Nottingham’s chippies are struggling as the cost of fish has increased ‘drastically’, leaving owners and customers wondering what will happen in the future. The price of cod has gone up from £9 per kilo at the beginning of the year to about £29 per kilo, partly due to sanctions against Russia. The banned ships from Russia supplied about 40% of cod imports to the UK. The increase in demand and price of fish from non-Russian fisheries has given a rise to a three-fold increase.
Like those across the country, chippies in Nottingham are facing a struggle. The Cod Fish and Chips shop on Saint James’ Street used to sell fish and chips for £3.50 and now they sell it for £3.80. Pyram Demirci, 46, who works at the chippy said: “We had to increase prices because it’s the one thing we sell the most and fish prices have gone up drastically. We only increased 30p but customers still come in say ‘oh what happened? It’s too expensive.’”
Bas Alia, 38, who owns The Lace Market Fish Bar in Hockley is afraid of having to lay off staff. “They are people who have worked with us for a long time so it’ll be sad if we had to let them go," he said. "We’re probably also looking at decreasing our opening times because of how expensive it’s become to sustain the business.
“Fish prices have tripled, and oil prices have doubled, as a chippy we need those the most. On top of that the rent has gone up. We’re really struggling with massive expenses. Unless the government do something, I think maybe 70% of fish and chip shops will be shutting down.”
Recently, a chippie in Beeston had to close because of financial issues caused by rising costs. However, the people of Nottingham seem willing to pay a slightly higher price for the nation's favourite food.
Malcolm Ayre, 72, from Bramcote said he ‘adores’ fish and chips. “It’s been a constant meal for most of my life," said Mr Ayre. "It’s been a cheap meal for working class people for many many years but now that everything is becoming pricier you should be willing to pay slightly more for simple pleasures like fish and chips.
“These people do the dangerous job of getting the fish from the ocean and land it on our tables. If you want quality food, you’ve got to pay more.”
Karol Banks, 44, who lives in Sherwood feels sad to see the shops shut down. “I think if they need to raise the prices, they should," she said. "I’m sure people will understand and pay a little bit more for it instead of seeing them completely shut down.”
Tom Middleton, 67, who lives in Nuthall thinks it’s terrible that businesses are having to give up. “I used to get fish and chips a lot, it’s such a beloved dish," he said. "I wouldn’t mind paying more than I have in the past if I’m really craving it. So, they should raise prices if that’s what they need to go on.”
