A UK town has been dealt a huge blow with the loss of its first-ever fish and chip shop. The beloved chippy, which opened in 1982, closed for good on Tuesday (June 2), leaving locals gutted.

Romy’s & Family Fish and Chips in Bearsden, on the northwestern fringe of Glasgow, was an adored local institution for years. It was frequently named the best chippy in East Dunbartonshire, with visitors praising its range of fresh seafood, Angel cut haddock, and hearty suppers. However, staff were seen clearing out the site on Tuesday.

As reported by the Glasgow Times, a sign appeared on the door which read: “Closed. Thank you to all of our loyal customers.” Customers have since taken to social media to react to the news, with many agreeing the chippy was “the best around”.

Beyond classic fish and chips, Romy’s & Family Fish and Chips served Scottish staples such as haggis, black pudding and battered sausages. The chippy was also known for its massive “Chippy Munchy Boxes” which included battered hamburgers, black puddings, pizza, smoked sausages, battered sausages and chips.

Romy’s & Family Fish and Chips was a family business, operated by husband-and-wife duo Ralph and Laura Colaluca. According to their website, they had fresh fish delivered daily.

The website adds: “The primary source of fish that we use is Angel Cut Haddock. In our eyes, this is the best haddock on the market and a premium product which we take great pride in serving to you.”

Following the closure, one person said: “Oh that is a shame. It was the best around.” Another added: “Shame, it’s been there for decades. Used to get suppers from them as a kid in the 80s.”

As previously reported by the Daily Express, new figures show there are currently 338 fish and chip shops on the market across the UK. It comes as chippy bosses continue to struggle with soaring energy bills, higher staffing costs and rising fish prices.

The beloved industry is worth an estimated £1.2 billion annually, with Brits eating around 382 million portions of fish and chips every year. There are currently around 10,500 specialist “chippies” across the UK, but industry experts are concerned this number could drop amid rising costs.

One major concern is the rise in employer National Insurance Contributions introduced in April, which increased from 13.8 % to 15 % while also applying from a lower earnings threshold. Meanwhile, energy costs remain stubbornly high, while the price of cod and haddock has also climbed amid global tensions affecting fishing fleets and fuel costs.

Danny Hennesy, a veteran of the trade and owner of fish and chip shop brokerage firm Mandens, said: “Fish and chips is one of the most resilient food sectors in the UK. It’s part of our DNA. When times are tough, people still come back to it because it’s familiar, affordable and reliable.

“But costs are rising from every angle – energy, raw materials, staffing – and global events are now feeding directly into the price of running a shop.”