A FAMILY is hoping to revive a much-loved family tradition.
Dad-of-four Andrew Irlam has bought a long-established chip shop in Mobberley, formerly The Golden Flower.
The 50-year-old has spent eight months completely renovating the property in Town Lane.
Charlie’s of Mobberley, named after his youngest son, Charlie, 18, opens on Wednesday, September 21.
A free tasting evening is being held for villagers to celebrate the launch the night before, on Tuesday, from 5pm to 7pm with a glass of Prosecco and some food.
“We always went to this chip shop as a family when I was younger” said Andrew, who has another son Harry, 24 and two daughters, Sophie, 21, and Chloe, 25.
“It was really busy, queues used to go out the door in the 80s.
“It was the best chip shop. When I saw it come on the market I thought I’d buy it and see if I can get it back to how it used to be.
“It’s all about quality and service.
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“A chip shop is very much a local thing like a pub or Post Office.
“I think this is going to be a great asset to the Mobberley community.”
The shop will be family-run and has created six new jobs.
“We will offer traditional fish and chips, pies, sausages, mushy peas and different sauces,” said Andrew, from Over Peover.
“In the coming weeks, we plan to introduce something different, scampi, calamari, tempura prawns and a seafood basket.
“We will also have some healthy options like rice boxes with sticky rice, and a selection of different dishes, Katsu curry, sweet and sour chicken and peri peri chicken.
“We’re hoping people will come back more often if we offer a wider choice.”
Gluten free food will be available every day as a big new fryer has a separate compartment.
Andrew used to work in logistics for his family’s transport firm James Irlam until it was sold to the Stobart Group.
He now owns Kids Country Day Nursery in Over Peover with brother Michael.
Andrew is keen to work with the local community.
“We have had a lot of support from Mobberley residents,” he said.
“My idea is that I’d like to do something for the older generation.
“Perhaps once a month we could set up a fish and chip lunch in a community room.
“It would give people a chance to chat and meet each other.”
Charlie’s will be open lunchtime and evenings, from Tuesday to Saturday.
A click and collect service will be introduced later this month.
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