Fish & Chips Twice For Scotts Owner!

A North Yorkshire businessman who became the owner of a fish chip shop just over a year ago has now added a second to his portfolio.

Tony Webster, who acquired Scotts of Helmsley in March 2013, has purchased a 110-seater restaurant and takeaway on the A64 at Bilborough, near York.

And, in the three-weeks since Tritons became Scotts, word-of-mouth and new branding - visible from both sides of the busy dual carriageway - has already led to an upturn in trade.

In just 16 months Mr Webster and chef manager Shane White have helped put Scotts of Helmsley well and truly on the fish and chip map, with it winning recognition and plaudits from industry colleagues and customers alike.

Now Mr Webster is confident his success in the North Yorkshire market town can be mirrored at his new venture in Bilborough.

Mr Webster said: "When I became the owner of Scotts I knew next to nothing about the fish and chip business – now I feel like a seasoned veteran!

"Catering is a tough industry, but with a lot of hard work and constantly listening to our customers, our efforts are really paying off.

"I’m very excited about Bilborough. It’s in a great location and has tremendous potential.    

"We have inherited a great team who are keen to make this Scotts just as good, or if not better, than their sister operation in Helmsley.

"However, we have appointed a new manager, Kerri Clements to drive up standards. Having worked for Bettys in Ilkley and more recently Salts Mill in Saltaire, customer service and customer care is very high on her agenda.

"Shane, who has done wonders in Helmsley, will be dividing his time between both venues to ensure there is consistency in both products.”

Mr Webster added: "Scotts is far more than a fish and chip shop and takeaway. In addition to the tradition fare you would expect from a chippie, we serve a range of homemade pies, salads and, for those with dietary requirements, gluten free alternatives."

ABOVE: THE SCOTTS^ TEAM

Last month, Scotts of Helmsley was awarded a Certificate of Excellence by TripAdvisor which recognises businesses that consistently earn top ratings from tourists.

With a total of 169 reviews, the chippie has been successfully ranked as one of the top three restaurants in popular market town. More than 80 per cent of the reviewers have "recommended” Scotts, with more than 110 foodies describing it as "excellent”.

In February it was presented with the NFFF Fish & Chip Quality Award – putting them in the top 2.5 per cent of fish and chip shops in the UK. 

The NFFF wishes Tony and his tem the very best wishes for the future.