In this unprecedented time of change, traders are having to think of imaginative ways of making sure their businesses carve their own niche.

The Covid-19 crisis has hit the food and hospitality industry hard with reductions in customers due to social distancing and lockdown measures coming commonplace as the UK tries to prevent the further spread of the virus.

For Shap Chippy, the old adage ‘out of adversity comes opportunity’ could not be more appropriate. In June 2020, the award-winning chip shop, established in 2004, hit the road with their first mobile fish and chip van. Their business has proved wildly popular since its opening and their rise received the illustrious acclaim of recognition at the the National Fish and Chip Awards 2020 where Shap Chippy was named the UK’s second best fish and chip shop!

Like all businesses, however, big or small, Shap Chippy were faced with obstacles like never before as a result of this year’s hardship. In order to ensure that customers were still able to sample the delights of their stunning fish and chips throughout this testing period, the decision was made by the powers that be at Shap, Matt and Ashley, to invest in a van to bring the food to their customers at various locations throughout the region. The idea to essentially take Shap Chippy on the road now looks like a stroke of genius. They now are expanding to their fleet of vehicles and serving customers from Tuesday through to Saturday at locations such as Clifton Village Hall, Corby Village Hall and Appleby, amongst others.

Customers are now invited to download their new app to keep updated making the pandemic a time for great advancement into a new digital era for this most forward-thinking of chip shops.

Intriguingly, their mobile fish and chip vans can also be booked for your wedding, birthday, event or show, upon request.

Owners Matt and Ashley expressed their delight saying: “Shap chippy has brought us so much joy, and we love bringing that joy and shappiness to our customers that putting the business on wheels just makes perfect sense!”

Their plan with their second van is to add more locations for those who have missed their fish and chips fix during this period to reacquaint themselves with their favourite dishes and delights.

The Covid-19 crisis has landed a massive blow to so many of our beloved food venues, however, Shap Chippy are doing everything in their power to remain a fixture in our community.