People in New Basford are hoping that a popular local chippy up for sale will remain a fish and chip shop. The Athena Fish Bar on 296 Nottingham Road is currently up for sale with a guide price of £65,000, which includes equipment.
The menu includes fish and chips, kebabs and burgers. It is believed 18 years remain of a secure 25 year lease with a current annual rent of £16,620.
People in the area have told Nottinghamshire Live they will be happy if it remains a chip shop under new management. Many locals love what's on offer and have shared what they order from the shop and what they think the Athena Fish Bar does best.
Read more: We try 5 star rated Bakersfield fish and chips and it lives up to reputation
Builder Karl Lee, 36, from New Basford has been into the fish bar many times however, he said that the chip shop isn’t his favourite. He said: “I prefer Captain Cod up Perry Road. That’s my favourite but when I can’t be bothered to walk up there, I do like to go to Athena.
“My usual order is a battered sausage with chips and curry sauce. Many people go to Athena, it gets packed. This area is really lucky because we have a McDonald’s, two major supermarkets and other independent shops dotted around, it’s great. I do think many people would be upset if it did close down for good, the ladies in there are also very lovely.”
Sixty-year-old Paul Dod, who used to live in St Ann’s and is retired, said: “I think it’s sad the owners are leaving. The burgers there are nice. I think every area should have a chip shop for socialising now that Covid has subsided. Covid was grim for everyone.”
The fish bar is on the market and being sold by UK Property Auctions. Paul continued and said: “The owner’s there [at the Athena fish bar] are nice and the area’s friendly, everyone gets on, it’s a good community and everyone helps each other.”
Alice Morley, 23, from New Basford is a student. She regularly goes to the fish bar and said: “Me and my boyfriend go here loads, we love it. It does get really busy here but it’s definitely worth the wait. I usually get a big bag of chips and I get a small cod and sausage then my boyfriend will have a kebab with garlic mayo.”
Kay Morgan, 66, is originally from Ireland but now lives in New Basford. She hopes any new owners will keep it going as a chippy.
She said: “I see a lot of people going, I do think every area should have a fish and chip shop. Usually I get a fish cake and chips, no sauce, I’m a plain girl. I like this area, it’s not too far from the city, it’s great.”
