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08

Feb 2023

Last Updated: 08/02/2023
Business
Business

Graveleys fish and chip shop serves first customers after 1,000 days away

by John Plummer

| 08 Feb, 2023
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Simon Pilkington and Sarah Knox

Graveleys fish and chip shop in Harrogate served its first customers in more than 1,000 days today.

Owner Simon Pilkington was in town to oversee the reopening of the Harrogate institution, which appeared to have gone for good when it was sold in November 2019.

The takeaway is currently open five days a week and Mr Pilkington said he hoped the restaurant would return in about three weeks, but certainly by Easter, which he said was the trade's busiest time of year. He said:

"It's great to be back. My dad would have been elated today to see this if he was still alive.
"Being here has reminded me of all the good times, such as the Great Yorkshire Show week, when we were always absolutely rammed."


Mr Pilkington said his family had no intention of selling Graveleys until Catch Seafood made an offer.

When Catch went into liquidation last year, the opportunity to return to the same site on Cheltenham Parade proved too tempting for him and his brother Andrew, who own other restaurants elsewhere.



Mr Pilkington reiterated the pledge made by manager Sarah Knox yesterday to go "back to basics", adding:

"We will focus on providing quality fish and chips and then add some seafood delights depending on the feedback.
"Every day is a learning day. We will listen to what customers tell us and go with what they want."


The takeaway menu includes fish and chips — either cod or haddock — for £9. The takeaway also sells a range of other fish and seafood, including squid, plus other chip shop basics, such as battered sausages and chicken nuggets.