The owners of a popular fish and chip shop in Fulham are preparing to open a second branch in Beaconsfield after deciding to return to their Bucks roots.

It’s news that is sure to brighten the day of former Smiles Fish and Chips devotees, a beloved chippie shut that its doors after a quarter of a decade back in March.

Co-owner Simon Prior said the closure would allow him and partner Leslie Birkenhead to focus on the mini chain’s two other branches – but added that he was hopeful a “great new” business would step in to take their place on The Broadway.

And now, it would seem, he has found a suitable replacement – with a new pair of business partners, both with roots in Beaconsfield, planning to turn the unit into the second branch of their well-reviewed London fish and chip shop Fishers – which has also drawn attention for its star-studded clientele, most recently former Take That member Robbie Williams, who reportedly stopped by to grab a takeaway.

The restaurant, on Fulham High Street, also featured in an episode of The Apprentice earlier this year.

Co-owners of the burgeoning chain Khalid Kochai, 48, and David Harris, 67, cut their teeth in the hospitality industry working at the old Lemon Plaice chippie on The Broadway – the site’s pre-Smiles branding – in the nineties and since then have successfully run Fishers from the big smoke for around 22 years.

(Image: Fishers fish and chips)

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Khalid, who lives in Reading, said branching out to a second unit had been talked about for the last few years but it wasn’t until the Beaconsfield branch went on the market that decisive action was taken.

“We were searching for some time and wanted to make sure we had the right location. We definitely did our homework – but it just made sense to go back to somewhere that we both knew well 30 or so years ago.

“As well as it being a good move for us, I think Beaconsfield needs a good fish and chip shop. We know the area, but we also know what works and how to give people the best quality food and the best experience.

“This new shop will be much the same as the London one – everything made fresh to order and from scratch and using the best potatoes and best Icelandic fish we can get hold of.”

He’s excited to be back in his old stomping ground and is keen to tap into the loyal customer base he remembers from his earlier stint working behind the counter in the town.

“All small businesses have been hit hard over the last few years and it’s been especially tough for fish and chip shops. Running costs are a lot higher, as well as sourcing fish and potatoes and staff wages.

“But I think we’re good at what we do and in a small area, people are willing to come back for the quality of what you’re serving. We’re in the final stages of getting it ready now – we want to make sure everything’s perfect.”

Fishers will open in Beaconsfield in the first week of November. For more information, visit https://www.fishersbeaconsfield.co.uk/.