The iconic British dish, fish and chips, is under threat as rising costs compel the owners of a cherished Guernsey shop to close their doors after nearly 25 years. Andy and Kim Ashplant, the proprietors of Beeton’s Fish and Chip Shop in St Peter Port, recently announced their decision to retire and shutter the family business, leaving a profound sense of nostalgia among its loyal patrons. The duo took over the shop in 2000, inheriting it from Andy’s father, and since then, they have served millions of portions of cod and countless servings of fries, becoming a staple in the local community.
The couple’s frustration stems from the escalating prices of electricity, gas, and cod—a triple whammy that has significantly impacted their ability to operate competitively. Mrs. Ashplant expressed the delicate balance they have tried to maintain: “You don’t want to outprice yourselves because a fish and chip supper is something special which people have.” This sentiment reflects the cultural significance of the dish in British society, making it even more heartbreaking for them to close the shop.
Although they plan to operate in its current form until June 28, Mrs. Ashplant is hopeful that a buyer or a renter will step in to keep Beeton’s alive as a fish and chip shop. The financial viability has become increasingly precarious, as she noted the hurdles they faced: “The gas has gone up, and then you hear the electric has gone up, and then it goes up again, and then there’s no cod, so the cod goes up.” This arduous cycle of expenses has made sustainability nearly impossible for the couple, who have given their all to the business.
Reflecting on their journey, Mrs. Ashplant mentioned the countless memories forged within the shop’s walls. She described the heart-wrenching challenge of letting go after forming close ties with customers, many of whom have frequented the establishment for decades: “I feel really quite bad because some of them have been coming here for years. For some of them, it’s their routine and they’ve been doing it for 20 years.” The decision to close is not just a business transaction for the Ashplants; it is an emotional farewell to a life they’ve built around serving the community.
The prospect of overseeing the final days at Beeton’s has been an emotional rollercoaster, leaving Mrs. Ashplant with mixed feelings. “I thought that I’d be jubilant and skipping around but actually, I feel quite sad, which I didn’t think I would feel,” she admitted. Her husband, Andy, is reportedly struggling with the transition as well, having found the process difficult, often brought to tears by the thought of closing this beloved establishment.
Thinking ahead, the Ashplants are optimistic that someone may be interested in continuing the legacy of Beeton’s. “We’d like someone to take it on,” Mrs. Ashplant noted, emphasizing that the shop’s closure is still a fresh announcement, and they have yet to take steps toward securing its future. She hopes the community will rally behind the notion of maintaining the shop as a chippy—an essential social gathering point for the locals.
Ultimately, Beeton’s Fish and Chip Shop has been more than just a food venue; it serves as a marker of tradition and comfort for countless customers. As the Ashplants reflect on nearly a quarter of a century of service, it is evident that their contributions will be sorely missed in St Peter Port. The couple’s journey underscores the broader implications of rising costs impacting cherished local businesses, and it serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of community staples in today’s economy. As they prepare for their next chapter, the phrase “watch this space” has taken on a new meaning for both the Ashplants and their loyal customers, as they hope to see Beeton’s continue to thrive long after their departure.