A beloved fish and chip shop is set to close its doors claiming, post-pandemic, the business became difficult to maintain.

Tony Antonio, the owner of Rainbow Hill Chippy, has decided to rent the shop out after 20 years of running it due to struggling to keep the business afloat throughout the pandemic and current cost of living crisis. 

He said: "I have had my customers messaging me asking if it is true that we are closing and with some really touching comments.

"I have decided that I have had enough now because I have been in the industry for 36 years but a lot has changed in the past few years - especially this year.

"I have for the past five years been running the chip shop on a cooked-to-order system which means fresh out the pan rather than in the display cabinet.

"Customers come from far and wide because we are recommended, of course, this means you have to wait but the wait is worth it, so they keep on telling me."

Mr Antonio said that with takeaway deliveries becoming increasingly popular over the last few years, his industry has changed.

He added: "Sure, you have to move with the times but I still feel you cannot get better than walking into a fish and chip shop to order your fish.

"I have always offered a reasonable size meal for a reasonable price.

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"My prices do not often go up but have had to increase this year as the price of the products has only been going up every few weeks, the suppliers call it a global increase which is not acceptable.

"I have decided to put my shop up for rent.

"I am hoping that I can find someone to keep the local chippy going otherwise I will be closing the shop as I feel it is time to hang my apron up."

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"My two children have always been part of the chippy helping out after school and also in the holidays which was cleaning, serving, taking orders to the local elderly people who have been customers for many years but struggle to get to the shop.

"My children have seen the business change so much through the years so for this reason I had decided that they would be better off finding a 9-5 job rather than taking the shop on."