A much-loved fish and chip restaurant has announced it is to close after 50 years of business - to the shock of loyal customers. The Seafarer in Northwich, Cheshire, has announced it will close its doors later this month.
The restaurant and takeaway, hailed as the "best fish and chips in Cheshire" by loyal fans, has played host to a number of celebrities over the years. That includes Northwich band The Charlatans who hail it their favourite chippy, and football legend George Best.
The announcement of its closure was made on social media, with the restaurant owners saying that it had been a pleasure to serve Northwich and the surrounding area for the past 50 years or so. The restaurant was first opened by the late former Manchester United hero George Best back in April 1971.
The chippy has been much-loved by generations of people in the Cheshire town, with The Charlatans making a big fuss of the takeaway when they had their homecoming festival in Northwich a few years back, reports Cheshire Live. The Charlatans frontman Tim Burgess, who originally hails from Northwich, went on to choose The Seafarer as the venue for a Q&A with fans.
A statement released by the owners, who took over the business in June 1975, said: "It is with much regret that the Seafarer Restaurant and Takeaway will cease trading. The final day of trading will be Sunday 23 October 2022.
"It has been a pleasure to serve Northwich and the surrounding area for the last 50 years. May we take this opportunity to thank all our past and present customers for your loyal support.
"We would also like to thank our past and present staff for your commitment in creating a professional and fun environment over this time. We wish Northwich town and its community all the best for the future.
"The Seafarer team."
They have not made any further comment on why they have decided to close at this time. The chippy is based within the Weaver Square shopping centre in Northwich which has suffered from a number of shop closures in recent years, with plans for major redevelopment underway.
Their statement on Facebook was met by a huge outpouring of comments from customers and fans of the chippy, many of whom say they have been left "so sad" by the news. Many shared fond memories of being taken to the chippy by family members and just how special a place they had found it over the years.
Paul Fildes said: "This is very sad news. I was born in April 1971, the same month that The Seafarer first opened. As long as i can remember it has always been the go-to place for chips in Northwich."
Angela McKenna said: "My favourite chippy very few get the fish chips and curry sauce combo right….you guys always got it spot on. So good we’d drive from Knutsford, park up and enjoy. Lovely staff always polite and couldn’t do enough for you. Very sad news."
Whiz Walker wrote: "So sorry to hear this….it’s such a bad time for our takeaway industry at the moment. Pete and I give the staff our very best wishes. It’s been an iconic landmark of Northwich for many decades….I have fond memories of taking mum for “a treat”.
Sue Clark added: "This is so, so sad. So many childhood memories, always been the best curry sauce! Wishing everyone all the very best for the future and thank you for everything."
Anne Hinton hailed it the "best fish and chips in Cheshire". She wrote: "So sorry to read such sad news. We look forward to our Friday night chippy tea. The best fish and chips in Cheshire. So thank you to all the staff for who have served us over the years we have been coming. We wish you all the very best."
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