Sir Geoff Hurst, a renowned figure in England, has added his voice to the campaign to support traditional British fish and chip shops, as two shops are shutting down daily due to escalating costs. The beloved fish and chip takeaways are facing a challenging time, with numerous shops up for sale as owners struggle with increasing expenses, including energy bills, staffing costs, higher prices for cod and haddock, and global issues impacting fishing fleets and fuel costs, exacerbated by the ongoing cost of living crisis.
On National Fish and Chips day, Sir Geoff emphasized the importance of preserving these establishments by encouraging people to patronize them. Industry leaders are advocating for the inclusion of alternative British fish varieties like hake, coley, monkfish, rock salmon, and sea bass on menus to shield businesses from the volatility of imported fish.
The football legend stressed the need to rally behind fish and chip shops, urging fans to make it their go-to dish during the World Cup to show support for the shops facing closure. Partnering with Poppies Fish & Chips, Sir Geoff introduced his own meal, the ‘Sir Geoff Hurst Hat-trick Special,’ to promote the consumption of fish and chips while cheering on England.
With concerns over the decline in the number of fish and chip shops, experts are exploring strategies to sustain the industry. Gavin O’Donnell from Discover Seafood highlighted the potential benefits of promoting UK-caught seafood to bolster the fishing industry and create more jobs, emphasizing the significance of supporting local produce.
Sir Geoff’s campaign aims to preserve the cultural significance of fish and chip shops by encouraging consumers to opt for this traditional dish, fostering a sense of national identity and tradition. He believes that embracing fish and chips during key events like the World Cup can play a vital role in safeguarding these iconic establishments from further closures.
