If you’re like me and have been on TikTok numerous times or even watched the news over the past few weeks, then we’re sure you have been made aware of the viral chip shop in Coventry which, somewhat inexplicably, has people from all over the world queuing up to lavish in its recent hype.
Binley Mega Chippy was just a normal chippy in a normal place in the West Midlands. It used to be loved by locals and commuters in need of somewhere convenient to eat but now the story is rather different. With a song about the chip shop on TikTok and videos being viewed by millions, people from hundreds of miles away are venturing to Coventry.
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Naturally, myself and my colleague Kate were curious. What on earth was going on? And crucially, are the chips any good? We left from Phoenix Park in Nottingham for the hour’s drive to the well-known phenomenon.
We arrived shortly before it opened at 12 and to our surprise, there wasn’t a queue. However, minutes later, local workers started arriving and cars started piling into the car park.
There was a wide variety of people showing up and taking pictures outside the chip shop, which is itself an odd thing to witness because it really is just a normal chip shop in a normal place. One man who did not want to be identified told us that he was working in Coventry and had to stop by and take a photo or else his young son would be very disappointed.
Even though he only stopped by for a few minutes, you could tell he was astonished by how one simple chip shop had become so famous. Before we ordered food, we spoke to Peter, 57, and Trudy Hill, 56, from Eastbourne who were taking photos outside.
Peter said: “We were visiting Coventry on business, and we passed Binley Mega Chippy and we just had to pop in. We’ve seen it all over the news and on the internet. We’ve come from Eastbourne, only 170 miles away, three-and-a-half hours away and it was probably worth the trip…and the chip”.
Binley Mega Chippy owner, Kamal Gandhi, spoke to us on a Facebook live before he went back to work. He said: “I’m really surprised. Just overnight it [TikTok] made the chip shop very famous. I was really shocked myself. When I heard the news – my wife was recording it on BBC – I was really shocked!”
Mr Gandhi also explained how people have been visiting not only from all around the country, but from overseas as well. He said: “I’m really surprised – people wanting to take my photo. A guy come from Australia and said can I take a photo with you."
We of course had to order our lunch – I mean, who wouldn’t? I went for my favourite: fishcake, chips, and baked beans – I know, don’t judge me – and Kate went for a traditional favourite; sausage, chips, and curry sauce.
Since there wasn’t any seating outside, we had to eat the food in my car. It was a rather hot day, and we were already very warm, so a bench outside would have been welcome. Maybe when the suburb of Binley has been transformed into one huge mega chippy there might be a picnic table or two to use.
When judging the food there was nothing we could’ve complained about. The chips were fluffy and not too heavy, and the fish cake was cooked perfectly. However, the most important part to me when visiting a chippy is that the salt and vinegar ratio is spot on, and this just was.
Kate seemed to enjoy hers too, so this was a big thumbs up. But can you really go that badly wrong with the traditional orders like ours?
All together it cost us £10.35 and this was without a drink each. For the portion size I didn’t mind paying this, but I would’ve preferred to pay this price if it included a drink as you always need to wash that salty flavour down with a nice sweet sugary drink – well, I like to.
We were glad we went to witness the ‘craze’ in action, and for the locals, we understand why it has become a hit. However, when I fancy some fish and chips again, I’ll probably just drive to my local ten minutes away, rather than an hour away.
