SOMERSET residents have turned up in numbers today to a fish and chip shop which has been crowned the UK's best.
Knight's Fish Restaurant, in Glastonbury, sees an influx of customers on Good Friday each year due to a tradition which dates back to deeply rooted Christian origins.
"While people may not be fully aware of the religious aspect, it’s become a holiday custom for many to gather with loved ones for a great fish and chip meal," said George Morey, manager at Knight’s.
“Good Friday has always been an extremely popular day for us and in the last few years it’s been a record breaker.
“Knight’s won Restaurant of the Year at the National Fish and Chip Awards last month and we anticipated Good Friday would be up there with one of the busiest days we’ve ever had, so we extended the lunch service - and wow, what a great start to Easter today has been!
"Last year was mind-blowing and I’m a sucker for a statistic, so I’ll be keen to see what the numbers are like this time around! Hopefully we’ll be celebrating new sales milestones."
The takeaway and restaurant is adored by regular customers from Glastonbury and further afield, and has been in business since the late 1800s.
Read more: I tried the food from the best fish and chip shop in Somerset
Speaking on Knight’s long, established history, George said: “It’s incredibly special to be part of a family-run business with such a rich heritage. Knight’s has been trading since 1909 but the origins of the business can be traced back to 1890.
"A lot of our customers have a personal link to the restaurant and it’s amazing to hear stories about people helping my great-grandfather prepare chips in the back."
One customer has visited Knight's every Saturday for the past 60 years.
“On Saturday we’re looking forward to welcoming one of our most loyal customers, Brian," George said.
"Every Saturday for the past 60 years he’s eaten with us and on the wall next to his favourite table we have a photograph of him and his lovely wife who passed away a few years ago.
"Brian is 90 but you wouldn’t know it - he looks fantastic! He puts away a large cod, a huge portion of chips and scrumps with ease! He’s a treasure to us at Knight’s.
“People love tradition and whether it’s for religious reasons or otherwise, Knight’s is here for it all. As long as you love fish and chips, you’re welcome through our doors.”
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