How did you get into the industry?
My husband and I started this journey in December 2012 as a challenge. Neither of us had any experience working in a chip shop before, nor had we ever owned our own business. At the time, I was a manager for a large retail company, and my husband was working as an engineer.
I remember the first day we opened the doors of our shop as if it were yesterday – it was a complete shamble! With friends and family helping, I recall being left to make gravy for the first time on the morning of our opening. I must have read the instructions several times before it made sense! Despite the challenges, we never gave up. For the first few years, we juggled full-time jobs, raising children, and running the shop, but we succeeded. Now, we’re proud to have built a successful, family-run business.
What’s your favourite food?
Being originally from Romania, I must admit that I love Romanian food. One of our traditional dishes is called sarmale – minced meat wrapped in cabbage leaves – and it’s absolutely delicious.
Is there a food you won’t eat?
Anything with mushrooms is definitely a dish I won’t touch. I don’t mind cooking them for my family, but I just can’t get past the texture, so it’s a definite no-no for me.
Where have you had the best fish and chips?
Even growing up in Romania, we would have fish quite often, but never in the style of traditional fish and chips. Only when I moved to the UK in 2004 did I try fish and chips for the first time – it was a good meal from a local chip shop.
The best fish and chips I’ve ever had, though, were on holiday in Cornwall in 2020. We dined at The Boathouse in Charlestown, which had an amazing selection of seafood and served delicious fish and chips. The fish was so fresh and perfectly battered with just the right amount of crunch, and the chips were crispy on the outside and fluffy inside. It came with all the classic sides – tartare sauce, mushy peas, and a wedge of lemon – which just brought everything together. I’d go back there in a heartbeat!
What side is a must with your fish and chips?
For me, it must be mushy peas or Irish curry. If I’m not in the mood for a hot sauce, then I’ll go for some tartare sauce – it always makes for a delicious meal.
Do you have a favourite restaurant?
This is a hard one for me; I don’t have just one favourite – I have two! One of them is Miller & Carter in Parbold. I absolutely love their steak with peppercorn sauce; it’s cooked to perfection and always melts in my mouth. The atmosphere is also fantastic, making it a great place to enjoy a meal with friends or family.
My second favourite is the Legh Arms in Mere Brow. They serve a delicious Sunday roast, complete with a ginormous homemade Yorkshire pudding that is simply to die for! The warm, welcoming vibe of the pub adds to the overall experience, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing meal.
What is your go-to drink?
My go-to drink is a latte. The first thing I do every morning is have a warm cup of coffee, which helps me kick-start my day and get energised for whatever lies ahead.
What dish reminds you most of your childhood?
Growing up in Romania means a lot of the dishes were homemade. I remember my mum making a delicious crème brûlée, and the taste of that has stayed with me even to this day. I have tried several times to recreate the dish, but I have not yet succeeded in finding that 100% match. I’m quite lucky that my family loves homemade desserts, so they are always happy to try.
What is your guilty food pleasure?
This is an easy one. I love cake! I’m very specific about my cake, though; it must have cream, and if it has strawberries too, even better! Anything from éclairs, cheesecake, and cupcakes will do for me, if there’s no chocolate involved in the mix.
What one piece of equipment would you like to purchase for your business?
We are very lucky that in the past few years, we have fully renovated our shop and managed to create everything just how I imagined it would look. However, I would probably like to have a professional coffee machine, as it’s the only thing that customers occasionally ask for, especially on a cold winter morning. Having a great coffee machine would not only enhance our menu but also provide a comforting drink for our customers while they wait for their food. After all, who doesn’t need a caffeine boost to tackle the day?
