Customers 'thrilled' as famous Knaresborough fish and chip shop is back in business
A popular fish and chop shop has reopened in Knaresborough after a striking makeover in pink.
Customers in the town were thrilled when Drakes Fish and Chip restaurant reopened last week after a four-month closure.
Located just off the Market Place in Knaresborough on Silver Street, there is little chance of customers missing that it has reopened as its entire frontage has been painted in shocking pink.
Drakes closed down in late 2025 in what has been a trend for upheaval for the sector in Knaresborough and Harrogate in recent years.
Although changes in ownership have sometimes been involved, the number one cause cited by owners is the cost of living and the cost of doing business.
Knaresborough and Ripon's Drakes have previously been part of a successful family-run Yorkshire business founded in 1984 which also includes traditional fish and chip shops in Leeds, Shipley and Bradford.
In Harrogate, Drakes’ branch at 65 Knaresborough Road in Harrogate closed in 2024 before being taken over by Yorkies Fish and Chips and reopening in April 2025 before closing again.
Graveleys at Cheltenham Parade in Harrogate, closed then reopened late in 2025 as The Fisherman's Wife.
In October last year, Bradleys Fish & Chip Shop on the High Street in Starbeck reopened after closing for a few months having first opened there in 2021,
With chips shops facing high energy bills, rising National Insurance contributions and rising wholesale costs for fish, it is positive news to see Drakes back in business in Knaresborough.