On Thursday 24th March, Brunswick Fish and Chips will close its doors to make way for a new phase of development work in Brunswick.
And owner Dave Brooke will be donating all of the money taken on the day to his chosen charity, St Francis House, to mark the occasion. So why not treat yourself to some breakfast, lunch or tea on Thursday and help support this worthy cause?
Details of how much he raises will be published here on the S4B website, Facebook and Twitter next week.
Dave told us the story of Brunswick Fish and Chips, and how it all began…
He said: ”In 1937 my Grandfather bought his first fish and chip shop, which my Grandmother continued to run throughout the war while my Grandfather volunteered for the Royal Navy.
“After the war, fish and chips were the only food available without rationing, and the shop continued until 1946 when the shop was sold and my Grandfather looked into other business ventures.
However, it wasn’t long before he returned to the chip shop trade.
“My father took over the business in 1968 where my brother and I worked on Saturdays for pocket money. He transferred the business to what is now Brunswick Fish and Chips, which my
brother Mike took over ownership of, in 1976. Sadly my brother died later that year, aged just 17.
“On 3rd September 1984 my Father bought Brunswick Fish and Chips where he traded for the next 14 years. When he allegedly ‘retired’, I bought the shop, but he still continues to work here every day!
“Now, 79 years of frying tradition comes to an end and not without an extreme amount of sadness I shall batter the fish and fry the chips for the last time.”
We asked Dave what’s next for this new chapter in his life…
He said: “I’m not too sure right now, but I intend to learn to ski, which is a lifetime desire, and then a whole new way of life begins for me.
“I want to say a huge thanks to my staff. Without their dedication, we could not have succeeded for this long. I would also like to express my sincere thanks to all our customers, past and present, for their loyalty. Best wishes to you all”.
Elizabeth Yarwood Court will be rebuilt on the site of the chip shop as part of the £111m transformation of Brunswick. A new retail centre and neighbourhood office will be located on Polygon Street, near to a new health centre which also forms part of the plans.