For more than 26 years, Quayside Whitby has been at the heart of one of the UK’s most famous fish and chip destinations. Owner Stuart Fusco took over the family business in 1999, running it as a traditional fish and chip shop and takeaway, staying true to the values that made the venue successful in the first place.
“Whitby is a destination place for fish and chips,” says Stuart. “People come here because they want proper, traditional Whitby fish and chips and that’s exactly what we give them.”
Quayside’s commitment to quality has been recognised nationally, including winning Fish and Chip Shop of the Year in 2014 and Stuart being crowned Young Fish Frier of the Year in 2004. Despite its growth, the business remains firmly rooted in tradition, with around 95% of sales still coming from fish and chips. Being located on the coast shapes the menu too, with approximately 80% cod and 20% haddock reflecting local preference.
A key part of Quayside’s success is its long-standing relationship with Middleton Foods. The two businesses have worked together for as long as Stuart can remember. Quayside serves a bespoke own-label batter and Middleton Foods’ spicy curry sauce. “Our batter is crispy, light and airy with a good crunch – proper old-school Yorkshire batter,” says Stuart. “That’s exactly what people want here, and Middleton Foods helped us get that spot on.”
Alongside the classics, Quayside caters for a wide range of dietary needs, offering vegan and vegetarian options as well as a full gluten free menu available all day, every day. “Because we’re in a tourist environment, gluten free isn’t just an occasional thing, it’s part of the full dining experience,” explains Stuart. “We have a dedicated gluten free pan so customers can relax and enjoy the same experience as everyone else.”
The partnership is built on trust and shared values. “I’ve known Ramsay and Ryan for years. You can always pick up the phone and have a chat with them, it’s never a problem,” Stuart adds. “They’re always keen to support you and they’re very much for the industry, which is a similar ethos to us at Quayside. We’re more than happy to continue working with them.”
Middleton Foods 01902 608122 https://middletonfoods.com
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