Good news for those fond of northern traditions and sad to see an old one die: Harry Ramsden's original chip shop at Guiseley has been rescued.
Mourning was a bit muted when its closure was announced last year – see the Northerner's report here - because in food terms, it had seen so much better days.
But closure and demolition of a site with such a history, over 83 years, would still have been a wrench; so it's a relief that it isn't going to happen after all. The Wetherby Whaler fish and chip group is taking over the place and plans to spend £500,000 on getting it back to its former splendour.
News is awaited over whether all 24 jobs at the closed restaurant will be replaced; but it could be more. Meanwhile the group's co-founder Phillip Murphy, who launched Wetherby Whaler with his wife Janine in 1989, says:
The famous fish and chip restaurant in Guiseley is the spiritual home of fish and chips in England. It would be a national scandal if it were to close at this time of economic uncertainty.
Our investment has saved a Yorkshire landmark and will ensure the tradition of fine fish and chips continues at this important location.
The new Wetherby Whaler in Guiseley will be our flagship restaurant. We expect it to recapture the atmosphere and flavours of Harry Ramsden's best years.
We are confident that with the right investment, careful attention to detail, great-tasting fish and chips and excellent value for money, we will make a lasting success of this new venture and return the restaurant to its glory days.
Our family-owned business is built on solid foundations and this has given us the confidence to invest. It fits perfectly with our business strategy of controlled growth and accentuates our belief that Yorkshire is a great place to do business.
Harry's at Guiseley was never the same after the brand was franchised, with branches bobbing up in unlikely places worldwide, and in November its latest owners, the Birmingham company Boparan Ventures headed by businessman Ranjit Boparan, announced its closure. The Harry Ramsden brand continues elsewhere and Boparan forecast expansion of the UK's 35 other outlets.
Wetherby Whaler plan to keep Harry's original shed, which is tucked round the back of the glitzy 1931 restaurant which defied the Depression by forming an unprecedented palace for the 'people's food'. The chandeliers made a particularly strong impression, and their cleaning and restoration is one of Mr and Mrs Murph'y first ambitions.
The Northerner is getting in touch with local poet and musician Eddie Lawler to see if he can right an ode - maybe on Hail, Shining Morn lines - to replace his recent requiem, which we described a month ago.
