Pride at Salop Fish Bar in Oswestry as it marks 50 years

Harry Haralambous who runs Salop Fish Bar on Salop Road said he feels a sense of ‘pride’ as the business celebrates five decades in business.

The fish and chip shop has become a beloved institution after Harry’s father, Peter, took it on in 1976.

“He took over the place 50 years ago,” said Harry.

“He took over from the Owens family. I think there has been a chippy here since the early 1970s.

Harry's dad, Pete, started Salop Fish bar back in 1976 (Image: Harry Haralambous)

“My dad had his own place in Shrewsbury on Castle Foregate, he has been in catering most of his life.

“When the opportunity came to take over this place we all moved up here.

“It was a tiny little shop. We have expanded both ways. When my dad took over it was literally the one unit.

“There was a little sweet shop on the corner, I took over this section which was a cottage. When Salop video closed we took over there as well.”

Harry has been officially at the helm since the late 1990s and is still enjoying it 30 years on.

“I have been in here since I was six, I was probably doing something even then,” said Harry.

“Officially I started in 1997, nearly 30 years ago. I’ve loved it, I don’t treat as work it feels more like a hobby.

Salop Fish Bar as it was back in the 1980s (Image: Harry Haralambous)

“I love coming here, I miss it when I am not here. It’s home from home, there is no pressure on me.

“You have commitments as anyone does who is self-employed but I don’t dread it.”

Harry has said that the part he enjoyed the most has been talking to the customers, some of whom he has known for decades.

“There have been customers who have been coming here for 50 years, the entire time we have been open,” said Harry.

Harry and the staff after they raised money for the British heart Foundation (Image: Harry Haralambous)

“I still get customers coming in saying I still remember the first day your dad opened.”

This is also the case with staff, who have been working at the shop for decades.

“We have staff that have been coming in here since the beginning,” said Harry.

“We had one come in earlier who worked here in the 1980s.

“It’s a bit of a family, I do appreciate them.”

Salop Fish Bar will have its 50th anniversary on November 12 and although Harry has not fully decided on his celebration plans he did confirm “there will be cake involved — that’s always a good thing”.

Looking back on how he feels after 50 years in business he said: “It’s a bit of pride, you feel a part of the town.”