Bedders, the beloved fish and chip shop on Coventry Road in Small Heath, Birmingham, is facing the threat of closure after 80 years of operation. Owner Ian Simmonds, who took over the historic business in 2022, says costs have 'pretty much doubled' since he became only the third owner in its history.
Soaring Costs and Customer Struggles
Ian Simmonds told BirminghamLive that the cost of fish has more than doubled since he took over, making it a daily battle to keep the business afloat. 'Things are as hard as ever. It's a fighting battle every single day,' he said. The crisis comes amid mounting pressure on Birmingham's hospitality sector, with the city's oldest Michelin-starred restaurant, Simpsons, closing last week after 32 years.
Call for Government Support
Simmonds is urging the government to reduce VAT, echoing calls from celebrity chef Tom Kerridge. 'There are things that the government could do. A VAT cut would help massively,' he said. He noted that footfall has dropped as customers struggle with rising prices, and he fears further price increases will drive customers away. 'If Tom Kerridge, a multi-millionaire, is campaigning for it, if he's struggling, what does it say for the rest of us?' Simmonds added.
Currently charging £10 for fish and chips, Simmonds acknowledges that customers are 'voting with their feet' as costs rise. The potential closure of Bedders would mark the end of an era for Small Heath, where the chippy has been a community staple since 1946.
