Proving you can’t keep a great business down, The Frying Pan fish and chip shop re-opened four weeks ago after a devastating fire.


The popular chippy, in Southchurch Road, suffered severe fire damaged both inside and outside of the building on March 16 last year. 

But it has risen from the ashes and the premises are now open, the Echo went along to see what the renovations look like and sample their menu.

Echo: Out of the ashes - The Frying Pan family teamOut of the ashes - The Frying Pan family team (Image: Newsquest staff)

“It’s lovely to be back open,” smiled Julie Keen, who runs the shop with husband Steve and son Charlie.

“We have been here since 1984 and so it was strange to be away from it all.”

The restaurant is looking really good, with an eye-catching neon sign as you walk in and new kitchen area, flooring and seating. 

Echo: New and improved - the newly opened fish and chip shopNew and improved - the newly opened fish and chip shop (Image: Newsquest staff)

Are the customers happy they are back open? “Yes,” said Steve. “We have had a lots of happy customers in and it has been busy since we re-opened.”

While I was in the shop I could hear customers comment that it was nice to see they were back open and there was a steady stream of people coming in, even on a Thursday early afternoon.

Echo: Before and now - the fire damage and the lovely renovated interiorBefore and now - the fire damage and the lovely renovated interior (Image: Newsquest staff)
I ordered a small cod and chips and asked the team about the new “smash burger” on the menu.


The idea came from Charlie, who wanted to introduce the popular way of making burger patties, where you push down two mince patties with a burger press and let the outer edges caramelised up and layer on cheese. The result it two super thin patties with maximum flavour.


“The smash burgers have been really popular so far,” said Julie.

Taste test

Echo: Fish and chip heaven - there's a reason the fish and chip shop has been running for so longFish and chip heaven - there's a reason the fish and chip shop has been running for so long (Image: Newsquest staff)

Once I get my fish and chips I was pleased to see a lovely, light crispy coating on the fish and seriously tasty chips. The smash burger was piping hot and the difference with the two caramelised patties is clear to taste. There was no dryness and it was full of flavour set off with a nice crunch from the salad.

The verdict on the newly re-opened fish and chip shop is, it’s great to see a family run business back up and running.

The friendly team are equally happy to be back doing what they love, serving the people of Southend delicious food.