A fish and chip shop forced to close by a devastating blaze last Christmas has once more opened its doors.
After a long wait by customers of the popular chippy – it was previously voted one of the top six in Hull and East Yorkshire by Hull Live readers – the former Funky Fish, in Welton Road, Brough, is back with a new look, a new name and a new food offering.
Now called Matty’s Surf ‘N’ Turf, after owner Matty Downs, the fish and chip shop has been fully refitted and refurbished and opened its doors again on Tuesday, June 10. The premises were left smoke-blackened and ruined after the fire that took hold the morning after Boxing Day 2024.
Matty said: “It’s been a really tough few months. But it’s been thanks to a lot of friends and family and we’re nearly there now.”
The takeaway had a soft launch on Monday, June 9, for people who have been helping to get the venture back on its feet.
(Image: Donna Clifford/HullLive)
“We’ve got a new online menu, and delivery, coming soon,” said Matty, who first opened the business ten years ago. The shop is now not just devoted to fish and chips fans; it is also catering for meat lovers, offering burgers and chicken burgers, wings and goujons – hence the surf ‘n’ turf of the title.
Matty said: “It’s fish and chips with added extras. It’s about appealing to the younger kids with the different menu.
“We’re going to be open every day but Sunday. That could change, going forwards, depending on demand.”
Like the owner, staff were left in shock after the fire that occurred on the morning of December 27, before the shop was due to reopen to customers after the festive break. No one was hurt and Humberside Fire and Rescue confirmed the fire involved fryers and the ventilation system and had left the shop smoke damaged.
The fish and chip shop had to put out a post about its closure “for the foreseeable future”, thanking firefighters for preventing the blaze from spreading to neighbouring businesses, including a post office. One staff member, Ethan Dryden, who has worked at the shop for about a year, was among fellow employees and family members who have been helping in the clear-up and refurbishment of the premises.
He said: “It’s been a very tough time for Matty but with the help and support of staff and family and a team of professional cleaners, he is delighted to be opening again. Customers have been asking when the shop would be back.”
Ethan, who does potato prep at Matty’s, said: “He’s been struggling to get things back to how they are and it’s only because so many people have helped. The place had to be stripped back to bare brick with new fryers in and everything; it’s taken a long time.
“He has also lost a couple of staff within that time. He is looking for people now, aged 18-plus.”