Popular Harrogate fish n chip shop is back serving customers under a name change
A popular Harrogate fish n chip shop which faced an uncertain future at times last year is trading again successfully with a change of name.
After a troubling year for fish n chip shops in Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon in 2025 with closures, reopenings, change of managements and changes of name, comes some good news.
Having opened in 2021, things went quiet at Bradleys Fish & Chip Shop at 12 High Street in Starbeck for nearly six months last year during a period of upheaval at the independent Yorkshire chain.
But it reopened on the corner of Stonefall Avenue and Knaresborough Road before Christmas and is now serving customers with a change of name - The Stray Catch.
With chip shop facing record energy bills, higher National Insurance contributions and rising wholesale costs of fish, these are worrying times for Britain’s traditional favourite takeaway.
Locally, last year’s turmoil also saw long-standing Drakes Fish and Chip restaurant and takeaway at 11 Finkle Street, Ripon close, though there were reports that it would reopen under new management.
Meanwhile, a fish n chip shop that was once the most popular in Harrogate, Graveleys at 8-12 Cheltenham Parade, closed then reopened late in 2025 as The Fisherman's Wife.
In Knaresborough, Drakes at 3-5 Silver Street remains closed, though hopes that it may reopen rest in a sign saying “closed for refurb”.
Industry insiders suggest up to half of the UK’s chip shops may close in the next few years if financial conditions don't change.