How did you get into the industry?
There has been a fish and chip shop on site since 1935. The most recent owner ran the shop for approximately 30 years. In March 2021, they retired, closed the shop and started to empty it. I met with them in January 2022 and enquired what they were doing with the unit. After some consideration, they agreed to let me and my wife, Katrina, rent the unit. They were approached by other interested parties but gave us first refusal. We have both worked and run many catering businesses but never ran or even worked in a fish and chips until we embarked on opening our own.
What’s your favourite food?
Fish, it always has been. My grandfather, father, brothers and I are all fishermen. I grew up on a boat in a freshwater lake.
Is there a food you won’t eat?
I don’t eat pork due to my religion.
Where have you had the best fish and chips?
For me, the best fish and chips I remember eating was in October 2022 at an open day held by KFE: the tasty batter, fluffy chips and no repeat taste. Cooked by Gordon Hillan, they were delicious.
What side is a must with your fish and chips?
A Mediterranean salad with rocket, onion and lots of lemon. I would eat fish and salad in Turkey and it brings the flavours together.
If you could open a fish and chip shop anywhere, where would it be?
Anywhere in the Mediterranean. I could fish and then cook my catch.
Do you have a favourite restaurant?
Yes, the Marine in Whitby. It has a great selection of seafood and I have had some good times there eating great meals with good friends.
What is your go-to drink?
Coffee. It gets me out of the shop so I can meet my friends and relax.
What dish reminds you most of your childhood?
Salted fish. It would have been caught in summer and preserved. My mum would serve it in winter with a potato salad.
What is your guilty food pleasure?
Chocolate but it must be high cocoa content.
What’s been your weirdest food combination?
El Mole Mexican chicken. It is a Mexican dish of spicy chicken with a chocolate sauce. Sounds wrong but it just worked, delicious.
What one piece of equipment would you love to purchase for your business?
A frozen draw unit. This would make service easier with everything under our hands.
