This article has been written on behalf of Costas Xiourouppa, owner of St Mary's Fish & Chips in St Mary's Road, Market Harborough.
There's no denying - it's been a very strange 12 months for everyone, and hopefully a time we won't ever know again. But for us at St Mary's Fish & Chips, it's also been quite an interesting experience and a time for reflection.
Looking back prior to March 2020, we were still called 'St Mary's Chippy', a successful business offering traditional fish and chips for more than 17 years. We were lucky, we had great staff and a following of loyal, friendly customers in Market Harborough town and neighbouring villages, most of whom we knew by name and of course it was always good to welcome new customers.
A typical 'service' would be a queue of regular customers in the shop enjoying some friendly, sometimes 'brazen' banter whilst waiting to be served with their favourite supper. It was often 'noisy' (in the best sense of the word), especially on a Friday night creating a fun atmosphere before they went home or round the corner to the Beerhouse to enjoy their food with friends and family with a refreshing pint or three of beer. And of course they would be replaced by another set of customers in the shop with more banter and enjoying the same!
But then of course in March 2020, we were all hit by the Covid-19 pandemic and life as we knew it was about to change in a way that none of us could have imagined.
There was the 1st 'eery' lockdown as we began to discover the power and consequences of the virus. The streets were empty, the town was silent. When we were allowed to open the shop, it was very different- much quieter with people visibly apprehensive. The 'rules' were confusing and were interpreted differently by people - do we mask up?, don't we mask up? etc. Everyone who believed the pandemic was 'real', was wondering how long the virus would last - 1 month? 2 months? - and how long would it be before they could go on holiday or even buy toilet rolls again!
We were luckier than most businesses in that we could still open the shop, but of course the severe reduction in trade was worrying and especially as we had no idea how long it would be before a 'normal life' would resume.
In September 2020, we took the opportunity to close for 3 weeks while we refurbished and modernised the shop and equipment. We rebranded with 'St Mary's Fish & Chips' and were excited to re-open again and to show off our 'new look' business. We've had an amazing response from customers old and new who love the new layout. We may look different but the product and service is even better - the best traditional fish and chips in Harborough!
So here we are in March'21. We've been able to stay open most of the time, although naturally following strict safety rules. Of course, it's been much quieter as there have been far fewer people about for obvious reasons. With a maximum of 3 people allowed in the shop at any one time, the banter and noise has been somewhat muted but we don't mind as now we're confident it will be back soon. We've noticed more people recently 'coming back' - some we haven't seen for months as understandably they have been cautious about going out again, but it's been great to see them. Some didn't even know about our 'new look' or the fact that we've changed our shop name!
We are quietly confident that soon with covid cases coming down and the success of the vaccine roll out, people confidence is returning and we can genuinely look forward to better times ahead. You can be sure that Emma, myself and the team are here to welcome you back at St Mary's Fish and Chips anytime and along with all local businesses, we're ready to 'get this show back on the road!'
See you very soon,
Costas Xiourouppa & The Team,
St Mary's Fish & Chips
72 St Mary's Road
Market Harborough.
LE16 7DX
