Fat profits are dismissed from purchase of Chippy

AS the island's only fish and chip shop, Braye Chippy is something of an institution in Alderney.

But after being listed for sale for over a year, and with no buyer in sight, a date was settled on for its doors to close.

But at the 11th hour, desperate not to lose it, a six-strong group of residents clubbed together to save the popular harbour-side venue.

Having had a couple of dummy runs, the restaurant reopened on Wednesday.

The group, which includes a chartered engineer, a business consultant, two corporate services workers and a retired businessman, have no experience of the fast-food industry and admitted the opening night was a baptism of fire.

'With the Chippy having been closed for a month, we are looking forward to a busy weekend,' said co-owner Jane Page. 'We are a little nervous about it, but you only learn by actually doing it.'

The other new owners are Hilary Bentley, Jane and Laurence Page, Peter Raphael and Stella and Martin Redman.

Clubbing together to buy the restaurant was the idea of accountant Peter Raphael. He said they had not bought it with the idea of fat profits in mind. 'It had been on the market for a year and I was looking to see whether that would progress in any shape or form,' he explained.

'When it became apparent nothing was happening, we got together with a few friends – four families. We are all regular customers at Braye Chippy and see it as an asset to Alderney; we didn't want to lose it. It shows how, when people get together, they really can achieve good things for the island.'

They bought the restaurant with all the fixtures and fittings and plan to keep it just as people remembered it. Local talent has been recruited to cook and serve at the restaurant.

Hilary Bentley said: 'Not having the Chippy open left a hole on the island and we wanted to get it going again for everyone. Everything is as it was – all the old favourites are on offer. We are now hoping all the locals will come out and support us.'

Former co-owner Jane Wright said she, Danny and sister, Helen, would now be visiting the restaurant as customers. They bought the business in June 2006, juggling the restaurant duties with other jobs. They decided that they wanted to pursue new directions. Mrs Wright said: 'I can't wait to go back to the Chippy during Alderney Week and as a customer, instead of working flat out behind the counter.

'It's great for Alderney and for the residents and visitors that the team has bought the Chippy and we wish them all the success for the future.'

As before, the Chippy will be open Wednesday to Saturday from 5.30pm to 8.30pm and diners are welcome to bring their own drinks.