After an impressive 74-year run, a beloved East London fish and chip shop is preparing to close its doors permanently. Fish'n'Chick'n on Hildene Avenue in Harold Hill, a true local institution operated by three successive generations of the same family, will serve its final orders on March 13. The closure is a direct result of the extensive Farnham & Hilldene estate regeneration project spearheaded by the London Borough of Havering.
A Family Legacy Spanning Decades
The story began in 1952 when John Lipscombe and his wife Dorothy purchased the original shop. The business has remained firmly within the Lipscombe family ever since, passing from founder John to his son Hugh, and then to Hugh's son, James Lipscombe, who currently serves as the company's CEO. From this single, humble location, the family enterprise has expanded significantly, now owning and operating 35 fish and chip takeaways and restaurants across the United Kingdom.
The Heartbeat of the Community
For many residents, the shop was far more than just a place to buy food; it was a cornerstone of community life. Jo Carter, an employee for three decades, embodies this connection. "I started working here when I was 15," she shared. "My mum worked here before me for 47 years. All my children have worked here. It's such a family-environment." Carter expressed the profound sadness felt by staff and customers alike, noting that regulars are already asking where they will get their fish and chips once the shop is gone.
This sentiment is echoed by manager Keeley Fellows, who said, "I'm going to miss the local customers. We are like a family within a family. It's going to be hard to not see our regulars." The shop fostered deep, intergenerational relationships, with families like the Carters and the Goodgames becoming intertwined with the Lipscombes' business. Paul Goodgame Snr was first employed by the founder at age 16 and only recently retired, while his nephew now serves as the managing director of the entire Fish'n'Chick'n operation.
Demolition for Development
The impending closure is necessitated by the ambitious third phase of the Harold Hill Town Centre regeneration. In partnership with developer Wates, Havering Council's scheme will see the demolition of all existing buildings on the Hildene Avenue parade, including the historic chip shop.
The project promises substantial transformation for the area, planning to introduce up to 481 new modern homes, with over 50 percent designated as affordable housing. The regeneration also includes the creation of new retail spaces, a vibrant public square, and flexible community facilities, all designed with environmental sustainability as a priority. The scheme received overwhelming resident support, with a 96.3 percent approval vote, and guarantees existing council tenants the right to return to the new development.
A Bittersweet Transition
While acknowledging the necessity and potential benefits of the redevelopment, the closure marks a poignant end of an era. CEO James Lipscombe reflected on the significance of the original site. "This is the original shop that everything started from, and it is sad to see it go in its current state," he stated. However, he remains optimistic about the future, confirming plans to reopen in a brand-new, modernized shop on the regenerated site in 2028.
"We obviously want to keep serving the local community," Lipscombe added. "We're excited about reopening... The shop will be more modern with the best equipment to ensure we serve our customers the best fish and chips." He believes the development will ultimately enhance the area, attract new businesses, and revitalize the local parade, even as the community mourns the loss of a cherished landmark.
The closure of Fish'n'Chick'n's Harold Hill flagship is a powerful reminder of how urban regeneration, while aiming for progress and renewal, can also displace longstanding local businesses and the deep social fabric they help weave. For the Lipscombe family and their loyal customers, March 13 will be a day of farewell, with hopes firmly set on a reunion in a new home several years down the line.
