Three generations of the same family have stood behind the counter of this East London chip shop – but after 74 years, the building that started it all is set to be demolished.
Fish’n’Chickn’ Harold Hill is going to be closing its doors. It has been an institution in Harold Hill since it was bought by John Lipscombe and his wife Dorothy in 1952. Located on Hildene Avenue, the shop has remained in the Lipscombe family, with three generations managing the Harold Hill location – John, then his son Hugh, and Hugh’s son James Lipscombe, who is now the company’s CEO.
The shop is closing due to Farnham & Hilldene estate regeneration scheme. The London Borough of Havering scheme is expected to introduce up to 481 new homes and creation of new retail spaces, a vibrant public square, and flexible community facilities. This requires the demolition of all the existing buildings such as Fish’n’Chick’n. It is expected that the new shop will open in 2028 but this impending closure on March 13, signals the end of an era for a shop that has stood for 74 years.
The chippy has been an integral part of Jo Carter’s life: “I started working here when I was 15 with a couple shifts after school. My mum worked here before me for 47 years. All my children have worked here. It’s such a family-environment and everyone helps each other”, she told MyLondon. It’s a family-run business and you get to know the customers, their orders – it’s lovely. They were all so upset when they found out we were closing.
“I don’t think I could work at another chip shop – it wouldn’t be the same. I’ve worked here for 30 years. I don’t want us to go but the redevelopment is needed. A lot of the locals were asking us ‘where are we going to get our chippy from now’ so I know a lot of them are going to miss us.”
James Lipscombe, Fish’n’Chick’n CEO, is proud of what the shop has become and grown into. From the original shop in Harold Hill, Fish’n’Chick’n now owns and operates 35 fish and chip takeaways and restaurants across the UK. He has seen local families like Jo’s,as well as the Goodgame’s, become intertwined into one major family.
He told my London: “We’ve got great relationships with the Carter and Goodgame family. Paul Goodgame Snr, he was employed by my grandfather when he was 16 and he only recently retired. His nephew, Paul as well, used to manage the shop and serve fish and chips; now he is the managing director of the whole business.
“We obviously want to keep serving the local community but we had no choice but to close due to the redevelopment. This site is a big part of who we are and what we’ve achieved so we’re excited about reopening in a brand new shop. The shop will be more modern and the best equipment to ensure we serve our customers the best fish and chips.
“This is the original shop that everything started and it is sad to see it go in its current state. It’s a sad moment but I do believe that the development will enhance the area, hopefully attract some new businesses and make the parade nice and busy. (I don’t think things will be different) because these businesses are based on the people you see behind the counter and who serve you week in, week out.
Keeley Fellows, one of the managers at Fish’n’Chick’n is ‘sad’ about the impending closure. She said: “I’m going to miss the local customers. It’s going to be weird. We are all so used to being around each other. We’ve had so many customers say they’re going to be sad to see us go. I know the redevelopment will be good for the local community but not being around for two years, will be weird.
“Hopefully, once we’re back, the customers will come back. We are so friendly here. We’re like a family within a family. It’s going to be hard to not see our regulars for sure.”
Havering Council, in partnership with Wates, is advancing the third phase of the Harold Hill Town Centre regeneration, focusing on the Farnham and Hilldene estate. The project aims to replace outdated housing with 481 modern homes (over 50% affordable) alongside new retail spaces, a public square, and sustainable community facilities.
Backed by a 96.3% resident approval vote, Havering Council said the scheme prioritizes environmental sustainability and guarantees existing council tenants the right to return.
