Households across England are bracing for sharper price hikes at fish and chip shops as rising costs strain small business owners. Steve Mathews, 59, who runs Britain’s cheapest chip shop, has been compelled to raise his iconic £3 fish special – consisting of haddock, chips, and a choice of mushy peas, beans, curry, or gravy – to £3.50.
Mathews places much of the blame on the current Labour government led by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. “I’m a local lad, and I want my loyal customers to afford a decent meal,” he said. “But the government’s policies have made that increasingly difficult.”
He detailed the escalating expenses: “The dripping we fry the fish in has gone up, as have wrapping paper, wooden forks, electricity, gas, and petrol. We held off increasing prices for as long as possible, but this 50p rise barely covers costs, and I don’t want to go any higher.”
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Mathews further criticized what he called Starmer’s attempts to “reverse Brexit,” describing the situation as “treason.” He has adapted to customers’ financial challenges by offering smaller portions at reduced prices to accommodate pensioners and struggling families, a move that has been well-received locally.
The National Federation of Fish Fryers echoed concerns, condemning the government’s approach as lacking common sense. Federation President Andrew Crook warned, “We’re in danger of undermining our economy chasing arbitrary Net Zero targets. Independent fish and chip shops are bearing the brunt. The price of cod has doubled, making profitability almost impossible.”
The industry is feeling the pinch hard: over 1,500 fish and chip shops have closed in the past three years, with many more expected to follow under current pressures.