A family-run fish and chip shop has left locals in a pretty seaside town devastated after announcing its closure. Serving customers since 1962, V.C. Jones in Whitstable, Kent, has earned a reputation among fans as “the best fish and chips in the world”.
The Jones family has run the chippy for 62 years, but announced this week that they would be shutting up shop.
In a heartfelt statement published online, they said: “We have spent this Christmas and New Year enjoying some rare and precious time together as a family.
“This time has enabled us to appreciate each other and to focus on what’s really important in life.
“As we enter our 62nd year of trading as a family, we have all decided that this is the perfect time to retire.”
They went on to confirm the restaurant’s permanent closure, expressing their gratitude for their loyal customers.
Whitstable residents have come together on social media to thank the owners for their tireless work and to share fond memories of V.C. Jones.
One loyal customer wrote: “I’m gutted, my favourite chippie by far!”
Another, deep in the throes of grief, commented: “Thank you for all the years of eating the best fish and chips in the world, I could cry”.
One former worker even shared their fond memories of their time at the shop, writing: “Oh no that is sad I worked there back in 1962! – the best fish and chip shop in Whitstable!”
Sadly, this closure is but one of many, coming amidst a New Year crisis in the hospitality sector.
Restaurants are feeling the pinch from energy price increases and reduced footfall post-COVID, with many ultimately buckling under the pressure.
In the past few days alone, as many as five other restaurants across the UK have announced their closure.
The sophisticated Copper & Ink in Blackheath, offering guests a £75 tasting menu cooked by a Masterchef semi-finalist, shut its doors on Wednesday.
One of its founders, Masterchef finalist Tony Rodd, spoke to The Sun about the closure and said: “It’s terrifying, I have no idea how we are going to make it through the next few months.
“Our yearly estimate from EDF has spiralled up from £20,000 to £80,000 and things were already extremely tight.”
Meanwhile, mega pub chain Greene King axed two of its locations in November of last year.
Costa Coffee, which has already shut several locations down last year, is set to close another this February.
