Charlie’s Fish and Chips, on Devizes Road, opened on Monday, December 30, taking over the former Fry’s Fish and Chips unit.
The Charlie’s family already owns three businesses across the city: Charlie’s Store on Catherine Street, a convenience store; followed by Charlie’s Cafe on Catherine Street, serving English and Turkish cuisine and Charlie’s Kitchen on Endless Street, a Mediterranean restaurant and cocktail bar.
Charlie’s Fish and Chips is the latest restaurant in the franchise.
Charlie’s Fish and Chips (Image: Newsquest) Member of the Charlie’s Family Dogan Bilgic said: “It’s going very, very good, unexpectedly well. All I can say is it was well needed I think – a good old chippy!
“I think we’re really lucky because we have experience in the kitchen, we’ve got a good team.”
Dogan said that the first week had been a success, with the business’ first weekend “really extremely busy”. Even mid afternoon on a Monday, the business was thriving – with their “all day chippy” ethos in mind.
READ MORE: Charlie’s Fish and Chip Shop to open on Devizes Road
Dogan said: “We’ve been overwhelmed. People have been happy to wait – they know it’s just coming out of the kitchen fresh and straight onto the customer’s plates.
“You get your money’s worth – we’ve given out nice portions of fish – reasonable prices and reasonable sizes. And, we’ve already had a lot of repeat customers!”
The offering at Charlie’s consists of a “traditional” chippy menu, such as: cod, plaice, haddock, fishcakes, homemade gravy and curry sauce, all cooked from scratch.
Charlie’s offers seating for up to 16 people – as well as food to takeaway.
(Image: Newsquest) Speaking of the former occupier, the owner of Fry’s, Dogan said: “She was really happy to see it get going – she said it brings back memories of when her husband and son did it which is really nice.”
On Google reviews, the business has already been praised by customers, one saying it is “the best fish I’ve ever eaten in this city” and another saying “although it was very busy, service was quick and well managed. There was a lovely atmosphere.”
Charlie’s Fish and Chips is open from Monday to Saturday, 11.30 am to 10 pm, and closed on Sundays.