Fulwood's new Queen Vic fish and chip shop set to open in August after a three year wait
A long-awaited fish and chip shop in Fulwood is finally set to open later this summer after planning delays, structural problems and health issues pushed the project back by several years.
A highly anticipated Fulwood fish and chip shop opening is finally on track, set to open by the end of August. This comes after years of delays caused by planning challenges, structural issues and health setbacks.
The Queen Vic, at 111 Black Bull Lane, has been under development for several years, with owner Ibrahim Sanibal saying the shop was originally expected to open around three years ago.
The site, formerly occupied by Fulwood Cycles, first received planning permission during the Covid pandemic after the application faced objections before eventually being approved. Work began in 2022, but progress stalled after part of the building was found to be structurally unsound.
Ibrahim said: "It was supposed to open three years ago.
"We started the work, we did a lot of the fitting inside and then we had some problem with the side building which has collapsed.
"And then we decided the only way to do it is to knock everything down and do everything properly.
"We decided to do a full revamp again from the inside and totally changed the whole outlet because obviously the style was old and dated. So we decided, you know what, let's take all the kitchen out again and start again with everything, knock the wall through and have everything brand new."
As well as the structural issues, Ibrahim said health problems also slowed the project down.
He said: "I've started the work in 2022. Then we fixed the kitchen, we've ordered the range and then I had the health scare as well, so I had to slow down a bit.
Despite the setbacks, Ibrahim said excitement among local residents has continued to grow as work nears completion.
He said: "The response we've had is just so immense every day. We'll get maybe 20 or 30 passers-by daily, saying 'Oh my God, when is it gonna open?'
"I've been in this industry now for 30 years and I've never seen such a positive response from the locals, every day they will come and they will talk to us.
"I'll give them a little sneak peek from inside and honestly, the excitement that the local people are looking forward to having the first fish and chips in the area. It's honestly absolutely amazing."
The owner is hoping to welcome customers during the last week of August, with the opening date expected to be confirmed once the final piece of equipment has been delivered.
"We are waiting for one machinery that's getting delivered and once we get that machine in, I can confirm the date for the opening launch."
The Fulwood branch will be Ibrahim's fourth fish and chip shop and will take The Queen Vic name from the Moor Lane branch. The business opened on Moor Lane in Preston in 2013 under The Queen Vic name, as chosen by a public questionnaire.
Explaining the origins of the name, Ibrahim said: "We did the questionnaire. I think we had about 86% who all liked the name The Queen Vic as the fish and chips, so we decided to go with that."
The opening is expected to include members of the local community, with the Mayor of Preston also invited to attend.
Looking ahead to welcoming customers through the doors, Ibrahim said: "I'm really so passionate about this food industry.
"I chose the food industry instead because I had such passion and love for it, and I love working with the local community as well."