Marlow Bottom's Oysters Fish and Chips celebrates 15 years

Gav Singh, who runs Oysters Fish and Chips in Marlow Bottom, invited customers to grab a portion and a drink, free of charge, today, Friday, March 8, in celebration of 15 years on Brucewood Parade.

The popular chippie, which was named among the best in the UK by Fry Magazine back in 2020, has been dealt a difficult hand over the last few years and while Gav was focused on marking the 15-year milestone today, it was a celebration tinged with uncertainty due to a number of factors out of his control.

Energy and electricity costs continue to rise, crippling many independent businesses and price-hiked cod alongside recent warnings of potato shortages have put fish and chip shops in a particularly precarious position. 

The 50-year-old, who also has restaurants in Lightwater and Camberley Old Dean, said: "It's been a perfect storm - product prices are going up, we have to pay for oil, electricity, gas, staff wages, and VAT on top of all of that.

"Our prices have doubled in the last 18 months - what used to be £7,000 a year has gone up to £14,000, and I'm having to swallow the cost. I could probably earn more by getting a job. We're a relentless team here, but I am running out of energy. It's a disappointing situation." 

No closure plans are currently in the works, however, and Gav recently arranged for a cabin to be built adjacent to the shop to encourage eat-in customers - a testament to his commitment to the business, even in the face of overwhelming challenges.

"Rather than going down the route of delivery and causing more traffic issues through Marlow Bottom, we've decided to reinvest our money into the cabin to create a space where people can sit and eat.

"We're very focused on the value and quality of the product - freshly made fish and chips don't travel very well so now people can walk here with their dogs or they can cycle here, then stay and enjoy their meal. No one else is doing this apart from us."

READ MORE: LOOK INSIDE: 'Fantastic' new wine shop opens in Buckinghamshire town

While there were many smiling faces at Oysters' 15-year celebration this afternoon - with Mayor of Marlow David Brown praising the "amazing" food at his  "go-to fish and chip shop" - others shared Gav's concerns and pointed out that many aren't aware of the various financial burdens now imposed on their local chippy.

Mal, who works at the fish wholesaler T. Quality and has supplied Gav's three restaurants with cod for many years, said: "I've been with the company for 25 years and I've never known anything like the current situation.

"Russia controls most of the white fish in Europe, so the cost has doubled since the Ukraine invasion, and at one point cod was dearer than fillet steak."

Duanne Hunt, from the manufacturing company Omega Hygiene, added: "In the last three years, insurance companies have clamped down more on fish and chip businesses.

"Extraction of grease from the frying ranges now has to happen sometimes twice or three times a year - it all adds up to more money out of pocket."

Speaking during the celebration today, Gav concluded: "We don't have any immediate plans to go anywhere, but the thing is - you never know.

"At the moment, we're using the cabin to push the business and create a new angle in what we're offering customers, but I'm 50 now, and I feel different. I want to spend time with my wife and children."