Pete's Pan Fish and Chips, a beloved chip shop in Billesley, Birmingham, has become a destination for customers from as far away as the USA and Canada. Owner Peter Nicolaou, who has over 40 years of experience in the trade, says his shop attracts international visitors who discover it through online searches and want to experience authentic British fish and chips.
Nicolaou, 53, has been serving fish and chips for more than four decades, following in the footsteps of his parents. His earliest memories include helping them at the age of seven in Birmingham chip shops. After a two-year break from the counter, he returned in 2007 with his own business, which quickly became a neighbourhood favourite.
Family Legacy and International Appeal
Pete's Pan, located at 692 Yardley Wood Road, has kept Billesley residents well-fed since 2007. Nicolaou estimates he enjoys the classic meal three to four times a week, ensuring the quality remains top-notch. The shop's reputation has spread far beyond the local area, with customers travelling from Canada and the USA specifically to sample his offerings.
"I thought I was only going to be here five years, but after nearly 20, I'm still here," Nicolaou told BirminghamLive. "Being in the trade that long, a lot of customers have watched me grow up and known me my entire life."
Generations of Loyal Customers
The chip shop has become a fixture in the community, serving multiple generations of families. Nicolaou often greets queues of up to twenty people, knowing the names of about 90 per cent of them. This personal touch has fostered deep connections with his clientele.
"Sometimes there'll be a queue of up to twenty people and I'll know the names of about 90 per cent, they appreciate I know their name," he said. "I'm probably on three and four generations of families who I've gotten to know. It's heart-breaking now because many are in their eighties and I've been to a few funerals."
Passion and Dedication
Despite not initially seeing himself as a fish and chip shop worker, Nicolaou has found his calling. "I wasn't built to work in a fish & chip shop, but it's a bit like a duck to water. It's easy for me and I'm good at it," he explained.
His passion for cooking was evident from a young age. "I remember being asked 'what do you want to be when you grow up?' and my answer was a cook, I remember cutting onions and tomatoes as a kid," he recalled. "My parents have always worked in the industry so I'm used to staying up late because of work, a 9-5 job was out the question."
Commitment to Quality
Nicolaou's dedication to quality is unwavering. "I like to think I'm one of the best, I won't say I am the best, but I have 40 years of experience," he said. "We've had people from Canada and America visit because they discovered us on Google and wanted proper fish and chips."
His attention to detail sets him apart. "I have attention to detail and go beyond here, my dad built a passion into me of getting up early and making sure you do your job properly," he said. "There was no cutting corners, it was always buying the best fish and the best potatoes. If you've got good chips, you're halfway there."
Looking Ahead
As Pete's Pan approaches its 20th anniversary in 2027, Nicolaou shows no signs of slowing down. His story is a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional fish and chips, drawing both local loyalists and international food enthusiasts to this Birmingham institution.
