Family-run chippy 'over the moon' to be in running for best takeaway

Steven Simpson, who owns the chips alongside his wife Victoria, says they were “honoured” to be nominated and would be “over the moon” to win.  

He told the Glasgow Times “It’s a credit to the staff who do a lot of hard work behind the scenes. 

“It’s not just a case of turning up, there’s a lot of preparation, getting the best fish, best potatoes, and so it's good the hard works paid off. 

“I think now a lot of people expect restaurant standard from takeaways and I think we’re almost there and offering that.” 

Owners Steven Simpson (2nd from right) and wife Victoria pictured with colleagues, from left- Alex Day and Philip Raeside (Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest) The 37-year-old continued: “We offer a good product, and we do special offers as well so there’s a lot of value there too.  

“We have fresh haddock, and we offer different types of fish as well like coley or monkfish which are more sustainable. 

“We can trace potatoes and fish all the way back to the farmer, the lorry, the boat... you name it, and we share that with our customers as well.  

“Some think it’s pointless but some love it.” 

The Kraken Chippy opened in 2017 and is the first business owned by Steven and Victoria, 36, who both have more than two decades of experience in fish and chips.  

Steven says the Covid-19 pandemic was a particularly scary time for the business, but they got through it with the support of the local community. 

They handed out hundreds of free meals to say thank you.  

(Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest) Steven said: “We pushed through and we had the support of the community, they rallied together so we wanted to give something back.  

“We gave the elderly free meals and delivered to anyone that was stuck indoors.  

“Folk turned up top help deliver the meals and just from then on, it’s been a great community, and we’re privileged to be a part of it.  

“During Covid everyone had to keep their distance but that brought the community together and showed a spirit to get through it.” 

A menu favourite at the Kraken Chippy is the jumbo fish supper which has two six-ounce fresh haddock fillets with chips.  

Steven added: “I think if you buy a good product and you do it well and you give back to the community then that’s the best way forward.” 

The Kraken Chippy is located at 194 Western Road, Cambuslang.