The owners of a renowned fish and chip shop in Whitstable, Kent, have announced their retirement and with it the closure of their business after nearly 62 years in the trade.
V.C. Jones, which has been serving the nation’s favourite dish in the seaside town since 1962, posted on its website that it would not be reopening its doors after Christmas with the family wanting to “focus on what’s really important in life”.
Speaking to Fry Magazine, third generation fish frier Matt Jones, who runs the business with his brother Dan and sister Sam, said: “We’ve met so many lovely people and different generations. There’s a real sense of community which was strengthened during Covid when we kept going, providing the community with a service during a very worrying time.
“It’s been amazing but we want a different path in life.”
The takeaway and restaurant was opened by Matt’s grandparents Viv and Joyce Jones who, before moving to Whitstable, owned fish and chip shops in London as far back as the 1930s.
The statement on the shop’s website reads: “We have spent this Christmas and New Year enjoying some rare and precious time together as a family. This time has enabled us to appreciate each other and to focus on what’s really important in life.
“As we enter our 62nd year of trading as a family, we have all decided that this is the perfect time to retire. This decision has surprised us probably as much as it has surprised you!
“So our doors will not be reopening. It has been a pleasure to serve generations of customers over these decades, and soon it will be our family’s turn to be on the other side of a counter!
“Wishing you all the very best, the Jones family.”
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