Big plans have been announced to see a recently closed fish and chip restaurant in Ayr reopen next year and continue as a beloved chippy.
The Blue Lagoon have confirmed they are taking over Ayr’s iconic Wellington Restaurant, with the family behind the takeaway announcing last week that it was closing its doors after 54 years in the town.
Owned by the Iannotti family since 1968, The Wellington, on Ayr’s Sandgate, served up fried delights to not only Ayrshire families, school kids and office workers enjoying a ‘Fish Friday’, but hungry holiday-makers who travelled from Glasgow, Lanarkshire and even Ireland to enjoy their fish suppers.
The Wellington’s closure was a devastating blow to the region’s hospitality offerings, and a tough decision for owners Roberto, 60, and Antonio, 54, as Roberto admitted it was time to retire to make his health a priority.
But they are delighted the family-run chippy would remain as such as new owners Blue Lagoon, owned by the Varese family, take up the reins.
Roberto previously said: “We didn’t want it to be turned into a McDonalds or a Burger King — we wanted it to remain as a fish and chips shop.
“It’s been a chippy for such a long time. Even before our time, it was a fish and chip shop.”
Now Ayrshire Live can exclusively reveal some of Blue Lagoon’s plans for the Sandgate venue, which include a revamp, reopening upstairs dining and hiring 15 employees.
The Blue Lagoon have multiple shops across Scotland with an already established presence in Ayr just off the High Street on Alloway Street. The iconic name also has a takeaway on Main Street in Largs.
They have confirmed they will continue to run both venues in the town.
Blue Lagoon director Alessandro Varese shared some of the plans for the new Sandgate venue, including a refurb which will see the shop boasting their trademark tropical theme design.
And the reopening of upstairs for eating, which many Wellington customers may remember dining in back in the day.
Alessandro told Ayrshire Live: “We are taking over from December 1 and plan to be open late February.
“We are fully refurbing the unit and will be implementing our trademark tropical theme design.
“It will be a 70 seater restaurant and takeaway with home deliveries available. There will be additional seating upstairs.
“We will be operating both the Alloway St and Wellington branches at the same time as we feel there is enough demand, especially during peak season.
“We will be hiring 15 local staff. Applicants can apply by sending CV to: careers@bluelagoonfishandchips.co.uk.”
Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
