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Chip shop owner back doing what he loves after fire

Zoie O'Brien
BBC News, Suffolk
Reporting fromSouthwold
Harriet Heywood
BBC News, Suffolk
Jamie Niblock/BBC George is standing inside the fish and chip shop while wearing a cap with a Union Jack on, a black apron and purple T-shirt. He has brown eyes and is smiling at the camera. There are customers waiting in line on the other side of the counter. Jamie Niblock/BBC
George Christou, the owner, said he was grateful for the support of the community following the reopening of Mrs T's Fish And Chips

The owner of a fish and chip shop badly damaged by a large fire says he is happy to be back doing what he loves.

Mrs T's Fish And Chips on Blackshore Quay in Southwold, Suffolk, caught fire after several gas cylinders exploded in May 2023.

Eight fire engines were sent to the site and all wooden buildings, including eight fishermen's huts, were extensively damaged.

George Christou, the owner, said it had been a "long road" but he was happy to see the shop open and busy with customers once again.

Mrs T's Fish And Chips Fire fighters tackling a blaze at Mrs T's fish and chip shop. One has a water hose on the building, Mrs T's Fish And Chips
Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service said the blaze was accidental

Last year, East Suffolk Council's planning committee north unanimously approved plans from the Sole Bay Fish Company to restore the building.

Despite setbacks and challenges, the owners said they had managed to get through it stronger.

Customer Wendy Hovey, 58, from Sudbury, said she was glad to see Mrs T's Fish And Chips back open.

"We've been looking forward to this a lot, we were devastated when we saw it [the fire] on the news," she said.

"It's just so much better than anywhere else, nowhere can beat it... every mouthful is a joy."

Zoie O'Brien/BBC Wendy Hovey is sitting outside on a picnic bench with some fish and chips in front of her. She has shoulder length blonde hair and is wearing a black coat, black fleece and black cross body bag. She is smiling at the camera.Zoie O'Brien/BBC
Wendy Hovey said she has been looking forward to the reopening of Mrs T's Fish And Chips

Mr Christou said the community support from the day of the fire up to the reopening had been "amazing."

"It's been a long long road and I'm so pleased, we can't wait to get back to the things we love doing, which is fish and chips.

"It was hard, we got there, but it was terrible. We got a lot of trouble and grief from insurance companies, had a very hard, stressful and emotional time, but today's all been worth it."

He added customers were not only local, but people had travelled from Essex, Peterborough and Cambridge for the cuisine.

Laura Levy from Southwold said she had waited "a long time" to return to the shop.

The 32-year-old said: "It's incredible. It's nice to see everyone here enjoying fish and chips again, that's what it's all about."

Zoie O'Brien/BBC People are sitting outside the shop - under a metal roof - while eating fish and chips on picnic benches. There is a column of red and blue balloons in the centre. At the top is a sign for Mrs Ts Fish and Chips. Zoie O'Brien/BBC
A new building was constructed following the fire

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