New Maldon chippy gives an industrial edge to its Hopkins range

A former travel agents in New Maldon, South West London, has been transformed into a modern 20 seater fish and chip restaurant and takeaway.

Salt and Vinegar? is the vision of Shansel Mehmet who learnt her trade by working in her father’s fish and chip shops over the years. Wanting to own her own business, she was attracted by the location of the shop, having carried out much research and deciding an upmarket chippy was much needed in the area.

Designed to have a modern, industrial look, the chippy features exposed brick walls, a polished concrete floor and exposed extraction system ducting. Choosing a 3 pan Hopkins L shaped counter range, Shansel added to the industrial feel by installing a wire grid front panel complete with bold, black 3D letters.

Commenting on the range, Shansel says: “We’re really pleased with the range, it heats up very quickly and when we put the food in, it comes back up to temperature quickly too. It took some getting used to at first as the ranges we’ve used in the past have all been manual, whereas this is all digital. It looks complicated, but really it’s not.”

As well as assisting Shansel with the layout and design of the chippy, Hopkins also recommended odour and noise control equipment to satisfy the planning conditions set by the local authority. In addition, it incorporated a griddle into the range, enabling the chippy to extend its menu with a range of grilled options. Shansel adds: “We serve all types of grilled fish from cod and haddock to salmon and sea bream as we wanted to offer a healthier option. Traditional fish and chips is a must, that’s what people come in for, but then they see the grilled menu and they all want to try that.”

With the chippy settling into its new surroundings, trade is steadily growing as word of the opening spreads. Shansel comments. “The support from the locals has been very good, they are so happy that we are here. Everyone agrees that the area needed a fish and chip shop like this.”

Hopkins 0113 257 7934 www.hopkins.biz