Page Reader AI | Haines Fish and Grill reveals 'very bad' 2025 struggles

Haines Fish and Grill reveals 'very bad' 2025 struggles | Watford Observer

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Haines Fish and Grill's Financial Struggles

Despite being a popular fish and chip shop in Watford, Haines Fish and Grill, owned by Kam Basra, is experiencing a difficult start to 2025. While the shop remains a local favorite, January and February sales were significantly lower than usual. This downturn is attributed to rising costs, particularly in fish and oil, which have impacted the affordability of fish and chips.

Challenges Faced by Fish and Chip Shops

The article highlights the broader challenges facing the fish and chip industry. Increased prices of fish and other ingredients, combined with a potential decline in the traditional Friday night fish and chips habit among younger generations, pose significant threats. The cost of living crisis has disproportionately impacted fish and chip shops, as evidenced by a 52% increase in average price (from £6.64 to £10.09) between January 2020 and January 2025, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Haines Fish and Grill's Strategy

To combat these challenges, Haines Fish and Grill is diversifying its menu with peri-peri grilled chicken. However, Kam Basra expresses concern about the long-term viability of fish and chip shops, fearing potential closures if the current economic trend persists. He emphasizes maintaining affordability while using high-quality ingredients.

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Kam Basra has been in charge of Haines Fish and Grill in Haines Way, Leavesden, since November 2018.

Watford Observer readers recently ranked it as one of their favourites in the area, which the 43-year-old was "a bit surprised" to find out.

Asked for the reason he thinks the shop is such a hit, he said: "I change my oil every two weeks and make sure we have high-quality fish and the very best potatoes. I'm also cheaper than most people, we have had to put prices up a bit but we're still affordable - some places are taking the mickey."

Kam Basra (Image: Kam Basra.) One thing he would like customers to be aware of is that in addition to the usual chip shop fare, he also offers "unbelievable" peri-peri grilled chicken.

"It's one of the best things we do but people don't seem to know about it and tend to stick to the fish and chips," he added.

However, despite seven successful years, the start of 2025 has been "very bad" for the business.

Kam said: "January and February are always slow but this year it was worse than usual. Things can change and I'm optimistic for the summer but you never know."

19404970 (Image: Kam Basra)

Despite this, he's not worried about any imminent risk of closure, but fears that other chippies in town may not be so lucky.

Asked why, he said: "Fish and chips used to be a weekly tradition for a family but that's just not happening anymore. Fish is expensive - that's why we do other things like chicken.

"The prices of everything have gone up extortionately, especially fish prices and oil. Everyone is struggling but it feels like fish and chip shops are particularly hard hit."

Kam expressed fears that fish and chip shops could face the same problem as pubs, speculating that the tradition of fish and chips on a Friday night could be dying out among younger generations.

Recently released statistics have shown that fish and chip shops have been hit harder than most by the cost of living, with Office for National Statistics data showing a 52 per cent rise in the average price of fish and chips - from £6.64 in January 2020 to £10.09 in January 2025.

(Image: Kam Basra)