Video: A new dawn for Yorkshire’s shrine to fish and chips

IT was once the largest chippy in the world and attracted coachloads of hungry diners from across the country – as well as famous names from Margaret Thatcher to Jimmy Savile.

Harry Ramsden’s original fish-and-chip shop may have closed but the Leeds suburb of Guiseley is not about to give up its fish frying crown without a fight.

Workmen have taken away the famous “HR” logos from the iconic restaurant but they have left intact some of the features which earned it the title “fish and chip palace”.

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The building is undergoing a £500,000 makeover and the old features will be the link with the past when it reopens as a flagship Wetherby Whaler fish and chip restaurant.

The Yorkshire firm stepped in to buy the restaurant when it closed after serving fish suppers for 83 years.

The famous chandeliers will be replaced – the originals are in no state to be repaired – and several features of art nouveau styling will be preserved for future diners to enjoy.

Ornate columns and crafted plasterwork will be repaired to match their original splendour.

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A company spokeswoman said the new Guiseley restaurant would continue the firm’s tradition of “value for money with great fish and chips in first class surroundings.”

She said the £500,000 refurbishment would bring the building up to date “while maintaining the atmosphere the restaurant was renowned for.

“The famous chandeliers will be updated with brand new fittings, ensuring the restaurant will deliver the same impact on 21st century customers as it did 80 years ago.”

The original small wooden hut which Harry Ramsden first served the West Riding masses in 1928 is also expected to be saved for posterity.

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“Dependent on the structural safety of the building, it is hoped that it will be possible to preserve Harry Ramsden’s original ‘shed’ – the first fish and chip shop opened by Harry Ramsden.

“The wooden building was used to serve Harry’s first portion of fish and chips in December 1928 and will be protected as part of the restaurant’s rich history,” said the spokeswoman.

The Wetherby Whaler group – which now has more than 200 employees – was started when Phillip and Janine Murphy bought the original restaurant in Wetherby in 1989.

A second generation of the Murphy family is now involved, with daughters Joanne and Caroline spurring the drive towards further investment and the development at Guiseley.

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Mr Murphy said: “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.

He added: “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.

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“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.”

Asked whether the new-look restaurant would be a ‘palace to fish and chips’ – as the original styled itself, Mr Murphy said he did want a refurbishment to a high standard.

“I’m not sure ‘palace’ is a word we would use now – it was used in the old days. It will be done to a good standard and hopefully recreate the atmosphere of 30 or 40 years ago.”

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He said the rise of Harry Ramsden and his business success was a “wonderful story”, adding: “Why should we forget such a wonderful story which Harry created?”

Mr Murphy had been approached by a developer with an offer to buy the old restaurant and “it took us all of 30 seconds to make our minds up.”

“It’s the history – and the position.

“And I have known the business, purely as a customer, for the best part of 45 years,” he added.