An Exeter community is marking the end of an era as its much-loved fish and chip shop closes its doors for the final time. It's understood that the owner has decided to retire.
After more than 40 years at the heart of its local community, Exwick Fish & Chips on Exwick Road has closed for good. The shop served its last orders yesterday (Friday, March 29), officially closing at 9pm.
A note displayed in the shop said: "Please note the shop will be closing its doors for the last time at 9:00pm on Friday 29th of March. We thank you for your custom."
A member of staff shared the news on the Exwick Facebook group describing it as an "emotional evening". It's understood that the shop had been in the Fryer family for more than 40 years, with Mark Fryer as the most recent owner. The post said: "So after 44 years of being open, Mr Fryer owner of Exwick chip shop has finally closed his doors this evening.
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"To say it was an emotional evening would've been an understatement. I've worked for Mark and his family for over 10 years, he will be sadly missed for sure. The best chip shop around".
The announcement has been met with a wave of comments expressing sadness at the loss of their local chippy. Others shared fond memories of visiting Exwick Fish and Chips over the years.
One said: "I grew up in Exwick Road, always went into the fish and chip shop after swimming on Tuesdays." Another added: "I remember when they took over that chip shop. Used to cost 11 or 12p for a portion of chips back then, always got the biggest potion out of any chip shop around."
Some said the closure marked a big loss for Exwick, as one person commented: "I remember going in there with my dad 35 years ago and have been going there ever since. His lovely mum was adorable, she always gave me a wave whilst she was sat down keeping a watchful eye on things. Happy retirement Mark, thoroughly deserved. Exwick won't be the same without the chippy".
A further comment said: "We had fish & chips from here last night, definitely the best one around here. Gutted it's now closed, where to go now for a chippy tea?"
Another member of staff shared their sadness at the closure and described Mark as an "amazing boss". They said: "It’s very sad indeed it’s been over 5years I’ve worked for him he’s such amazing boss i ever worked for he definitely will be missed very sad I’m not there on the last day and I know he will enjoy his retirement wishing him all the best for the new beginning".
