Peter Nicolaou, a seasoned fish and chip shop operator in Birmingham, has spent over 40 years perfecting his craft, starting as a child helping his parents in local chip shops. At 53, he confidently states, “I can do this with my eyes closed.”
In 2007, after a two-year break from the trade, Peter launched his own business, Pete’s Pan, which quickly became a beloved neighbourhood spot. The shop’s reputation has even reached overseas, attracting customers from as far afield as Canada and the USA, who seek an authentic fish and chip experience.
Looking ahead, Pete’s Pan will mark its 20th anniversary in 2027. Peter himself enjoys the classic dish between three to four times a week, showing his dedication to the product.
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Speaking to BirminghamLive, Peter reflected on the shop’s enduring success and shared a poignant aspect of his work. “I thought I was only going to be here five years, but here I am nearly twenty years later,” he said. “A lot of customers have known me my entire life, and I often have queues of up to twenty people. I know about 90 per cent of them by name, which they really appreciate. I’ve served three or four generations of families.”
He added that, while rewarding, his role can be emotional: “It’s heart-breaking sometimes because many customers are now in their eighties, and I have attended a few funerals.”
Peter admitted that working in a fish and chip shop wasn’t his initial plan. “I wasn’t built to work in a fish and chip shop, but it’s like a duck to water for me. It’s easy, and I’m good at it. As a child, when asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, my answer was a cook. I remember cutting onions and tomatoes as a kid.”
With family roots deeply embedded in the trade, Peter embraces the demanding hours. “My parents have always worked in the industry, so staying up late was normal for me – a 9 to 5 job was never an option.”
Confidence in his expertise comes from experience. “I like to think I am one of the best. I won’t say I am the best, but with 40 years of experience, attention to detail is key,” he explained. “Visitors from Canada and America have found us on Google, seeking proper fish and chips.”
Peter also credits his father for instilling a strong work ethic. “He built a passion in me for getting up early and doing the job properly. No cutting corners. It’s always about buying the best fish and potatoes. Good chips are half the battle.”
Pete’s Pan is located at 692 Yardley Wood Road, Billesley, Birmingham, B13 0HY.