Located in Durham, Grandpa’s Fish Bar has quickly established itself as a beloved local takeaway, blending nostalgia with high-quality food. Opened in March last year by brothers Rich and Aidan Weatherburn, the business was born with a desire to honour their late grandfather, a devoted fish and chip enthusiast. Named in honour of him, Grandpa’s is a heartfelt tribute that has since grown into a resounding success.
Grandpa’s is rooted in tradition. From the moment customers walk through the door, they are transported back in time. With classic menu offerings, pictures of the brothers’ grandpa on the wall and even the team’s uniform is complete with flat caps. “It’s a bit like stepping into the past,” explains Rich. “Our grandad was never seen without his flat cap so it’s our way of keeping his memory alive.”
The menu stays true to the foundations of British fish and chips from 50 or 60 years ago: fish and chips, sausages and fishcakes, all cooked in traditional beef dripping. The philosophy is simple, Rich explains: “It’s about quality over quantity, with traditional customer service and good honest food and that’s what our customers like.”
A key part of Grandpa’s success has been its partnership with Middleton Foods. The shop uses a range of Middleton products, including Golden Batter Mix, Kings Heritage and Chippies Choice curry sauces, and gravy. The partnership also extended to industry recognition as Grandpa’s Fish Bar entered the Peter Hill Award in 2025, reaching the finals and winning £300 worth of Middleton Foods stock, along with a place at the KFE School of Frying Excellence. “The support was second to none from day one,” Rich explains. “Dean, our sales representative, was actually there the first time we turned the fryers on and fried fish and chips as a family. He’s even arranged next-day deliveries when we’ve needed stock urgently. I have nothing but nice things to say about them.”
Middleton Foods prides itself on being there to support chippies across the industry, from longstanding shops imbedded in communities across the nation, to those opening up for the very first time. Rich’s final words? “We would absolutely recommend Middleton Foods. We’ve had a great relationship from the very beginning and long may it continue.”
Middleton Foods 01902 608122 https://middletonfoods.com
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