A long-standing Birmingham fish and chip shop is set to turn back the clock for one nostalgic afternoon, selling bags of chips for just 20p to let a younger generation experience a classic after-school ritual.
A Blast from the Past for Billesley
Nassar 'Uncle Nas' Iqbal, the proprietor of Hot Spot on Yardley Wood Road in Billesley, will offer the bargain bites on Wednesday, January 14, between 3pm and 5pm. The takeaway, which has served the community since opening 22 years ago in 2004, aims to recreate the simple joy of cheap chips that many adults remember from their youth.
Uncle Nas, a hospitality veteran in Birmingham for decades, was inspired after connecting with younger customers both in his shop and on TikTok, where his account has attracted over 29.8k followers and more than a million likes. He realised many had no concept of chips ever costing so little.
"They Haven't Had That Experience"
"Back in the day, in the 80s, we'd sneak out of school at lunchtimes, go to the chippy and get some 20p chips with extra salt and vinegar and just enjoy them," Uncle Nas explained to BirminghamLive. "Kids haven't had that experience and so I thought, you know what, just to bring back memories and give them that experience, we'd bring it back."
The promotion is a deliberate nod to a bygone era of simple, affordable treats, served with just salt and vinegar. However, Nas is candid about the harsh economic realities facing the industry, making a permanent return to such prices impossible.
The Tough Reality for Modern Chippies
The owner highlighted the severe pressures on fish and chip shops, citing soaring costs of potatoes, oil, gas, and notably cod. He believes these rising prices are contributing to the decline of traditional chippies, which are no longer seen as "trendy" by younger consumers who often prefer options like smash burgers or peri peri chicken.
"I know in the end I will have to put prices up, it's a tough market out there," Nas admitted, noting he works hard to keep his standard prices as low as possible. Despite the challenges, his social media presence has helped him reach a new audience and foster a positive online community.
"There's so much hate going around... and I wanted to just use it to pass positive messages to the community," he said, expressing pride in his Brummie roots and the connections he's built.
While the glory days of consistently ultra-cheap meals may be over, for one afternoon at 604-606 Yardley Wood Road, Billesley, B13 0HW, Uncle Nas is serving up a generous slice of community spirit and nostalgia, proving some traditions are worth revisiting.
