Historic Fish and Chip Shop Closes After 123 Years

The proprietors of a coastal fish and chip establishment, which is ceasing operations after 123 years, characterized their concluding day as “emotional”. Tony and Sharon Farrell assumed ownership of the Dolphin Chippy, located in Fleetwood, Lancashire, a decade and a half ago. Mr. Farrell stated that their decision to discontinue the business was prompted by “ever-increasing food and energy costs” and a decline in customer traffic since the Covid pandemic. He added, “We’ve tried to sell for a few years but, with the current climate, no one wants to buy a fish and chip shop.” Speaking to BBC Radio Lancashire, Mr. Farrell disclosed that he had shed tears upon deactivating the fryers for the final occasion at the chippy on Blakiston Street, an establishment that had operated since 1901. He mentioned that their ultimate customer was a regular patron whom he had dubbed Captain Fishcakes. He further commented, “It seems fitting our last customer was one of [the first], if not our first, customers, Kris Butler, buying jumbo chips and gravy in honour of his grandad who introduced him to the Dolphin in 1998.” The 45-year-old expressed gratitude to his clientele, employees, and “the good people of Fleetwood,” stating that he had “made many friends over the years.” He conveyed that he had not wished to be the individual responsible for concluding the shop’s 123-year operational period. He questioned, “But, if it isn’t a viable business, what can you do?” Mr. Farrell indicated his resolve that the Dolphin would not be forgotten and requested patrons to document their recollections of the fish and chip shop, submitting them via the letterbox prior to New Year’s Day. He elaborated that he intends to place these submissions into a time capsule, concealing it within a wall of the premises alongside a letter “explaining the history of Fleetwood’s oldest chippy,” in addition to menus and newspaper cuttings.