World's biggest chippy looks to move into Bridlington

Papa’s has applied to convert an empty gift shop in a prime spot overlooking Bridlington Harbour into its latest cafe and takeaway.

The building in Prince Street is said to be in a ‘dilapidated state’ inside but it is hoped the development, which would also include a new ice cream counter, could help to regenerate that part of the town centre if planning permission is granted.

Bridlington Town Council has said it believes the plan should be approved, and the new restaurant would create 10 new jobs, six of them full-time.

It was built in the first half of the 19th century and during its history has been used as a photographic lab, toy shop and seaside rock shop.

A report by East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s conservation officers said: “It is presently in a sorry state of repair and currently has a detrimental impact on the Quays conservation area.

“Refurbishment internally and externally will improve its appearance and carried out sympathetically has the potential to enhance this corner of the busy seaside town.”

Papa’s is a family-run business which opened its first fish and chip shop in Margate in Kent in 1966.

Now run by the third generation, they opened a 320-seat restaurant in Willerby in 2015, which was the world’s largest chippy, but then bought Cleethorpes Pier the following year and created an even bigger 500-seat premises.

The family won the BBC TV show The Best of British Takeaways last year.

They have also converted the former Swiss Cottage pub on the outskirts of Hull, and have a large restaurant in Eastfield near Scarborough.