Sutton Coldfield chip shop reopens to huge queues a month after fire

A Sutton Coldfield fish and chip shop that was badly damaged by fire last month has reopened, with queues out of the door as the community turned out to welcome it back.

Skippers Fish and Chips on Beeches Walk was hit by fire on Tuesday 1 September, leaving the owner, Luka Joannou, and his family "devastated". After weeks of renovation, it officially reopened on Wednesday 7 October.

"Blown away"

To celebrate, customers were offered half-price food, and emergency service workers were given meals for free, as a thank you for their help in saving the shop.

"We've been absolutely blown away by the support at our grand reopening," the shop said. "The queues were incredible, and we can't thank everyone enough for coming down and supporting us. After a difficult few weeks, seeing so many familiar and new faces means the world to us."

"Thank you from all of us at Skippers," said Mr Joannou, 25, a third-generation fish fryer. "It's good to be back!"

An award winner and a world record

Earlier this year, Skippers was named among the best newcomers in the National Fish and Chip Awards. It made headlines in the summer when it broke the Guinness World Record for the fastest time to wrap five portions of chips, in 35.94 seconds.

A community favourite

Local chip shops are often at the heart of their neighbourhoods, and the reaction to Skippers' reopening shows how much people value independent businesses on their doorstep. Many customers had followed the shop's progress on social media during the weeks it was closed.

The shop is now preparing for its first weekend back, and is at 30 Beeches Walk, Sutton Coldfield, B73 6HN.

A national dish

Fish and chips have been a British favourite for more than 150 years, and there are thousands of chip shops across the UK. Many are family businesses passed down through generations, like Skippers, though rising costs for fish, potatoes, cooking oil and energy have put many under pressure in recent years.

Fire safety in takeaways

Fryers and hot oil make kitchen fires a particular risk for takeaways and restaurants. Fire services advise food businesses to keep extraction systems and ducting clean of grease, never leave fryers unattended, keep suitable fire blankets and extinguishers to hand, and make sure staff know what to do in an emergency. The fire service offers free safety advice to small businesses, and owners can ask for a visit.

Supporting local businesses

Independent shops, cafés and takeaways across Birmingham have faced a difficult few years, with rising energy, food and staff costs. Shopping locally keeps money in the community and helps keep high streets and parades alive.