A fish and chip shop in Darlington has reopened under new ownership, with the team saying they were “blown away” after selling out on their first day.
Haughton Chippy, on Haughton Green, welcomed customers back yesterday (June 23) after months of refurbishment work to bring the shop back to life.
The venue, which has been a fixture in the village for more than a century, had been closed since last summer after long-standing owners Frank and Pam Suhadolnik retired due to ill health after 25 years.
New owners Graham Levy, 66, and Barbara Levy, 67, from Heighington, have now reopened the shop and brought in experienced manager, Andrew Maratheftis, to lead the kitchen.
Graham said the opening day had exceeded all expectations.
He said: “It was absolutely fantastic. We sold out, absolutely sold out.
“When we got in at the end of the night, we did not even have a chip left. We had put some sausage and chips away for our own tea and we ended up giving them away. That tells you how busy it was.”
Graham said customers have already been getting in touch to praise the quality of the food.
He said: “One gentleman rang me and thanked us and said it is the best fish and chips he has had for a long time.
“The batter that Andrew uses is very light and crisp, and people have really picked up on that.”
The reopening follows weeks of work behind the scenes, with the team determined to bring a traditional, high-quality offer back to the village.
New manager Andrew said he was “over the moon” with the opening day.
He said: “I really wanted it to be proper, traditional fish and chips. That was the main thing for me. We have kept the menu smaller, because I would rather have fewer things and make sure every single one is really good.
“The reaction on the first day, it was a bit overwhelming, but in a good way. We did not even have a chip left at the end of the night, which says it all.
“It was such a positive opening, honestly. What a community.”
The new team hope the shop will bring people into the area and provide them with “traditional fish and chips”.
Owner Graham said: “We have been blown away by the response.
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“There has not been a lot of marketing, just Facebook and word of mouth, and we did not expect to see that many people on day one.
“We are very pleased for Andrew and very pleased for the area. People have been saying how happy they are that the fish and chip shop is back.”
You can find Haughton Chippy at 61 Haughton Green, Haughton le Skerne, Darlington, DL1 2DD.
Have you visited? Let us know in the comments?
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