They fish you a ‘Merry Chipmas’! Local takeaway to serve free Xmas dinners for the homeless on the 25th

Christmas can sometimes be a lonely and unforgiving time when you’re on your own - or struggling to make ends meet.

To spread a little festive cheer, one chip shop is Birmingham will be opening its doors on Christmas Day to feed the homeless and elderly.

Brothers Asef and Hamid Faqiri – who run The Classic Fish Bar in Erdington - are digging into their own pockets and will be dishing up a turkey dinner with all the trimmings for their local customers.

Asef said: “I’ve been here for two years, and I’ve seen many homeless people here.

“There’s also alot of older people and they probably would love to have Christmas dinner. They haven’t got Christmas dinner to eat on the special day so we thought we would treat them. It’s a small thing but we want to do it and we hope it makes them happy. We want to help the poor and homeless. We’re doing it for God and the greater good.”

There will also be free fish and chips for those wanting something simpler, or for those who follow a pescatarian diet.

Staff will prepare, cook and serve up a steaming traditional turkey dinner in takeaway boxes to hand out to anyone who turns up between 1pm and 4pm.

A sign has been put up in the shop window advertising the event.

It has been shared widely on social media and the brothers are also urging their customers to spread the word.

Asef added: “We are cooking it up in the kitchen and it’s not all going to be fish and chips or donner meat! It’s going to be a proper traditional dinner. This will be the first time we’ve done this but I’m sure it won’t be the last!”

Fisherman’s Lodge lodges itself as a firm fish favourite

Marlow’s no more

Make like a true fisherman and head to the newly refurbished Fisherman’s Lodge on Street Lane, Leeds. Formerly Marlow’s, the restaurant and takeaway has given itself a trendy makeover and comes armed with a delicious new menu.

David Nicholson, the general manager, said: “After our refurbishment in March, the interior no longer feels tired and has a fresh new direction.”

The team decided to make the space resemble an actual fisherman’s lodge – a cosy, rustic cabin where a tired angler would settle down after a long day by the riverside. But it’s also a good bit funkier than that, with vintage marquee lights that spell out the word ‘fish’ and uber cool subway tiles on the wall.

“We use fish from Icelandic and Russian waters - the place to catch haddock – which is the only fish we use here. Cooked in vegetable oil and high-premium palm oil, the batter is light so that the fish tastes incredible,” David added.

He continued: “All the potatoes for our chips are grown and sourced locally. Everything’s then done fresh in-house.”

Fisherman’s Lodge are a family business. They’ve been chippie champions for over 60 years, after serving hungry customers from Harrogate and around the coast.

“There’s pedigree fish and chips in this family,” David smiled.

The menu has other dishes to ‘reel’ you in, such as the super popular Fish Tapas menu - a selection of small plates and sharing dishes that make perfect light appetisers or meals to share.

“Whitebait is really popular, as is the salt and pepper squid,” David adds.

And to wet those salt and vinegar-covered lips, there’s a delicious gin bar which has 10 high-end, speciality gins that come with their own garnish and tonics.

Every Wednesday, due to popular demand, Fisherman’s Lodge are offering gluten free dishes and once or twice a month, they’ll be doing live music evenings, such as jazz and soul nights.

Call down today to experience Leeds’ newest chippie for yourself.

Fisherman’s Lodge

391 Street Lane,

Leeds, LS17 6HQ

Tel. 0113 2694981

FISH DISH: Serving Britain’s favourite dish since 1968

There are some things in life that are quintessentially British – the Royal Family, a cup of tea and of course Fish and Chips.

In Bradford, one restaurant has proudly served up the latter two for almost half a century and with every meal fit for royalty, they certainly tick all the boxes.

Fish Dish is Bradford’s favourite chippie, and has been since it first opened its doors in 1968 on St James Street.

Providing 100 per cent haddock, sourced from the clear waters of the North Atlantic Ocean, their famous fish and chips have drawn in crowds from across the city and beyond.

Served in a crispy batter, alongside homemade thick-cut chips, there really is nothing like a Fish Dish Fish and Chips.

Owner, Ziahad Amin explained more about how the restaurant and takeaway was able to keep their fish tasting the freshest around.

“By freezing the fish as soon as it is caught, the freshness and tastes are locked in,” he said. “This means that every haddock served up here tastes like it has just been caught.

“We have worked on this method of preparation for almost 50 years and have been able to master the classic fish and chips dish our customers have come to love.

“Starting from just £2.50, we will not be beaten on price or quality.”

Recently Fish Dish was named as a member of the Bradford Council Good Food Guide for promoting healthy options through their menu.

As well as only using vegetable oil for their fish and chips, every meal is served up with a free side-salad whilst grilled fish options provide a healthy alternative for diners.

When opting for a grilled dish, your choice of tuna, salmon or haddock is marinated in secret spices and sauces, developed over the past 15 years, and served up with your favourite side.

With a recently refurbished interior, providing seating for up to 100 people, there has never been a better time to visit Fish Dish and experience Bradford’s premium fish and chips for yourself.

30 James Street,

City Centre Bradford,

BD1 3PZ

Opening times:

Mon – Sat 9am-7pm    

Sun: 11am-5pm

Tel: 01274 224 551