. That said, I also like a nice gourmet homemade juicy burger with homemade sauces, pickles and trimmings.

Is there a food you won’t eat?

I’m not too keen on game meat. It can sometimes be a bit strong in flavour and dark looking, which has always put me off

Where have you had the best fish and chips? 

We were on a little family holiday in Weymouth and there was a tiny chip shop at the top of the hill. It was a busy little place full of people coming and going, so we decided to give it a go. It was quirky with an airplane wing as a sideboard and funky decor, lovely service and delicious fresh cod with melt-in-the mouth batter and chunky crispy chips. I can still taste it.

What side is a must with your fish and chips?

Definitely curry sauce. I wouldn’t order without it. Sweet and spicy with the crispy batter, it just finishes off the experience.

If you could open a fish and chip shop anywhere, where would it be?

Fish and chips are great by the sea. If I could, I would open a shop with a sea view so I could hear not only the sounds of the waves, but the joy of people and families enjoying holidays and making memories. 

Do you have a favourite restaurant?

I have a few places locally that I like to eat at, Lush restaurant in Barnstaple being one of them. The service is great, it has a lovely relaxing decor and atmosphere, and a great choice of superbly cooked food. 

What is your go-to drink?

Nothing beats vodka, lime and tonic with lots of ice on a hot summer day. It’s cool and refreshing without being overpowering. I like a cocktail too. 

What dish reminds you most of your childhood?

I’m one of six and I was the fussy child but I loved my dad’s creamy tuna pasta that he would make.  Warm and filling, it’s a meal that makes me feel happy.

What is your guilty food pleasure? 

Anything sweet – chocolate, jelly sweets, cake. Everything that’s naughty.

What’s been your weirdest food combination?

Well, I found out as a teenager that my dad’s creamy pasta was actually only pasta, chicken soup and tuna. It was half of the recipe because apparently I didn’t like the rest, so my dad never put them in. I will say, don’t knock it until you have tried it.

What one piece of equipment would you love to purchase for your business?

I’d love to update and expand the range to cater for our growing team and our growing customer base.