30 Minutes With…Simon Mathews, owner of Country Fried

How did you get into the industry?

In Covid, while sunbathing in the garden, I sat up and said “I want to sell fish and chips!” At that point, Helen, my wife, thought I’d lost the plot. Fast forward six months, a white van, a conversion, branding, locations, lots of hard work and some essential training from the NFFF and Country Fried was born. This year, we were named Mobile Operator of the Year at The National Fish & Chip Awards 2025

What’s your favourite food?

I do love a good Indian curry as I love all spicy food.

Is there a food you won’t eat?

Block cheese, strangely unless it’s cooked or melted.

Where have you had the best fish and chips? 

The most memorable fish and chips I had was at Rick Stein’s in Padstow. My late mum loved fish and chips and we spent a memorable family holiday there before she passed.

What side is a must with your fish and chips?

Peas and curry – they complement each other and it’s how fish and chips should be enjoyed. 

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

Devon and Cornwall as I have lots of my family based down there – and it’s a bit warmer than up north in Lancashire!

Do you have a favourite restaurant?

I don’t have a favourite, I’ll eat anywhere as long as it’s good food.

What is your go-to drink?

Flavoured cider, enjoyed in the sun with plenty of ice. Failing that, a Fanta!

What dish reminds you most of your childhood?

Corned beef hash. It’s a good old northern staple and my mum used to make one every week.

What is your guilty food pleasure?

Scones with clotted cream and jam.

What’s been your weirdest food combination? 

Escargot. It followed a bet with my wife – she lost but as it was our honeymoon I took one for the team and ate the snails! They were surprisingly nice.

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

Another van…one day.