Chippy becomes latest victim of costs crisis

A West Belfast chip shop is closing after five years due to a “continuous rise in prices.”

McGregor’s Traditional Fish and Chips in Turf Lodge said “we have to pull our shutters permanently” as a result of the increasing cost of living.

A message posted on Facebook read: “Hi folks, due to the current continuous rise in prices we have been unable to keep up with them and we have unfortunately come to the decision that we will have to pull our shutters permanently.

“This decision was not one that we have made lightly and it’s with a heavy heart that we write this post. We have tried all possible options including increasing our prices on a few occasions but sadly it’s just not keeping up with the current rise in the cost of living. Sadly our last day of business will be this Thursday the 7th July, we will be open our normal hours 12-9pm.

“We would like to thank each and every one of our customers who have continued to support us over the past 5 years since we first opened our doors in 2017. We will greatly miss the amazing people of Turf Lodge and all the surrounding areas.

“And another massive thank you is to my current team of staff who have been there through thick and thin. I wanna wish you all the best in what the future will bring.

And again to all the customers who have came through our doors over the past 5 years, thank you so so much from Pat and all the staff. .”

The chippy is the just the latest in a slew of venues to close due to rising costs.

Just last week the owners of Coulter Restaurant in Ballynahinch announced they would be closing with their final service on Saturday, July 2.

Owners Cristina and Stevie Higginson, who also run The Square Bistro in Lisburn, opened the Dromore Street restaurant in 2021 having taken on the premises tow years earlier.

Award-wining ramen noodle restaurant Bia Rebel has also closed, writing on Instagram that it had fallen victim to soaring prices.

The Ormeau Road eatery, which started out at St George’s Market in 2017 and is run by top chef Brian Donnelly and his partner Jenny Holland, was given a glowing review by Observer food critic Jay Rayner who hailed the quality of its creations despite the low prices.

Writing on Insta they said: “Guys, you may have noticed a spate of stories about restaurants closing around Northern Ireland. Unfortunately, we are one of them. Friday 24 June will be our last ramen-slinging service.”