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The Fish & Chips trade began in England,
towards the middle of the last century. The first known reference to
the trade is in Oliver Twist (1838), in which Dickens makes a mention
of a “Fried Fish Warehouse”.
In those early days, the trade was humble in the extreme. The fish was
cooked in open pans at the home of the seller, and then sold from a
tray or basket in the streets. With each portion of fish a piece of
bread might be offered, and later baked potatoes joined the portions
of fish. It was in 1865 when chipped potatoes were introduced from
France, and gradually the association between Fish & Chips
strengthened, until they became almost inseparable.
The Fish & Chip industry in England is on a very large scale, as
hamburgers are in the United States. In Great Britain there are over
12,000 Fish & Chip shops, which are helped by their own very active
association, “The National Federation of Fish Friers”.
Fish & Chips are the British Meal, as Sir Winston Churchill once
quoted “Fish & Chips are the good companions.” On an island where fish
is in plentiful supply it became the working man's basic diet, which
was both affordable and a balanced meal. The fish builds body and
bones, potatoes provide energy as do fats, and potatoes with fats
provide protection against disease. This authentic meal was always
wrapped in newspaper, which insulated the food and kept it warm.
Hart's brings you the authentic British Fish & Chips. We sincerely
hope that you enjoy your meal, and return to visit us in the very near
future.
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